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SINGAPORE STRENGTHENS PRODUCT SAFETY CONTROLS: WHAT VIETNAMESE EXPORTERS NEED TO KNOW

Singapore is strengthening its product safety controls through two key regulations: the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations (CPSR) and the Consumer Goods (Safety Requirements) Regulations (CGSR). For exporters, these requirements go beyond product compliance. They can also affect delivery schedules, logistics costs, and supply chain reliability. 1. Singapore Strengthens Product Safety Requirements According to information published by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Singapore applies two main regulatory frameworks for product safety. – CPSR: Covers 33 categories of controlled goods, including electrical and electronic products, household appliances, and gas appliances. Products within scope must meet applicable safety requirements, complete registration, and carry the SAFETY Mark before being supplied or sold in Singapore. – CGSR: Covers general consumer goods such as toys, clothing, furniture, and sports equipment, which must comply with the relevant safety standards. Non-compliant products may be subject to sales restrictions or recalls. Businesses that violate applicable requirements may also face penalties. For exporters, checking compliance requirements before shipment is essential. Addressing documentation or registration issues early can help avoid costly adjustments after cargo has already left the port of origin. 2. Potential Impact on Southeast Asia’s Trade and Logistics Singapore plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s trade and logistics network. Tighter product safety controls may require exporters, importers, and distributors to review their procedures for placing goods on the Singapore market. Several potential risks deserve attention: – Delivery delays: Incomplete documentation or missing certificates may affect cargo acceptance and delivery schedules. – Additional logistics costs: Delays in resolving compliance issues may lead to storage, port handling, or additional transportation costs. – Disrupted distribution plans: Late deliveries can affect inventory planning, distribution schedules, and commitments to business partners. These requirements do not automatically apply across all ASEAN markets. However, they highlight the importance of understanding the specific regulations of each destination country when planning regional trade and distribution. 3. What Should Vietnamese Exporters Prepare? For Vietnamese businesses exporting to Singapore, compliance checks should take place before shipment arrangements are finalized. Exporters should determine whether their products fall under CPSR or CGSR, verify the applicable safety standards and registration requirements, and clarify responsibilities with their Singaporean importers. Documentation preparation should also be factored into the shipping schedule. If an issue is discovered only after cargo arrives at the destination port, businesses may need to manage several challenges simultaneously, including delivery delays, additional costs, and changes to distribution plans. A reliable shipping plan therefore involves more than selecting the right route or sailing schedule. It also requires anticipating potential obstacles before the cargo reaches its destination. 4. Managing Risks Through Early Planning Not every risk in international shipping can be eliminated, but many disruptions can be reduced through early preparation. Reviewing cargo information, documentation, shipping schedules, and destination requirements helps all parties make better-informed decisions. For shipments to Singapore, close coordination among exporters, importers, agents, and logistics providers helps maintain visibility over shipment readiness, address changes, and adjust plans when necessary. At Vantage Logistics, international transportation planning takes into account the practical requirements of each shipment and the coordination needed among relevant parties. This approach helps businesses manage potential disruptions and maintain better control over delivery schedules. As market requirements evolve, careful preparation does more than protect an individual shipment. It also helps businesses maintain reliable supply chains and build lasting partnerships across international markets.

15/10/2026

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Logistics

A GUIDE TO SHIPPING CONTAINER TYPES: DIMENSIONS, CAPACITY AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Choosing the right shipping container depends on the cargo’s dimensions, characteristics, weight and handling requirements. Understanding container specifications helps businesses determine the most suitable equipment and plan cargo loading more effectively. This guide provides a quick reference to 12 container types, covering their dimensions, internal volume and key weight specifications. Key Considerations When Selecting a Shipping Container Check the internal dimensions: Use the container’s internal dimensions to calculate the available loading space. Compare the cargo’s length, width and height against the usable internal dimensions, allowing for the clearance needed for loading and unloading Understand payload and gross weight limits: Payload refers to the maximum cargo weight a container is designed to carry, while maximum gross weight includes both the container’s tare weight and the cargo. For inland transportation, also check the applicable vehicle weight limits and road regulations along the planned route Inspect the container before loading: Check the container’s exterior, floor and doors for damage or signs of water ingress. For refrigerated containers, verify that the refrigeration unit is operating properly and that the required temperature can be maintained for the cargo Note: Specifications may vary by container model and manufacturer. Always check the equipment plate on the assigned container before loading. Contact Vantage Logistics for tailored transport solutions and competitive quotations. Please provide details on cargo type, market, origin, destination, and estimated timeline. Vantage Logistics Corp – South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services Head Office Viet Nam – Suite 6.01, Floor 6th, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam Branch Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore Contact Us Email in**@*****om.vn Hotline +84-909-026-261 Website https://vantage-logistics.com Send your shipment enquiry today and receive a tailored transport plan from the Vantage Logistics team.

