FAQ

The containers should be clearly marked with the generic name of the medication. The medication should also be for personal consumption due to medical conditions, for which you require treatment. You might also want to bring along prescription for the medication, to show that you legally use it.

Visit the Ministry of Health website for further clarification.

Source: Visitsingapore.com

Except for chewing gum with therapeutic value, the importation into Singapore of any chewing gum is prohibited under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations. The prohibition on the import of chewing gum except for those of therapeutic value is absolute. Therefore, no allowance is given for any person to import them for personal consumption. Under the same regulation, when goods are brought or caused to be brought into Singapore from any place which is outside Singapore, they are deemed to be imported. This is regardless whether the goods are for commercial or trade purposes.

With effect from 1 January 2004, traders licensed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), can import chewing gums with therapeutic value, classified under the Medicines Act, for local sale. The import of all other types of chewing gum and bubble gum remains prohibited. Possession of unlicensed chewing gum would therefore constitute possession of a prohibited item, which is an offence under the Customs Act.

The import of chewing gums with therapeutic value, classified under the Medicines Act is under the purview of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Please refer to the list of licensed gums in the following website and search for Oral dental gums for 'Product type': http://www.hsa.gov.sg/prism/common/enquirepublic/SearchCCUProduct.do?action=load

Importation may be allowed for licensed chewing gums (medicinal and oral dental chewing gums that are registered with HSA) hand-carried into Singapore either by visitors/tourists or citizens returning from overseas trips provided the import quantity is reasonable, for not more than 3 months' supply for personal consumption. As a general guide, not more than 3 months' supply would be about 300 sticks or pellets in total. For more information on licensed chewing gums, please contact HSA at hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg.

In Singapore, clearance of arriving travellers at the checkpoints is conducted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). All hand-carried imports of unlicensed chewing gums are to be surrendered to the ICA upon arrival at the checkpoint. For more information about ICA, please visit their website at www.ica.gov.sg.

Source: Visitsingapore.com

New articles, souvenirs, gifts and food preparations up to the following value depending on the traveller's age and period he has been away from Singapore:

for less than 24 hours:
18 years of age and above --> SGD 50.00
below 18 years of age --> nil

for 24 hours or more but less than 48 hours:
18 years of age and above --> SGD 150.00
below 18 years of age --> SGD 50.00

for 48 hours or more:
18 years of age and above --> SGD 300.00
below 18 years of age --> SGD 100.00

Travellers who are not below 18 years of age, arriving from countries other than Malaysia and have spent 48 hours or more outside Singapore immediately before their arrival, may be granted the following duty-free concessions for liquors:

(1) 1 litre spirits (brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka, etc.)
(2) 1 litre wine, and
(3) 1 litre beer or stout or ale or porter.

Source: Visitsingapore.com

Please proceed directly to the Red Channel and declare the excess liquors to the officer thereat. You will be directed to the Customs Office for payment of duty and GST.

Source: Visitsingapore.com

Singapore withdrew duty-free privileges on tobacco products, including cigarettes, from 1 January 1991. The measure was part of the overall strategy to curb smoking in Singapore on grounds of public health. Travellers who have small quantities of cigarettes or tobacco products are, therefore, required to declare them when seeking Customs clearance. The goods may be brought into Singapore only upon payment of Customs duty and Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Source: Visitsingapore.com

As a visitor to Singapore, you may claim refund of the GST paid on your purchases under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme. To enjoy the scheme, the purchase must be made from a participating shop. Participating shops will display “Tax Refund” logo or a Global Refund "Tax Free Shopping" logo. Claims for tourist tax refund are approved subject to certain conditions - for information on the conditions, please click here. On your day of departure from Singapore Changi Airport, please proceed to the Tax Refund Counter and present your purchases together with the tax claim forms for customs inspection. Please note that Customs will not process the tax claim forms if the goods are not presented for inspection.

Source: Visitsingapore.com

Like most countries, Singapore also operates the Red and Green Channel system at all entry checkpoints including the international airport. By electing the Green Channel, you are deemed to declare that you do not have anything to declare to the authorities. If in doubt, please seek clearance at the Red Channel. Alternatively, you can email your queries to Customs at customs_feedback@customs.gov.sg.

Source: Visitsingapore.com

Visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website to check if you need a visa.