If you're an e-commerce seller in Singapore shipping to the United States, new customs changes mean accurate Country of Origin (CoO) documentation is now a must. As of August 29, 2025, the USA has suspended its de minimis threshold, so all shipments are subject to duty and tax, with rates depending on origin and classification.

Logistics providers now require KYC verification, including proof of origin, before offering Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) services.

In this guide, we'll help you understand why CoO matters, what counts as Singapore origin, and how to document and verify it for hassle-free DDP shipping.

Why Country of Origin Matters

When shipping to the USA under the new rules:

• All shipments are dutiable: Duties depend on your product’s HS code and country of origin.
• Misdeclaring origin can be costly: USA Customs may impose extra tariffs, including surcharges of up to 40%. The good news is that with the right documents, avoiding this risk is straightforward
• Carriers need proof for DDP: Logistics companies must trust your declarations before they prepay duties on your behalf. That means you must provide credible documents to pass KYC.

Without clear origin proof, shipments may face delays or added costs.

This raises the question: what actually qualifies as “Made in Singapore”?

What Qualifies as “Made in Singapore”

Goods can be declared Singapore-origin if they are:

• Wholly manufactured in Singapore, or
• Substantially transformed in Singapore, meeting one of these criteria:
  • At least 25% local content (based on ex-factory price)
  • A tariff classification change at the 6-digit HS code level
  • A chemical transformation (for goods under HS Chapters 27–40)

By contrast, minimal processing—like relabeling, simple assembly, or repackaging—does not qualify.

Most sellers find “substantial transformation” the trickiest to evaluate. Let’s break that down with examples.

Deep Dive: Substantial Transformation

What It Means

“Substantial transformation” is the test used by both Singapore Customs and USA Customs to decide if your processing is enough to justify a Singapore origin claim. The key question is: did your processing in Singapore create a new product with a new name, character, or use?

Real-Life Examples

Jewelry & Accessories

• Not Singapore-origin: Importing finished jewelry from overseas and reselling it in Singapore without further processing.
• Singapore-origin: Importing raw materials from overseas and handmaking the jewelry in Singapore, turning them into the final products you sell.

Apparel & Textiles

• Not Singapore-origin: Importing ready-made shirts from China and just adding brand tags.
• Singapore-origin: Importing fabric from China and cutting, sewing, and tailoring in Singapore into finished apparel.

Electronics Assembly

• Not Singapore-origin: Importing fully assembled circuit boards from China, then only mounting them in plastic casings in Singapore.
• Singapore-origin: Importing discrete components and performing PCB assembly, soldering, firmware programming, and final device assembly in Singapore.

Food Products

• Not Singapore-origin: Importing packaged cookies from Malaysia and reboxing them.
• Singapore-origin: Importing raw cocoa beans and processing them into chocolate in Singapore.

Which Documents Prove Singapore Origin

Depending on the situation, you may use:

• Official Certificate of Origin from Singapore Customs or an authorized chamber
• Supplier or manufacturer invoice clearly stating “Country of Origin: Singapore”
• Supplier’s signed declaration of Singapore origin
• Photos of product labels showing “Made in Singapore”

For KYC purposes, carriers often accept any one of these. However, the strongest proof is an official Certificate of Origin.

So how do you apply for one?

How to Apply for an Official Certificate of Origin

According to Singapore Customs, here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Register your manufacturing premises (about 1 month).
2. Submit a Manufacturing Cost Statement (7 working days).
3. Apply via TradeNet (linked to your export permit).
4. Collect the certificate within 2 weeks.
5. Renew your MCS annually (2 working days).

For more information, visit the Official Singapore Customs Certificate of Origin Application Guide

Tips for Smooth KYC and DDP Setup

• Always declare Country of Origin and 10-digit HS code for each item.
• Ensure consistency across invoices, Certificate of Origin, and shipping forms.
• Avoid misdeclaration, as penalties include fines, seizures, and tariffs.
• Prepare sample documents for KYC ahead of time.
• Use carrier tools and consult Enterprise Singapore or Singapore Customs for guidance.

