18 November 2013

The Singapore Customs released a statement on 15 November 2013 to remind travellers returning to Singapore from overseas that all goods brought into Singapore are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the rate of 7%.  Such goods include new items, souvenirs, gifts or food products.

However, some GST relief is available to travellers depending on the duration of their overseas trip. The GST relief granted is as follows:

Time away from Singapore	Value of goods granted GST relief
Less than 48 hours	S$150
48 hours or more	S$600

The GST relief does not apply to liquor, tobacco products, petroleum and goods imported for commercial purposes.

Travellers are required to pay GST on the value of their goods that exceeds the GST relief.

Failure to make a declaration is an offence under the Customs Act and GST Act. Offenders may be prosecuted in court and fined up to S$10,000 or 20 times the amount of duty and GST, whichever is higher and/or jailed for up to three years.

Source: Singapore Customs