Company Identification
- Exact registered company name
- Legal status (e.g. Pte Ltd)
- Registered office address in Singapore
- UEN (Unique Entity Number)
- EU VAT number (if applicable)
- Declared share capital
2026 GUIDE
Mastering Online Commerce
Mastering Online Commerce
in Singapore
Whether you are an entrepreneur or a consumer, discover the comprehensive guide to delivery services, e-commerce regulations and the rights of French-speaking expatriates.
The Digital Ecosystem in 2026
Singapore has established itself as the hub of digital commerce in Southeast Asia. For the French-speaking community, navigating local opportunities and strict regulations requires specialised expertise.
The Diversity of Online Activities
The e-commerce landscape is no longer limited to simply selling new products. In 2026, the circular economy (second-hand products via Carousell or Facebook Marketplace) and the sale of services (catering, transport, accommodation) account for a growing share of the island's digital GDP.
For an expatriate, this means unprecedented access to everyday products, while also providing fertile ground for launching a side business. However, this freedom is governed by legal principles that we explain in detail in this guide.
Regulated Sales
Warning: Certain categories such as alcohol, tobacco and medicines are subject to strict algorithmic monitoring in 2026.
View the legal frameworkExpress Delivery
"The last mile is the most crucial in Singapore."
Data Protection
PDPA and GDPR compliance for sites targeting residents and expatriates.
Customer Service
The importance of responsiveness in a culture accustomed to "on-demand" services.
Selling Alcohol, Tobacco and Medicines: Zero Tolerance
Selling Alcohol Online
Obtaining a specific licence is essential. As a seller, you must complete certified training, display a clear legal warning prohibiting sales to minors and never use promotional visuals targeting young people. In 2026, identity checks via SingPass have become the norm for verifying age at the time of purchase.
Tobacco Ban
It is strictly prohibited to sell tobacco products online in Singapore. No permit exists for this digital activity.
Prescription Medicines
Only pharmacies with a physical shop and authorisation from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) may operate. Integrated telemedicine is the only legal channel for digital dispensing.
Transparency and Legal Requirements
A professional website without legal notices may face heavy financial penalties. Here are the elements your platform must include to comply with Singapore authorities and European standards (if you target French customers).
Contact & Hosting
You must provide a direct means of contact (email and telephone) and your web host's full contact details.
Note: Sole proprietorships have simplified requirements but must still be identifiable through ACRA.
Regulatory Authorities
For regulated activities (property, finance, healthcare), explicitly state the authority that issued your licence (e.g. MAS, CEA).
Find out more about taxation ›General Terms and Conditions of Sale (T&Cs)
The T&Cs are the contract that binds your business to its customers. Their drafting should not be taken lightly, especially in Singapore, where contract law is rigorous.
For Individual Customers (B2C)
They must be made accessible before the order is confirmed. They must include the characteristics of the goods, the price including VAT, payment terms, delivery times and methods for settling disputes.
For Business Customers (B2B)
They are not mandatory on the website but must be provided on request. They form the basis for commercial negotiations and often include stricter liability limitation clauses.
Tip: Feel free to segment your T&Cs according to product or customer categories for optimum protection.
Mandatory T&Cs Checklist
- Right of withdrawal (if applicable)
- Legal guarantees of conformity
- Refund procedures
- Applicable law (Singapore or France)
- Three-step ordering process
In 2026, failure to provide compliant T&Cs may result in a fine of up to SGD 75,000.
E-commerce Compliance Simulator
Instantly check the legal requirements for your online sales project based on your product category.
Complete the form to see your personalised legal requirements.
Personal Data Protection
In 2026, data management is no longer a technical option but a matter of trust. Whether you collect a simple email address for a newsletter or an address for a delivery, you must comply with Singapore's PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) and the GDPR if you serve European expats.
Your two key obligations:
- Be fully transparent: You must specify the identity of the data controller, the purpose of collection (e.g. delivery), the retention period and access rights. This information must be set out in a separate Privacy Policy.
- Obtain explicit consent: Consent must be freely given, specific and informed. To send marketing communications or use non-essential cookies, users must actively tick a box or click an acceptance button.
REMINDER: Users have the right to request the deletion of their data or lodge a complaint with the PDPC (Personal Data Protection Commission) in Singapore or the CNIL in France.
Logistics and Conclusion of the Contract
1
Order Entry
Customers must be able to check their basket details and the total price before confirming.
2
Positive Confirmation
Use a clear button: "Order with obligation to pay".
3
Acknowledgement of Receipt
Immediate dispatch of a confirmation email with the legal summary.
4
Delivery
Maximum period of 30 days if no specific timeframe is given. Right to a refund in the event of a delay.
Payment Methods
In 2026, a range of payment options is crucial: PayNow, bank cards, GrabPay and regulated digital currencies. Important: It is strictly forbidden to charge consumers additional fees based on their chosen payment method.
View payment solutionsTimeframes & Delays
You must provide a precise delivery timeframe before the contract is concluded. If it is not met, the customer may request cancellation of the sale by registered letter or via your dedicated interface, with a full refund within 14 days.
The Right of Withdrawal: 14 Days
For distance sales, consumers generally have 14 days to change their mind without giving a reason.
How does it work?
The period starts when the goods are received. The trader must provide a standard withdrawal form. The refund must include the initial delivery charges (standard rate).
Even sale or second-hand products are covered by this legal right!
Exceptions (No Returns Possible)
- • Personalised products (made to measure)
- • Perishable products (fresh produce, flowers)
- • Unsealed CDs/DVDs or software
- • Opened hygiene products
- • Digital content supplied immediately
- • Services already performed
New for 2026: Cancellation in 3 clicks
Any platform offering subscriptions must now include an “easy” cancellation feature. This “cancellation button” must be accessible without requiring users to navigate through more than 3 submenus. It must allow them to notify the end of the contract immediately and intuitively.
Criminal penalties are предусмотрed for website operators who fail to meet this accessibility requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sell homemade cooked food on social media?
In Singapore, the sale of homemade food is regulated by the NEA. If you cook at home to sell (Home-Based Business), you must comply with food safety guidelines, but you do not necessarily need a business licence if the volume remains low and does not disturb the neighbourhood. However, selling through third-party platforms may require additional certifications.
Do I need a Singapore bank account to sell online?
If your business is registered in Singapore (Pte Ltd), using a local business account is strongly recommended for tax clarity and receiving payments via PayNow Corporate. See our Banking Services Guide.
What are the penalties for failing to provide legal notices?
In Singapore, failure to comply with commercial transparency rules may lead to administrative fines from ACRA or the PDPC. If you sell to France, the penalty may be as high as €37,500 for an individual and €187,500 for a company.
How should I handle customer returns in Singapore?
It is advisable to offer collection points (lockers such as NinjaVan or PopStation) to minimise costs. Your terms and conditions must clearly state who covers return postage (generally the customer, except in the case of a defective product).
Is dropshipping legal in Singapore?
Yes, but you remain solely legally responsible to the end customer for product quality, delivery times and after-sales service. You must also declare your income using your UEN.
What is the “3-click” cancellation button?
It is a 2026 requirement intended to make life easier for consumers. If a customer can subscribe online, they must be able to cancel through the same channel using a simplified interface, without having to send a letter by post if the original contract was digital.
Do I need to charge GST (local VAT)?
GST registration is compulsory if your annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million. However, you can choose to register voluntarily. See our Tax Guide.
Ready to launch your shop?
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