Import, Export & Trading SSIC Codes

Singapore handles roughly a fifth of global container transhipment volume. Trade — in every sense of the word — is the backbone of the economy. For SSIC purposes, most trading companies fall under Section G (Wholesale and Retail Trade), particularly Division 46 (Wholesale Trade).

The distinction between wholesale and retail matters here. If you sell goods to other businesses (B2B) — whether you physically handle the goods or not — you are classified as wholesale. If you sell directly to consumers, you fall under Division 47 (Retail Trade). Many Singapore-based trading firms never touch the physical goods at all; they operate as intermediaries arranging cross-border deals from an office in the CBD.

If you are registering a trading company for the first time, read our SSIC code guide and company registration guide to understand the broader process.

If you need support incorporating your trading company, Emerhub's company registration service can handle the setup on your behalf.

Division 46 is the workhorse classification for trading companies in Singapore. It is subdivided by the type of goods traded. The most commonly used codes include:

The key consideration is whether your company specialises in a particular commodity (in which case a commodity-specific code is more appropriate) or operates as a diversified trader.

Singapore is home to commodity trading desks for oil, petrochemicals, metals, agricultural products and more. If your company focuses on a specific commodity, select the corresponding wholesale trade code:

Major commodity trading houses such as Trafigura, Wilmar, Olam and Vitol typically register under commodity-specific codes that match their principal traded product. If your company trades multiple commodities but one dominates revenue, use that commodity's code as your primary SSIC.

Both trading companies and distributors can fall under Division 46, but their operations differ in a way that affects SSIC selection:

If your company does both trading and warehousing/logistics, you may need a primary and secondary SSIC code. Use the wholesale trade code as primary if trading revenue exceeds logistics revenue.

Regardless of your SSIC code, any company importing or exporting goods through Singapore must activate a Customs Account with Singapore Customs via the TradeNet system. Your SSIC code is recorded in your Customs Account and must match your ACRA registration. For a practical walkthrough of the import process, see Emerhub's guide to importing goods into Singapore.

Companies dealing in controlled goods — strategic goods, arms, dual-use technology, hazardous chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food products — need additional permits from the relevant agency. For example, food importers need an SFA licence in addition to their SSIC registration.

Logistics and freight forwarding companies that support trade but do not themselves buy and sell goods belong under Section H (Transportation and Storage), specifically Division 52 (Warehousing and Support Activities for Transportation).

A significant portion of Singapore's trade is entrepot trade — goods imported and then re-exported without substantial transformation. This is especially common in the oil and gas, electronics and machinery sectors. For SSIC purposes, re-export trading companies use the same wholesale trade codes as direct exporters. There is no separate SSIC classification for entrepot trade.

Companies operating within Free Trade Zones (FTZs) at Changi, Jurong Port or PSA terminals still use the standard Division 46 codes. The FTZ status affects your GST and Customs obligations, not your SSIC classification. If your business also sells to end consumers through an online store, review our e-commerce and retail SSIC guide for the retail side of your operations.