Planning to Bring an Item to Singapore? Check First If they are Classified in the Dutiable, Controlled & Prohibited Goods

Under Singapore laws, certain types of items are subject to the payment of duty before you can bring them into the country.

Dutiable Goods

Generally, there are 4 types of dutiable goods in Singapore as follows.  

• Intoxicating liquors, including spirits, wine, beer, ale and stout;
• Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars;
• Motor spirit; and
• Motor cars and motorcycles/motor scooters

You can approach an ICA officer at the Red Channel for payment of duty and GST if you have dutiable goods which exceed the GST relief or duty-free concession. It is an offence to proceed to the Green Channel for clearance if you have items that are subject to payment of duty/GST. See the GST relief and duty-free concession.

To avoid committing customs offences, travelers and members of the public need to comply with Customs rules and regulations. Those found committing customs offences may be offered the following composition amounts.

Check the complete list of dutiable goods here.

Controlled Goods

Certain goods are controlled and allowed entry into Singapore only when you produce the IN permit or authorization from the relevant authorities.

1. Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore
   • Animals, birds and their by-products
   • Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
   • Meat and meat products
   • Fish and seafood products
   • Fruits and vegetables
2. Singapore Police Force
   • Arms and explosives
   • Bullet-proof clothing
   • Toy guns, pistols and revolvers
   • Weapons, kris, spears and swords
3. Media Development Authority
   • Films, video and video games
   • Publications and audio records
4. Health Sciences Authority
   • Pharmaceuticals
   • Medicines - If you need to bring in medicines for your physical well-being while traveling, you must possess a physician's prescription certifying so.
   • Poisons
5. The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
   • Telecommunication and Radio Communication Equipment
   • Toy walkie-talkies

If you wish to know more about these items, please click here.

 

Prohibited Goods

The following items are NOT allowed to be imported into Singapore:

• Chewing gum (except oral dental and medicated gum)
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
• Firecrackers
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software
• Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes
• Seditious and treasonable materials

It is an offence if you attempt to bring any of the items listed above into Singapore.

Source: Singapore Customs