FAQ
About IOR
An Importer of Record (IOR) is the legal entity responsible for customs clearance and import compliance when goods enter a country. Without a locally registered IOR, your shipments cannot clear customs in Singapore or Malaysia.
No. TNGAP’s channel-neutral IOR covers Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Shopify SG under one contract. You don’t need to switch providers when you add a new channel.
Initial IOR registration typically completes within 5–10 business days, depending on your product category and HS code complexity.
Yes. Our IOR service works with your existing carrier relationships. We can also recommend from our certified network of 5 providers.
FAQ
Pricing & Tiers
Entry Plan (SGD 1,500–2,000/year) includes IOR registration in Singapore, annual customs renewal, quarterly compliance check, email support, and basic marketplace listing guidance for one channel.
Standard (SGD 1,200–2,200/month) adds a dedicated account manager and multi-channel support (2 channels). Pro (SGD 3,500/month) covers 4 channels with same-day SLA, logistics optimization, and quarterly business reviews.
The Nursery Plan is a limited cohort (5 seats maximum) for brands in early ASEAN validation. It includes reduced-scope IOR, onboarding support, and a clear graduation path to Standard tier.
No. Exact pricing depends on product category, volume, and target markets — but we disclose all fees upfront. No surprises.
FAQ
Markets
Phase 1: Singapore (Hub) and Malaysia. Phase 1 Extended: Thailand and Vietnam. Phase 3 (building now): Korea. We expand only when infrastructure is solid.
No. TNGAP’s IOR service means you operate under our Singapore-registered entity. You don’t need to incorporate your own company in Singapore or any ASEAN country.
Singapore: Shopee SG, Lazada SG, TikTok Shop SG, Shopify SG. Malaysia: Shopee MY, Lazada MY. Thailand and Vietnam: available on Pro tier — contact us for details.
FAQ
Compliance
As of April 2026, Singapore’s GST registration threshold for overseas vendors supplying low-value goods was revised. TNGAP’s IOR structure handles GST registration and compliance as part of the service.
The Hub-and-Spoke model allows your business to operate across ASEAN markets through TNGAP’s Singapore-registered entity, without creating a permanent establishment in each spoke country. This structure has been confirmed by Christopher & Lee Ong, Singapore.
Yes. Our data practices comply with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2012. We have appointed a Data Protection Officer reachable at sg@thenewgate.co.jp.
FAQ
Process
Talk to us. Share your product type, target market, and timeline. We’ll respond within 4 business hours in Japanese or English and outline the right tier for your situation.
Typical onboarding ranges from 6 weeks (Malaysia, Standard tier) to 16 weeks (4-channel Singapore, Pro tier). Timeline depends on product category and HS code complexity.
Yes. All customs documentation, shipment notices, and compliance records are provided in Japanese and English. Support is available in both languages.
1. Acknowledgment within hours. 2. 30-minute onboarding call (Japanese or English). 3. IOR registration and marketplace setup. 4. Monthly review cadence begins.