13/10/2026

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Vantage News

VANTAGE LOGISTICS – INTEGRATED CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS IN THE MEKONG REGION

Connecting supply chains across Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand through synchronized maritime-road corridors and cross-border transit customs. In manufacturing and international trade, moving raw materials, components, and finished goods across Mekong countries requires a balance between delivery speed and logistics costs. Compared to sea freight, cross-border trucking reduces transit times significantly. However, the most critical operational challenges involve transit customs procedures and differing axle-load regulations across jurisdictions. A minor documentation discrepancy at the border or an axle-load calculation error can cause border congestion and incur substantial truck demurrage fees. Vantage Logistics delivers integrated Cross-Border Logistics solutions, combining multimodal connectivity, strict regulatory compliance, and localized operational management: 1. Flexible Transport Configurations Tailored to project budgets, delivery schedules, and vehicle circulation regulations across each market, Vantage Logistics deploys adaptable transport options: Border Transshipment (Back-to-Back Trucking): Coordinating cargo transfers or prime mover swaps at key border checkpoints (such as Moc Bai / Bavet and Lao Bao / Dansavanh) to optimize operating costs when vehicles are restricted from operating deep into the destination country Direct Cross-Border Trucking: Providing vehicles with valid international road transport permits and logbooks, ensuring seamless door-to-door delivery from dispatch facility to consignee warehouse Cross-Border Axle-Load Compliance: Calculating and distributing cargo weight in strict accordance with national regulations across Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos, preventing fines or forced offloading at border weigh stations Bonded Trucking: Managing cargo transit under customs supervision with intact customs seals from seaports to export border checkpoints or designated bonded facilities 24/7 GPS Tracking: Delivering real-time vehicle positioning to monitor route progress, milestone checkpoints, and actual on-site delivery 2. Transit Customs Clearance & GMS Framework Expertise Synchronizing documentation workflows to maintain uninterrupted cross-border cargo flow: Multilateral Transport Frameworks (GMS & Bilateral Agreements): Assisting clients in completing applications for cross-border transport permits and logbooks under the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Agreement and bilateral road transport pacts between Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos Pre-Arrival Document Synchronization: Closely coordinating between documentation teams in Viet Nam and our Phnom Penh branch office / localized partner networks to cross-check transit declarations and commercial invoices before vehicles arrive at the border, minimizing wait times at border checkpoints Transit Customs Clearance via Viet Nam: Managing customs transit declarations for international shipments moving through Viet Nam’s major seaports (Cat Lai, Cai Mep, Hai Phong, Da Nang) to Cambodia, Laos, and vice versa Quarantine & Tariff Consultation: Representing cargo owners in specialized inspections (phytosanitary and veterinary quarantine) at international border gates; advising on HS code classification and verifying the validity of Certificate of Origin (C/O Form D) under the ATIGA framework to ensure applicable tariff preferences Proof of Delivery (POD) Management: Collecting, reviewing, and delivering official POD documents endorsed by customs authorities at both borders for tax finalization, while providing advisory support on local road tolls and regional fiscal requirements 3. Multimodal Transport Connectivity Beyond road transport, Vantage Logistics bridges cross-border corridors with international ocean freight loops to expand regional reach: Regional Export Gateway Support: Facilitating overland cargo movement from Cambodia and Laos to Viet Nam’s major seaport hubs, connecting regional exports with mainline ocean carriers bound for global destinations Project Cargo & Heavy Machinery Coordination: Mobilizing specialized equipment in coordination with our in-house Project Logistics technical team for oversized/overweight machinery, industrial plant equipment, and temporary import/re-export shipments 4. Commercial Value for Businesses Transit Time Optimization: Reducing transit time on key corridors – such as Viet Nam to Cambodia within 1–2 days (compared to 5–8 days by sea) – securing continuous raw material flow for manufacturing lines Cost Efficiency: Delivering substantial cost savings compared to air freight while meeting rapid delivery requirements across diverse cargo categories Direct Localized Presence: Backed by 5 branch offices in Viet Nam (Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Qui Nhon) and an established branch office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Vantage Logistics ensures rapid problem resolution and on-site support without reliance on third-party intermediaries Looking for an optimal transport solution between Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand? Contact Vantage Logistics for routing advice and tailored quotations. Contact Vantage Logistics for tailored transport solutions and competitive quotations. Please provide details on cargo type, market, origin, destination, and estimated timeline. Vantage Logistics Corp – South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services Head Office Viet Nam – Suite 6.01, Floor 6th, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam Branch Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore Contact Us Email in**@*****om.vn Hotline +84-909-026-261 Website https://vantage-logistics.com Send your shipment enquiry today and receive a tailored transport plan from the Vantage Logistics team.

