Singapore customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Singapore enforces extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties, including the death penalty for trafficking. For 2026, arriving non-resident adults aged 18+ can bring 1 liter of duty-free alcohol (if not arriving from Malaysia) and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, but only one option allowed). All dutiable goods above the personal exemption must be declared and duty paid. Note: duty-free allowance is zero if arriving from Malaysia by land or sea.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1L of spirits (including wine) OR 2L of wine/beer. Traveller must be 18+. No duty-free allowance if arriving from Malaysia by land or sea.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$15,000

Any amount exceeding SGD 20,000 (approx. USD 15,000) in cash or equivalent monetary instruments must be declared using the NPCC form. This applies to both residents and non-residents.

Goods duty-free

$450

Personal goods and gifts up to SGD 600 (approx. USD 450) are duty-free. Above that, duty and 9% GST apply. This is a per-person allowance.

Prohibited — banned from import

Chewing gum (except therapeutic gum with a doctor's prescription)
Cigarette lighters in the shape of a pistol or revolver
Firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices
Pornographic materials (including digital files)
Imitations of firearms and weapons
Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, etc.) without CITES permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, sleeping pills) require a Health Sciences Authority permit
Animals and plants (including live fish, birds, and orchids) require an import permit from NParks
Drones and unmanned aircraft require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Satellite phones require a permit from the Info-communications Media Development Authority
Meat, seafood, and dairy products require an import permit from the Singapore Food Agency

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance Void from Malaysia

If you arrive from Malaysia (by land or sea), you are not entitled to any duty-free alcohol or tobacco allowance. All such items are dutiable.

GST on Imported Goods

Goods exceeding the SGD 600 personal exemption are subject to 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) on the total value, including shipping and insurance.

Strict Drug Laws

Singapore has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics (including cannabis) can lead to imprisonment, caning, or the death penalty. Do not attempt to bring any drugs into the country.

Electronic Devices and Digital Content

Customs may inspect laptops, phones, and tablets for prohibited content (e.g., pornography, copyrighted material). Ensure all digital files comply with Singapore law.

Frequently asked questions

If you are transiting and do not clear immigration, you are not subject to Singapore customs rules. If you clear immigration (e.g., for a layover), you are treated as an arriving traveller and can bring 1L of duty-free alcohol if you are 18+ and not arriving from Malaysia.

You must declare the excess on the arrival card and pay duty and GST on the full quantity (not just the excess). Failure to declare can result in fines up to SGD 10,000 and seizure of goods.

Yes, for personal consumption. However, meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products require an import permit from the Singapore Food Agency. Baked goods and processed snacks are generally allowed without a permit.

No. The declaration threshold is SGD 20,000 (approx. USD 15,000). SGD 15,000 is below that, so no declaration is needed. But if you have SGD 20,000 or more, you must declare using the NPCC form.

Yes, for personal use, but if the medication contains controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, sleeping pills), you need a permit from the Health Sciences Authority. Carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition and dosage.

Yes, chewing gum is prohibited for import, except therapeutic gum (e.g., nicotine gum) with a doctor's prescription. This includes all types of gum, even if for personal use.

Official source

Singapore Customs