Singapore Customs revealed that S$3.4 million worth of penalties were imposed on 13,099 travellers between January and October of this year.
They were penalised for not declaring dutiable and taxable goods brought into the city. Among the undeclared goods are designer bags, jewellery and even the viral Labubu toys.
In a media release, Singapore Customs shared the case of a female traveller who was caught possessing multiple undeclared goods after flying back from a business trip in London.
They include designer bags and accessories from various luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as PopMart’s Labubu toys.
The woman intended to distribute the goods as gifts.
Source: @toystory9.vn on Instagram. Image for illustration purposes only.
“The traveller admitted she was aware of the GST relief limits but believed that only personal items required declaration,” stated Customs.
The amount of GST import relief will depend on how long the traveller has spent outside Singapore.
Those who have spent less than 48 hours overseas will have a GST import relief of up to S$100. Meanwhile, travellers who spend 48 hours or more outside Singapore will be granted up to S$500.
A maximum composition sum of S$5,000 was imposed in her case. Additionally, a further sum of S$3,963.69 was collected as part of Goods & Services Tax (GST).
Singapore Customs strongly encourages travellers to declare and pay for their dutiable goods up to three days in advance before arriving in Singapore.
They can do so via the Customs@SG web application. Otherwise, they can also make payment at the Customs Tax Payment Office located at the various checkpoints.
Failure to do the above is an offence under the Customs Act.
On conviction, they will be jailed for up to two years or be liable to a fine of up to 20 times the amount of duty and GST evaded.
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Featured image adapted from Wikimedia Commons and @toystory9.vn on Instagram. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Singapore was not found on the list.
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