10/10/2026

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Vantage News

Migration Of Container Terminal Operations From Doha To The New Hamad Port From 1st Dec 2016

Qatar Ports Management Company advised about the migration of all container terminal operations from Doha port to the new Hamad port effective 1st December 2016. For future sea shipments executed for Doha Qatar, Hamad Port (QAHMD) will be named as port of destination instead of Doha Port. Important details outlined as below: Hamad Port To start receiving full and empty containers from 23 November 2016, 6:00 AM. The shift operates 24*7. Stevedoring and handling of imported containers effective from 1 December 2016, 12:00 AM. The shift operates 24*7. Doha Port Last date for receiving export and empty containers is 26 November 2016, 5:00 PM. The shift operates full time until 30 November 2016. Last accepted container vessel to berth is on 30 November 2016, 11:59 PM. However, vessels that are under operations at Doha port are requested to complete their procedures. Import container delivery is from 1 December 2016, 7:00 AM until 31 December 2016, 2:00 PM. Day shift from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday. Please note that as per the port authorities, any cargo or containers that remain at Doha port beyond 30 days of the specified dates will be transferred to an auction committee from 1 January 2017....

28/11/2016

Vantage News

Preparing For The SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirement

With effective from July 1st, 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will enforce globally the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention requirements regarding the verification of the gross weight of packed containers. Vessel carriers will not load containers without having a VGM. As Shippers, you will be responsible for the verification of the packed container’s weight and run the risk of missing an intended sailing if the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) documentation compliance is ignored. We will provide every Shipper with a VGM document to fill out and return to us by a specified date. We will then submit to the vessel and terminal operators the exact VGM that is provided to us by the Shipper. Any variance or discrepancy in the VGM will be the responsibility of the Shipper and Vantage Logistics will not be held liable for any fines assessed due to this discrepancy. What are the Shipper’s responsibilities? The Shipper (that is the party listed on the Bill of Lading or sea waybill) is RESPONSIBLE for providing the VGM document to us BEFORE vessel loading date. The VGM document will include container number, tare weight of container (this is stenciled on every container!), and total weight of all cargo loaded – including any dunnage (securing) materials (such as skids, bracing, etc). The weight amounts are to be totaled as the Gross Container Weight. The VGM document must be signed by the Shipper The scale used for weighing your cargo has to be calibrated / certified in accordance with local/national rules (and must be verifiable by you if weight is brought into question by carrier). How is Verified Gross Mass (VGM) calculated? There are two permissible methods prescribed by IMO that Shippers may use to determine the container weight of a packed container; Method 1: Weighing the entire container after it has been packed using calibrated and certified weighing equipment. If a weighbridge is used, you must subtract the weight of the truck, chassis and fuel to get the weight of the packed container. Method 2: Weighing all the contents of the container (including pallets, packing material, etc.) and adding it to the container tare weight that is written on the door of the container. Cargo must be weighed using calibrated and certified weighing equipment. No estimates are allowed in either method. Will the port accept containers without the VGM? Origin ports in Viet Nam: there is no clear instruction from Viet Nam Ministry of Transportation yet. International ports: most of them will not accept. What about less than container load (LCL) shipments and containers that are not loaded by the Shipper? A VGM submission is required for all ocean shipments. The responsibility for providing the carrier the VGM for the container remains with the Shipper. However, if consolidator do the LCL consolidation, they will weigh the cargo and provide the VGM to the vessel operator. Reference: WSC IMO Requirement for Container Weight Verification WSC Guidelines for Implementing SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirement Contact us for more information: ...

10/06/2016

Blog

Export Shipment Denied?

