Overview
The sections below provide a general list of prohibited, controlled, and dutiable goods. These lists are not exhaustive. For more information on specific items, visit the websites of the respective competent authorities.
Prohibited Goods
The importation or possession of prohibited items is not allowed at the checkpoints. The following table shows examples of prohibited items and their relevant competent authority:
| Item | Competent Authority |
|---|---|
| Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products | National Parks Board |
| Concealed Weapon Flick Knife, Gravity Knife, Wasp Knife, Throwing Knife Knuckleduster, Ninja Star, Catapult/Slingshot | Singapore Police Force |
| Obscene articles, publications and video tapes/discs Reproduction of copyright publications, software, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes Seditious and treasonable materials | Infocomm Media Development Authority |
Any product containing nicotine or tobacco that may be used topically for application, by implant or injected into any parts of the body Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances | Health Sciences Authority |
Controlled Goods
You need an import licence or permit from the relevant authority to bring controlled goods into Singapore. The following table shows examples of controlled items and the relevant competent authority’s website:
| Item | Competent Authority |
|---|---|
| Animals, birds and their by-products Endangered species of wildlife Ornamental fish Plants | National Parks Board |
| Fish and seafood products Fruit and vegetables Meat and meat products | Singapore Food Agency |
| Arms and explosives Bulletproof clothing Toy guns, pistols and revolvers Weapons, kris, spears and swords | Singapore Police Force |
| CD-ROMs and video games Films, videotapes, videodiscs and laser discs Newspapers, books and magazines Pre-recorded cartridges and cassettes Telecommunication and radio communication equipment Toy walkie-talkies | Infocomm Media Development Authority |
| Medicines Pharmaceuticals Poisons | Health Sciences Authority |
| Dangerous Cargo | Singapore Customs |
| Ionising Radiation (IR) irradiating apparatus & Radioactive material (e.g. x-ray equipment) Non-Ionising Radiation (IR) irradiating apparatus (e.g. ultraviolet sunlamps) | National Environment Agency |
Upon arrival, proceed to the Red Channel to produce your import licence or permit, along with the controlled items.
If you are travelling with prescription-only medication, such as sleeping pills, anti-depressants or stimulants, you need a valid doctor’s prescription as proof of your medical need. Illegal possession of such medicines carries severe penalties.
Dutiable Goods
All dutiable goods imported into or manufactured in Singapore are subject to customs duty, excise duty, or both. For more information, visit the Singapore Customs website.