Import regulations by Singapore customs

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. For a full list of dutaible goods, please click here.
Intoxicating liquors, including spirits, wine, beer, ale and stout;
Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars;
Motor spirit; and
Motor cars and motorcycles/motor scooters
Please approach 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. Please click here to see the GST relief and duty-free concession.

Controlled Goods

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

Prohibited Goods

The following items are NOT allowed to be imported into Singapore:
Chewing gum (except dental or nicotine 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

Singapore customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import and export of items such as weapons, illegal drugs, certain religious materials, pornographic material, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, and software (for censorship or pirating reasons). The definition of "weapon" enforced by Singapore customs is very broad, and, in addition to firearms, includes many items which are not necessarily seen as weapons in the United States, such as dive knives, kitchen knives, handcuffs, and expended shell casings. Carrying any of these items without permission may result in your immediate arrest. All baggage is x-rayed at every port of entry, so placing such items in checked baggage will not allow you to bring it into the country.

Export regulations by Singapore customs

Departing from Singapore

Tourist Refund Scheme

You may, as a visitor to Singapore, claim for refund of GST paid on your purchases, if you are departing from Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. Please click here to obtain more information on refund of GST under the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Three Quarter Tank Rule

If you are departing for Malaysia in a Singapore-registered car for Malaysia, please note that you must have at least ? tank full of petrol in the fuel tank of your car. It is an offence if the amount of petrol is less than the prescribed quantity. Under the law, the driver would be held liable for the offence. A fine may be offered and the driver is required to turn back for re-fueling, if he wishes to continue his journey.

Tourist Refund Scheme

As a visitor to Singapore, you may claim refund on the GST paid for your purchases bought from retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme #, if you are departing by air, and if:
You are not a Singaporean or Permanent Resident of Singapore;
You have not at any time during the past 6 months exercised any employment in Singapore;
You have not spent more than 365 days in Singapore in the past 2 years;
You have spent S$300 or more on goods at shops displaying the "TAX REFUND" logo, or S$100 or more on goods at shops displaying the "TAX FREE SHOPPING", or "PREMIER TAX FREE" logos;
You take the goods out of Singapore through Changi or Seletar Airport within 2 months of purchase; and
You are not a member of the cabin or flight crew of the aircraft on which you are departing.
# These shops display the logo "TAX REFUND", "TAX FREE SHOPPING" or "PREMIER TAX FREE"

How to apply for a refund

Shops Displaying the "Tax Refund" Logo
If the total value of your purchases is worth S$100 or more, ask the sales assistant for a GST Claim Form. The sales assistant will need to verify your passport to check your eligibility. You would have to sign on the form in duplicate, of which a copy will be handed over to you for your claim of GST refund on your departure.

Other Singapore customs information

Clearance of arriving travellers, baggage and vehicles at all entry checkpoints is under the purview of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). At the checkpoints, ICA officers conduct checks on persons, baggage and vehicles entering the country, and refer trade and customs matters to Singapore Customs for follow-up.

ICA is primarily responsible for the security of Singapore's borders against entry of undesirable persons and cargo by land, sea and air. For more information about ICA, please click here to visit their website.

For the convenience of travellers, Singapore Customs officers are stationed at the following major checkpoints:
1. Changi Airport
2. Woodlands Checkpoint
3. Tuas Checkpoint
4. Singapore Cruise Centre
5. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
Travellers who require customs services or to pay duty and/or GST on their goods may proceed directly to the Customs Duty Office at the Checkpoint. If in doubt, please enquire with the ICA officer at the Red Channel.

http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trav/Arriving+in+Singapore.htm