Customs is the Government Agency entrusted with enforcement of laws and regulations to collect and protect import-revenues and to regulate and document the flow of goods in and out of the country. Singapore Customs is the Government Agency under the Ministry of Finance, constituted on 1 April 2003 to regulate the customs procedure. Other than customs regulations, it is also responsible for implementation of revenue and trade enforcement measures, including those related to Free Trade Agreements and strategic goods.
Singapore Customs mission is to assure the integrity of the trading system and support Singapore as a global trade hub and its vision is to be an active and valuable partner for the trading community. There is no limit on the amount of currency one can bring into Singapore. There are no concessions on cigarettes and other tobacco products. This is due to Singapore government’s initiative to curb smoking.
Anyone carrying excess dutiable items could leave it in the Customs Bond until departure, provided it is from the same point of entry. Storage costs are chargeable. Some of the items for which one would have to pay duty are garments and clothing accessories, leather bags, wallets, imitation jewellery, chocolate and sugar confectionery, pastries, biscuits and cakes. Small amounts of these items may be brought in duty free, provided they are meant for personal consumption.
Singapore prohibits the entry of some items like:
- Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
- Firecrackers
- Cigarette lighters of pistol / revolver shape
- Toy coins and toy currency notes
- Reproductions of copyright publications, video tapes or disks, records or cassettes· Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
- Obscene articles and publications
- Seditious and treasonable materials
