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Singapore has strict laws for both locals and visitors, and there are rules about what can be brought into the country. Travellers are allowed to bring cigarettes into the country, but they must be declared and taxes must be paid. Cigarettes and tobacco products are subject to a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and there is no duty-free concession. Since 1 July 2020, all cigarettes and tobacco products must comply with Standardised Packaging (SP) requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking in the airport | Only allowed in designated areas |
| Bringing cigarettes into Singapore | Allowed, but must be declared and taxes paid |
| Chewing tobacco | Banned |
| E-cigarettes | Banned |
| Cigarette lighters | Allowed, but not if shaped like a pistol |
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What You'll Learn
- Cigarettes are subject to two taxes in Singapore: duty and GST
- Travellers must declare tobacco products at Customs
- Singapore has strict laws against community health and public safety hazards
- Smoking is banned in many public spaces, with fines of up to SGD $500
- Tourists must go through the red channel at the airport with tobacco
Cigarettes are subject to two taxes in Singapore: duty and GST
Singapore has a strict set of rules regarding what can and cannot be brought into the country. Tourists landing at Singapore airport in possession of tobacco products must go through the red channel, declare these tobacco products, and then pay two separate taxes on them: duty and GST.
Firstly, duty is calculated based on the weight of the tobacco product. For cigarettes, the duty is calculated according to the number of sticks and the weight of each stick.
Secondly, a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on all goods imported into Singapore. GST is a tax on the consumption and import of goods. It is payable whether or not foreign sales taxes were paid, and it is charged at a standard rate of 7% on the value of the goods. This fee is not applicable for items with a total value of S$400 or less.
It is important to note that there is no duty-free concession or GST relief for cigarettes. Therefore, if you are bringing cigarettes into Singapore, you must declare and pay the required taxes. Failure to accurately declare any goods that exceed the duty-free concession and GST relief can result in fines and prosecution.
To pay the duties and GST, you can either use the Customs@SG Web Application or go to the Customs Duty Office located in the middle of the baggage claim hall.
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Travellers must declare tobacco products at Customs
Singapore has strict laws regarding what can and cannot be brought into the country. Travellers bringing dutiable goods into Singapore, including tobacco products, must declare them at the Customs Duty Office, located in the middle of the baggage claim hall. Failure to declare these goods may result in fines and prosecution.
The Customs Duty Office is where duties and taxes can be paid. A 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on all goods imported into Singapore, including tobacco products. The amount of tax depends on the volume of tobacco. Tourists must go through the red channel to declare tobacco products and pay the associated taxes.
It is important to note that Singapore has a reputation for enforcing its laws strictly. Chewing gum, for example, is banned in Singapore, and chewing it carries a fine of at least $500. Similarly, smoking is banned in many public spaces, and fines of up to SGD $500 can be imposed for breaking these laws.
Designated smoking areas are available at the airport premises. However, travellers should be aware that bringing certain items into Singapore, such as those that may affect community health or public safety, requires an import license or authorisation from the respective authorities.
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Singapore has strict laws against community health and public safety hazards
Smoking is also banned in many public spaces in Singapore, with fines of up to SGD $500 for non-compliance. This includes the Singapore Changi Airport, where smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
Singapore's strict laws extend to other areas as well. For instance, chewing gum is banned in the country and can result in a fine of at least $500 if chewed. The country also has a Tourist Refund Scheme, which allows visitors to claim back the 9% Goods & Services Tax (GST) on certain purchases when leaving Singapore.
The country's reputation for strict laws is well-known, and it is important for travellers to be aware of these regulations to avoid any issues when entering or departing from Singapore. Overall, Singapore's laws are designed to maintain community health and public safety, and non-compliance can result in significant consequences.
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Smoking is banned in many public spaces, with fines of up to SGD $500
Smoking is heavily regulated in Singapore, and cigarettes are subject to strict rules. Smoking is banned in many public spaces, with fines of up to SGD $500 for breaking these laws. This includes recreational facilities such as cinemas, public swimming pools, clubs, sports hubs, and community centres. It is also prohibited within 5 metres of educational institutions, such as schools and universities, as well as public parks, gardens, and designated beaches.
The Singapore Changi Airport website confirms that smoking is only allowed in designated areas within the airport premises. Travellers arriving in Singapore with cigarettes or tobacco products must go through the red channel, declare these items, and pay two separate taxes: duty and GST. The amount of tax depends on the volume of tobacco. It is important to note that any false declarations to customs officers can result in a fine of up to SGD $10,000.
Singapore has a reputation for strict laws, and this extends to tobacco control. The legal smoking age in the country was raised from 18 to 21 years old between 2018 and 2021 to denormalise cigarette use among adolescents. Underage smokers caught smoking can face fines of up to $300. Additionally, it is illegal to sell or smoke cigarettes without the required "SPDC" stamp, and offenders can be fined up to $5,000.
The country's laws also target duty-unpaid cigarettes, with customs officers conducting daily patrols and checks to suppress demand. Offenders caught smoking or in possession of such cigarettes may be issued a composition sum or face prosecution in court. The composition fine for smoking in prohibited places can be up to $500, and this increases to $1,000 if prosecuted in court.
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Tourists must go through the red channel at the airport with tobacco
If you are a tourist travelling to Singapore with tobacco, you must go through the red channel at the airport. Singapore has a dual-channel system, with separate red and green channels for passengers to pass through as they leave the baggage area to enter the arrivals hall.
The red channel is for declaring dutiable, controlled, or prohibited goods. Tobacco products are one of the four dutiable items in Singapore, along with cars, fuel, and alcohol. Tourists landing in Singapore with tobacco must go through the red channel, declare these products, and pay two separate taxes on them: duty and GST. The amount of tax depends on the volume of tobacco.
If you have nothing to declare, you can pass through the green channel. However, be aware that customs officers may still inspect your bag. If you are found with any undeclared dutiable, controlled, or prohibited goods, you may be fined or prosecuted.
Smoking cigarettes is banned in many public spaces in Singapore, with fines of up to SGD $500 for breaking these laws. Therefore, if you are a tourist travelling to Singapore with tobacco, it is important to follow the correct procedures and go through the red channel at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas of the airport premises.
Yes, tourists landing at Singapore Airport in possession of tobacco products must go through the red channel and declare these tobacco products.
Yes, it is mandatory for arriving travellers to pay taxes to bring in cigarettes and tobacco products.
You need to pay two separate taxes on cigarettes at Singapore customs: duty and GST.
If you fail to make an accurate and complete declaration of cigarettes, you can be fined and prosecuted in court.