How to do when export shipment was denied? Many Viet Nam exporters face the situation of shipment being denied by buyer, common reasons their buyers may raise: Release shipment first, after buyer can sell, buyer will pay later (risky for exporter and agaist what agreed before). Buyers raise some quality problems and request a big discount. Some buyers even do not response at all. Most of exporters when facing such situation will go the below steps: 1/ Requesting carrier to hold cargo. 2/ Trying to convince buyer to arrange payment and pick up shipment. Unluckily, very rare case that shipper succeed. 3/ After too many unsuccessful efforts, exporter either have to agree for a big discount or trying to find another buyer in that country for a desperate sales. Above process take minimum about one month for final decision, and one or two weeks for necessary formalities to carry out that final decision. Per our experience, the average time is sixty (60) days. While the exporter trying to fix the problem, the carrier keep pushing because the storage or container demurrage keep increasing day by day. Take an example, shipment of 1 twenty-feet (1×20’) container to Los Angeles with carrier Cxx, container demurrage in Los Angeles is as follow: Free time: 5 days From 6th day onwards, demurrage USD220 per day. It takes exporter 50 days to solve, the container demurrage fee already reach at: USD220 x (50 – 5) = USD9,900. Most of the cases, under the pressure of increasing cost, exporter must come to agree to sell at big discount (for example, 40 – 50% off the price USD50,000), or desperately sell to other buyer with similar discount level, and exporter surely have to pay the demurrage cost before shipment released by carrier. Exporter suffer double loss here, the cargo price and the costs incurred, loss in this case is USD34,900, not to calculate other costs, for example, brokerage cost. Worse case, if cargo value is not very high and the costs incurred reach at a big percentage of cargo value, buyer may negotiate they take cargo against payment for container demurrage but no payment for cargo. In such cases, if exporter determine to ship cargo back to Viet Nam immediately when they realize initial signs of shipment denied, for example, within 10 days after shipment discharged at Los Angeles port, costs will be: Container demurrage: USD220 x (10 – 5) = USD1,100 Formalities to re-export out of Los Angeles: about USD500 Freight and surcharges: about USD1,000 Total loss about USD2,600 and exporter can bring cargo back to their country, under their control and no more under the cost pressure, they can take time to wait for another good buyer....

04/06/2016

Vantage News

Circular 23/2015/TT-BKHCN

Circular 23/2015/TT-BKHCN will come into effect from 1st of July, 2016, about import of used machinery, equipment and technology lines. Main content is in Chapter II, Article 5 & 6: REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTING USED EQUIPMENT Article 5. General requirements Imported used equipment must satisfy safety, energy saving, and environmental protection requirements prescribed by applicable law. Article 6. Specific requirements 1. A piece of used equipment may be imported if it satisfies the following criteria: a) Its age does not exceed 10 years; b) It is manufactured in accordance with a National Technical Regulation (QCVN) or Vietnam’s Standard (TCVN) or Standards of G7 countries with regard to safety, energy saving, and environmental protection. 2. With regard to used equipment of investment projects, including new projects and extended projects, in the following cases: a) The project is subject to issuance of a decision on investment policies; b) The project is subject to issuance of investment registration certificate, regardless of a decision on investment policies. If the documents of a investment project has a list of used equipment and a competent authority issues a decision on investment policies, and an investment registration authority issues a investment registration certificate in accordance with the Law on Investment, Clause 1 of this Article shall not apply. Where necessary, the authority competent to decide investment policies and the investment registration authority may consult with an agency that is conversant with the technology of the used equipment before deciding the investment policies or issuing the investment registration certificate. 3. Used parts and components may only be imported when the manufacturing enterprise needs to replace or repair its operating equipment. The manufacturing enterprise may import itself or authorize another enterprise to do so. 4. Where necessary, depending on their fields, Ministers and Heads of ministerial agencies may lower the age limit of used equipment (below 10 years) and notify the Ministry of Science and Technology....

01/06/2016

Vantage News

Fraud Warning

Few years back, there is a type of fraud committed by e-mail, mainly the fraudsters will make a fake e-mail address which is similar to their victims’ creditor e-mail, using that fake e-mail to inform their victims that the creditor has changed bank account and request the victims to settle payment to “new account” (which are the fraudsters’ account). Typical wordings from the fraudsters to justify a change of bank account details are as follow: Reference to our previous email of today our bank confirmed that our Account has been subjected to some tight security by the Income Tax Dept. and at this moment, we are unable to operate our previous account, due to which, we cannot use the funds that you will transfer for until the scrutiny is released. Therefore, this might require a change of account for receiving our remittance for first hire payment. On your confirmation that payment has not yet been sent we will forward our company’s subsidiary bank details with the same beneficiary name and a revised invoice. When you receive such e-mail, our advice is you should remain vigilant and treat any instructions to change bank account as suspicious. Another recent version of this type of fraud reverses the position. Rather than try to divert the payment being made by the owner the fraudsters attempted to get the agent to send them the money. The owners had sent a message (authentic) to their port agent advising of “cash to master” payments they were going to make to the agent’s account for subsequent delivery to the ship. The money duly arrived but almost immediately the agent received a message (fraud) saying that the payments were not required and could the agent return the funds. The message included the fraudster’s account details for the repayment. You should verify suspicious instructions by telephoning the other party. You should not reply directlyto emails but instead re-enter the email address from a previous message that was accepted as being authentic. Similarly, you should not call a telephone number in the fraudulent email....

