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1. Open Market Value (OMV)
OMV is the assessed value of the vehicle used by Singapore Customs for taxation purposes. It is an important figure because several vehicle taxes are calculated based on OMV.
Singapore Car Import Costs
COE and ARF Explained for Imported Cars in Singapore
Published: 25 Aug 2026
When importing a car into Singapore, the overseas purchase price is only one part of the total cost. COE, ARF, OMV, GST, duties and registration charges can have a significant impact on the final amount you pay.
If you are new to the import process, start with our guide to preparing for a car import into Singapore. It covers the key steps, documents and preparation required before purchasing a vehicle overseas.
Understanding the Main Cost Components
Before purchasing an imported vehicle, it is important to understand the main costs that can affect its final registered price in Singapore.
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2. Excise Duty
Imported cars are subject to excise duty based on the applicable OMV. This forms part of the taxes payable when the vehicle is imported into Singapore.
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3. Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST is payable on the applicable taxable value of the imported vehicle. It should be included when estimating the total cost of bringing a vehicle into Singapore.
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4. Additional Registration Fee (ARF)
ARF is calculated progressively based on the vehicle's OMV. Higher-value vehicles can therefore attract significantly higher ARF charges.
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5. Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
A COE gives you the right to own and use a vehicle in Singapore for the applicable COE period. The premium is determined through Singapore's COE bidding system.
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6. Registration Fee
A registration fee is payable when the vehicle is registered in Singapore. This should be included when calculating the overall cost of the import.
For a broader breakdown of the expenses involved, read our guide to understanding car import costs, which covers the different expenses that can contribute to your overall import bill.
Why OMV Matters
OMV is particularly important because it forms the basis for several Singapore vehicle taxes. OMV is not simply the price shown on an overseas car listing. The applicable customs valuation takes into account the relevant vehicle and import costs when determining the taxable value.
As the OMV increases, the amount of ARF payable can also increase significantly. This is why two cars with similar overseas purchase prices can end up with very different registered costs in Singapore.
What You Should Include in Your Import Budget
| No. | Cost Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicle Purchase Price | Initial cost of purchasing the vehicle overseas. |
| 2 | Shipping & Insurance | Covers transportation and protection while the vehicle is being shipped. |
| 3 | OMV | Important valuation used in calculating Singapore vehicle taxes. |
| 4 | ARF | Progressive registration tax based on OMV. |
| 5 | COE | Required for registering and owning the vehicle in Singapore. |
| 6 | Registration & Other Charges | Includes applicable registration, inspection and other local charges. |
Calculate Your Estimated Import Cost
Instead of estimating each cost manually, use our car import calculator to get an estimate based on your vehicle and expected import details.
Calculate Import CostWhy the Overseas Price Can Be Misleading
An imported vehicle may appear significantly cheaper when you first compare overseas advertisements with Singapore prices. However, the overseas selling price does not represent the final amount required to put the vehicle on Singapore roads.
The better approach is to estimate the complete landed and registered cost before placing a deposit. This gives you a more realistic comparison between importing a vehicle and purchasing an equivalent car locally.
If you are still deciding what type of vehicle to import, our guide to new, used and classic car imports explains the main differences between these import options.
Where You Buy the Car Also Matters
The source country can affect the vehicle price, shipping cost, specifications and available documentation. Japan, the UK and Hong Kong are examples of markets that may be considered by Singapore buyers.
Read our guide on which country to import a car from to understand the factors you should compare before purchasing a vehicle overseas.
Avoid Costly Import Mistakes
Calculating the costs correctly is only one part of the import process. Vehicle eligibility, documentation, vehicle history, shipping and other requirements should also be checked before making a purchase.
Before paying a deposit, take a look at our guide to common mistakes to avoid when importing a car into Singapore.
Need Help Estimating Your Import Cost?
Start with our car import calculator to estimate your import costs. If you need help with a specific vehicle, our consultants can also help you estimate the major costs involved and provide a clearer picture of the expected total cost before you commit to a purchase.
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