Singapore customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Singapore's customs regime is famously strict: the real risk is not the duty-free allowance but the mandatory declaration of controlled items, especially e-vaporisers and chewing gum, which are outright banned. Ignorance is no defence, and enforcement is backed by on-the-spot fines, X-ray screening, and possible arrest.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

2.0 L

Duty-free allowance: 2L total, but not all spirits. Examples: 1L spirits + 1L wine/beer, OR 2L wine/beer. Must be 18+, arrived from outside Malaysia, and not crew. No duty-free allowance for spirits alone beyond 1L.

Tobacco

See notes

Per adult traveller

Cash to declare

$14,800

Must declare if carrying physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding S$20,000 (approx US$14,800) into or out of Singapore. Use the NP727 form at the red channel or online via MyICA.

Goods duty-free

$110

Duty-free allowance for goods (other than alcohol/tobacco) is S$150 (approx US$110) per person. Above that, 7% GST applies on the excess. No duty-free allowance for goods from Malaysia.

Prohibited — banned from import

Chewing gum (except therapeutic dental gum)
E-vaporisers, vapes, and shisha
Firecrackers and fireworks
Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
Obscene materials and pirated goods
Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing controlled substances (require HSA approval)
Radio communication devices (require IMDA licence)
Drones (must comply with CAAS regulations)
Live animals and plants (require AVA permit)
Weapons and ammunition (require police permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving travellers must complete a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) online within 3 days before arrival — it includes a customs declaration. At the airport, choose the Red Channel if you have goods to declare or exceed allowances; use the Green Channel only if you have nothing to declare. Random checks are common, and failure to declare is a fineable offence.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist GST refund available under the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS). Minimum purchase S$100 at participating retailers, claim at the eTRS self-help kiosks in Changi Airport before check-in. Refund is 7% GST minus a processing fee.

Bringing medication

Personal medication in reasonable quantities is allowed, but controlled drugs (e.g. sleeping pills, strong painkillers, ADHD meds) require prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Some common Western drugs like codeine and pseudoephedrine are controlled. Always carry the prescription and declare if unsure.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and plants are restricted. Small amounts of processed food (up to 5kg) may be allowed if commercially packaged, but fresh produce and meat require permits. Biosecurity rules are strict; declare all food items.

Rules worth knowing

E-vaporisers are illegal

Bringing e-cigarettes, vapes, or shisha into Singapore is a criminal offence. Fines up to S$10,000 and imprisonment can apply. Do not pack them.

Chewing gum ban

Importing chewing gum (except therapeutic dental gum) is prohibited. Declare any gum; failure to do so can result in fines.

Cash declaration threshold

You must declare if carrying over S$20,000 (approx US$14,800) in cash or bearer instruments. This includes traveller's cheques and money orders.

Tobacco duty is high

Even one opened pack of cigarettes must be declared and duty paid. The duty is roughly S$0.49 per stick plus 7% GST, making a carton very expensive.

Frequently asked questions

No. E-vaporisers, vapes, and shisha are strictly prohibited. Bringing them in is a criminal offence with fines up to S$10,000 and possible imprisonment. Do not pack them in your luggage.

You must declare if you carry physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding S$20,000 (approx US$14,800). This applies to both arriving and departing travellers. Use the NP727 form at the red channel or submit online via MyICA.

No. Singapore has zero duty-free allowance for cigarettes, cigars, or any tobacco products. All tobacco must be declared and duty paid. The duty is approximately S$0.49 per stick plus 7% GST.

No, except for therapeutic dental gum. Importing regular chewing gum is prohibited. If you have any, declare it at customs to avoid fines.

If your medication contains controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam, ADHD meds), you need prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Carry the prescription and declare it. Common Western drugs like pseudoephedrine are also controlled.

Use the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS). Minimum purchase S$100 at participating retailers. Claim at eTRS self-help kiosks before check-in. You'll need your passport and original receipts. The refund is 7% GST minus a processing fee.

Failure to declare is a fineable offence. Penalties can include fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment, or both. Singapore customs conducts random checks and uses X-ray machines, so undeclared items are likely to be caught.

Official source

Singapore Customs