22/04/2016

Vantage News

Harry & Son Agencies To Be TS Lines’ Agent In Cambodia

Harry & Son Agencies – a daughter company of Vantage Logistics – will be TS Lines’ Agent in Cambodia from 1st of May 2016 TS Lines, a reliable service provider emphasizing on the company vision and corporate culture of service, excellence, shared goals, flexibility, motivation, and advancement, has chosen to assign Harry & Son Agencies, our daughter company in Cambodia, to be their exclusive agent in Cambodia. This new assignment, again, proves our continuous efforts to fulfill our mission to provide our partners, customers highest possible service level, with continuous improvement of quality and cost. TS Lines agency contat details: Click here ...

22/04/2016

Vantage News

New Lithium Battery Guidelines For 2016

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), along with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, have announced a new aviation safety measure in relation to lithium-ion batteries. Effective April 1st, 2016, all lithium-ion batteries shipped as cargo are prohibited on passenger aircraft. Per ICAO, this will be a temporary measure through at least 2018, until they adopt new packaging standards, therefore, until further notice, shipments of lithium-ion batteries are restricted to cargo aircraft only. This will only apply to UN 3480, Packing Instructions 965, which are lithium ion battery cells. The prohibition does not apply to lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (UN 3481, Packing Instruction 966) and lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (UN 3481, Packing Instruction 967). It is also important to note that this regulation states that not more than one (1) piece prepared in accordance with Packing Instruction 965 may be shipped per shipper/consignee. One piece is one box. The one box cannot surpass 10 KG. It is possible to consolidate several small boxes into one bigger box to comply with the “one piece” requirement, as long as the one piece does not go over the required weight. We know that this causes an inconvenience to many customers, but this is a government mandate from IATA, so airlines, shippers and forwarders must follow it. If you currently ship cargo containing batteries via air, and are not aware of your particular UN, you may obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from your supplier with all of the Dangerous Goods information. Our Operations Team will also be able to assist you with this: ...

22/04/2016

Vantage News

Summary About Asean Single Window (ASW)

This year 2016 the ASW will be put stronger into practice So far, 7 countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam, the Philippines, Brunei already announced their readiness for Nation Single Window System (NSW), the transitional step for ASW; of which, 5 countries already announced their readiness for ASW since December 2015; including: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam. ASW was initiated since 2005 but due to various reasons, was not really carried out until now. To prepare for ASW, the member countries take the NSW as transitional step; of which, all related national managing / controlling organizations will be combined in 1 single window. When all member countries are ready, to carry out ASW, all members just need to connect their NSW to ASW. Advantages of ASW 1. Customs formalities: No big change so far, each country still follow their current procedure. The time frame will be shortened as all steps will be done online on NSW and ASW. Managing / controlling organizations will check and approve on the system, any adjustment / amendment will be done online as well to reduce time of paper transferring. Will be a disadvantage for those companies that do not comply transparent business. Exporters of member countries should declare commodity name, HS code exactly and inform importer of member countries so that they can declare in accordingly. 2. Certificate of Origin (C/O): Apply and issue C/O online. If members have agreement, the online C/O will replace paper C/O. All adjustment / amendment or investigation will be done online as well and hence, saving time. 3. Transportation: International port system, Ministry of Transportation approval system will be linked In general: companies can save time, managing / controlling organizations can manage / control better. Above are information from media, details of deployment will be updated....

27/01/2016

Vantage News

Wooden Package Control – New Brazilian Legal Requirement

Effective Feb. 01st 2016, The Government of Brazil applies new legal requirements on wooden packages. Cargo in scope of the rule: All import and export cargoes with packages made of wood materials of any kind, involving or used on cargo stuffing. What will be required? The wood package will must be properly treated before exported to Brazil. It will be required IPPC stamp on the wood packages by countries members of NIMF 15, as below template: If the origin country is not a member of NIMF 15, it will be required a Phytosanitary Certificate, than must be sanctioned by the National Organization for Plant Protection. If the above instructions are not followed, the cargo will return to the origin country and there will be a high penalty to be paid in Brazil....

26/01/2016

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