Starting a commodities trading company in Singapore can be a rewarding venture. As one of Asia’s most established trading hubs, Singapore offers political stability, transparent regulations, and strong government support for international trade.
For entrepreneurs and Singapore small business owners looking to enter the commodities market, understanding the right steps to register, license, and operate legally is key to long-term success.
Every commodities trading company in Singapore must first be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through the BizFile+ portal.
What you’ll need to do:
Choose a company name that reflects your trading activities.
Select a business structure — most traders register as a private limited company for credibility and tax advantages.
Provide shareholder and director details, a registered address, and pay the required fee.
Specify your business activity under Singapore’s SSIC code related to commodities trading.
If your business involves commodity-related activities, ACRA may refer your application to other authorities such as Enterprise Singapore for approval before registration is finalised. This ensures your business meets Singapore’s trading and compliance standards from the start.
Registering with ACRA alone does not authorise you to trade in regulated commodities. Under the Commodity Trading Act (Chapter 48A), administered by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Enterprise Singapore, you must obtain a Commodity Trading Licence if your business activities fall within the Act’s scope.
A licence is mandatory if your company engages in:
Spot trading of physical commodities such as metals, energy, or agricultural products.
Forward contracts or commodity derivatives transactions.
Brokerage, advisory, or clearing services linked to commodity contracts.
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI): Oversees the Commodity Trading Act and licensing framework.
Enterprise Singapore: Evaluates applications, monitors compliance, and enforces regulations.
Proof that your company and directors are fit and proper to conduct commodity trading.
Evidence of financial soundness or capital adequacy where applicable.
Strong internal compliance controls, including risk management and anti-money laundering (AML) measures.
Holding the appropriate licence demonstrates that your Singapore small business operates within the law and is recognised as a legitimate participant in Singapore’s commodities market.
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Once your company is registered and licensed, you must fulfil tax and compliance duties to remain in good standing.
Corporate Income Tax: Register with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and file annual corporate tax returns. The current corporate tax rate is 17% on chargeable income.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Register for GST if your annual taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, or if you expect to reach that threshold.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: Establish internal policies to detect and prevent suspicious transactions, as required under Enterprise Singapore guidelines.
Accounting Standards: Maintain proper accounting records following the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
Compliance with these regulations is essential for building credibility with trading partners and ensuring your business avoids fines or disruptions.
Running a commodities trading company in Singapore involves continuous administrative and regulatory responsibilities.
Ongoing tasks include:
Filing annual returns with ACRA to confirm company particulars.
Submitting annual tax filings to IRAS on time.
Renewing your commodity trading licence or updating it when business activities change.
Keeping accurate transaction records for audit purposes.
Staying compliant helps your business maintain trust with regulators, investors, and customers — a crucial aspect of long-term success in Singapore’s competitive commodities sector.
| Requirement | Governing Body | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Company Registration | ACRA | Register via BizFile+; provide business details and structure. |
| Commodities Trading Licence | MTI / Enterprise Singapore | Apply if engaging in regulated commodity trading. |
| Corporate and GST Tax | IRAS | Register for corporate tax and GST; file returns annually. |
| AML / CFT Compliance | Enterprise Singapore / MTI | Implement anti-money laundering controls and reporting mechanisms. |
| Annual Filings | ACRA / IRAS | Maintain updated company records and submit mandatory filings. |
Starting and managing a commodities trading company in Singapore requires attention to detail and strict compliance with government regulations. That’s where Counto can support you.
Counto combines expert accountants with smart automation to help your business stay compliant and financially organised. Our services include:
Setting up your company efficiently through BizFile+ registration.
Managing your accounting, bookkeeping, and corporate tax filings.
Ensuring your GST and licence requirements are always up-to-date.
Providing custom compliance tracking so you never miss a regulatory deadline.
With Counto, your Singapore small business can focus on growing its trading portfolio while we handle the accounting and regulatory side — ensuring accuracy, transparency, and peace of mind.
Establishing a commodities trading company in Singapore involves more than just setting up a business entity. You’ll need to secure the proper licences, follow tax and AML requirements, and maintain transparent financial records. Singapore’s pro-business policies, robust infrastructure, and clear regulations make it an ideal location for commodities trading — provided you remain compliant.
Counto helps small business owners simplify this process through automation-driven accounting and expert support. With our guidance, you can confidently manage your finances and compliance, leaving you free to focus on building your trading success.
Setting up a company in Singapore can be challenging, but with professional support, it can be simple, Counto’s mission is to support your new business, take away the complexities of compliance, and save you time and money throughout the year. Speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected], or use our  contact form to get started.
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