As driving to and from Johor is a casual event for most Singaporeans, some may forget that strict border rules still apply.
Recently, an individual was fined for forgetting to declare one pack of cigarettes at Singapore customs.
Source: TTG Asia, for illustration purposes only
The simple mistake had, unfortunately, cost the person S$200.
Needless to say, he will not be forgetting this pricey transgression anytime soon.
A Facebook user shared about the experience in a post on Thursday (11 May).
He crafted the post as a public service announcement (PSA) to “all smoker(s) passing through Singapore”.
The OP attached a letter issued by Singapore Customs that summarised the offence.
Source: Facebook
The letter states that the individual had committed an offence under Section 128B of the Customs Act for failing to declare dutiable goods.
According to the summary, customs officers found the item through the passenger X-ray.
They had discovered one packet of cigarettes that are also “non-SP compliant”.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, for illustration purposes only
Based on the Singapore Customs website, all cigarettes brought into Singapore must comply with the new Standardised Packaging (SP) requirements.
Cigarettes that are SP-compliant will have enlarged graphic warnings and minimal branding.
Hence, the visitor was fined S$200 for their transgressions.
The letter also stated that customs officers disposed of the offensive item.
According to Singapore Customs, visitors coming to Singapore must declare all cigarettes and tobacco items.
Failure to do so will lead to a S$200 fine per packet or per 20 sticks or part thereof.
Source: Singapore Business Review, for illustration purposes only
That is only the case for first-time offenders, though.
Those caught on the second and third attempts will be fined S$500 and $S800 per packet respectively.
As it turns out, the rule has been in place since 1 Jul 2020.
Although it has almost been three years since the law was passed, there still appear to be some who are unclear.
Let this be a PSA and a timely reminder to all those planning to cross the border.
Hopefully, you can avoid ‘paying’ hundreds of dollars for just a pack of cigarettes that you won’t get to keep anyway.
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Featured image adapted from Ministry of Home Affairs and NSESC, for illustration purposes only.
The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.
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