Singapore customs rules & duty-free allowances
Singapore enforces some of the world's strictest customs and drug laws. Even small amounts of narcotics can carry the death penalty. All dutiable goods must be declared; there is no blanket duty-free 'gift' exemption for non-residents. The electronic SG Arrival Card is mandatory for all travellers from 2026.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine) — death penalty for trafficking
- Chewing gum (except therapeutic gum with a doctor's prescription)
- Firecrackers and pyrotechnics
- Pornography (including digital files)
- Weapons (e.g., flick knives, knuckle dusters, swords, spearguns)
- Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts) without CITES permit
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam) — require HSA licence
- Drones (unmanned aircraft) — require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
- Satellite phones and GPS trackers — require a licence from the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
- Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits) — require an import licence, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate
- Firearms and ammunition — require a police licence
Arriving: red vs green channel
All travellers must submit the SG Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival. At customs, use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare (no dutiable/prohibited/restricted goods). Use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare, including any tobacco, alcohol exceeding the allowance, cash over SGD 20,000, or restricted items. Random checks are frequent.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourists can claim 9% GST refund on purchases of at least SGD 100 (inclusive of GST) from a single retailer on the same day. Use the eTRS (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme) at Changi Airport or Seletar Airport before check-in. Present goods, receipts, passport and credit card used for payment.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed without a permit if they are not controlled drugs. Controlled drugs (e.g., codeine, morphine, sleeping pills) require a licence from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Bring a doctor's prescription and a letter of medical necessity. Some common Western medications (e.g., diazepam, tramadol) are controlled — check HSA's list before travel.
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products from foot-and-mouth disease-affected countries are banned. Fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed only with a permit from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Processed food in sealed commercial packaging is generally allowed for personal consumption (up to 5 kg or 5 litres).
Rules worth knowing
No Duty-Free Tobacco for Non-Residents
Non-residents have no duty-free tobacco allowance. All tobacco products brought in must be declared and duty paid. The only exception is for residents returning from abroad.
GST on All Goods Over SGD 500
If the total value of goods you bring in (excluding personal effects) exceeds SGD 500, you must pay 9% GST on the entire value, not just the excess.
Chewing Gum Ban
Chewing gum is banned for import, except for therapeutic gum (e.g., nicotine gum) with a doctor's prescription. Even a single pack can be confiscated and you may be fined.
Electronic Arrival Card Mandatory
All travellers must submit the SG Arrival Card online (via ICA website or MyICA Mobile app) within 3 days before arrival. This replaces the paper disembarkation card. Failure to submit may delay immigration clearance.