Even with the right knowledge, many sellers need a partner to help them operationalise compliance. This is where JustShip can support you.

How JustShip Helps with DDP and KYC

With the USA de minimis threshold removed, proving origin is no longer optional. At JustShip, we make this transition easier by combining DDP shipping with a built-in KYC verification process.

Who We Support

We work with all types of sellers, from registered businesses to small-scale home brands.

KYC Process to Enable DDP

Here is what we need from you to get started:

1. Store identity: Brand or legal name, store URL, contact email, and phone number. (UEN optional)

2. Your products: Typical categories and your top 1 to 3 SKUs.

3. Country of Origin proof for 1 to 3 SKUs. Provide any one per SKU:

• Supplier or manufacturer invoice that states the origin, or
• Supplier or manufacturer declaration of origin, or
• Clear product label photos showing “Made in ___”, or
• Certificate of Origin (if you already have one).

How to Submit

Use the email registered to your JustShip seller account and send the above details to business@justship.sg with the subject line Enable DDP KYC.

What Happens Next

1. We validate your documents and HS codes.

2. We confirm your DDP activation and share any product-specific guidance.

3. You can start creating compliant DDP shipments to the USA.

FAQ: Common Questions from Sellers

1. Do I need an official Certificate of Origin for every export?Not always. An official Certificate of Origin is not mandatory for every shipment. For smaller ecommerce parcels, carriers may accept simpler proof such as a supplier invoice or a declaration that states “Country of Origin: Singapore.” 

For most ecommerce sellers, invoices and declarations are sufficient for KYC. You can then apply for official Certificate of Origin selectively, such as for high-value or high-risk shipments.

2. What if I manufacture the products myself and do not have supplier invoices?

If you are both the designer and manufacturer, you can provide a manufacturer’s declaration of origin. This should state that the goods are made in Singapore, and also list the brands and country of origin of your raw materials.

For higher value or frequent shipments, applying for an official Certificate of Origin is still recommended.

3. What if my products are handmade or assembled by me?If your items are handmade, you may not have supplier invoices or factory records. In this case, you should provide:

• Details of your raw materials: Share where they were sourced or purchased, including supplier names, receipts, or store information.
• Supporting documents or media:
  • Short videos or photos (TikTok, Instagram, or personal records) showing your creation process
  • Photos of raw materials placed alongside the finished products
  • Records or design sketches of past items you created and sold

This evidence demonstrates that the items are truly handmade in Singapore. You can provide a manufacturer’s declaration of origin.

For additional assurance, especially if shipping regularly or in higher volumes, consider pairing this with a manufacturer’s declaration or applying for an official COO.

4. Can I just show photos of the ‘Made in Singapore’ label for KYC?Yes, in many cases logistics providers will accept product photos showing “Made in Singapore” as supporting proof. But for higher-value shipments, photos alone may not be enough. You should back them up with invoices or Certificate of Origin.

5. If I import from China but do assembly or packaging in Singapore, can I declare it Singapore origin?Usually no. Minimal assembly or repackaging does not count as substantial transformation. If most of the value is still from China, you must declare China as the origin even if you ship from Singapore. Misdeclaring can trigger penalties.

6. Will USA Customs really stop small parcels now that de minimis is gone?Yes. The removal of de minimis means every parcel can be assessed for duty and tariff. Small parcels will no longer be exempt. That is why carriers need stronger KYC and Certificate of Origin verification before they allow DDP shipping.

Conclusion

Every shipment to the USA now requires proper customs documentation. For Singapore sellers, proving the Country of Origin and completing KYC verification are both essential to enable DDP shipping.

With the right proof of origin, such as invoices, supplier declarations, or an official Certificate of Origin, you can avoid delays, penalties, and unexpected costs. Pair this with upfront KYC so carriers and customs authorities trust your shipments.

👉 At JustShip, we make this process simple. Once you are ready with your proof of origin and KYC details, send them to business@justship.sg and we will help you activate compliant DDP shipping to the USA with confidence.