Over $1.42m in penalties imposed for evasion of duties and GST at land checkpoints
More than $1.42 million in penalties was imposed after 4,669 cases of travellers and importers evading duties and goods and services tax (GST) were found at Singapore’s land checkpoints from January to October.
The total amount of duty and GST recovered came up to $14,190.67 for these cases, said Singapore Customs on Thursday.
The authorities found that cases involving homeware and furnishings, as well as fashion and personal accessories, are on the rise. About 28 per cent of cases found in recent operations are from these categories, while tobacco-related cases make up half of the cases.
In 2022, there were 34 cases found involving homeware and furnishings, and fashion and personal accessories. But, in the first 10 months of 2023, 88 such cases were found at checkpoints.
In its operations at the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints in October, Singapore Customs, together with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), found 58 cases and recovered $624.45 in duties and GST, the statement said. A total of $9,700 in penalties was imposed.
During these operations, customs and ICA officers directed more than 200 cars and travellers for enhanced checks.
A work permit holder failed to declare 10 sets of night curtains in his vehicle which were intended for commercial use. The amount of GST involved was $60.40, and he was given a penalty of $600.
A woman was found with two undeclared luxury bags, which amounted to about $57.65 in GST. A penalty of $575 was imposed.
Those who are involved in any fraudulent evasion of, or attempt to fraudulently evade, any customs duty or excise duty may be fined up to 20 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, or jailed for up to two years.
A Customs spokesperson urged all travellers and importers, including couriers, to use the Customs@SG web application to declare and pay for their overseas purchases truthfully, including goods carried for or on behalf of other people.
Those intending to pay for their dutiable and taxable items upon arrival may do so at the Customs Tax Payment Office at the various checkpoints.
They may consult Singapore Customs officers at the Customs Tax Payment Office if they are unsure about the applicable GST import relief entitlements or duty-free allowances.
Since July 1, 2020, all cigarettes and other tobacco products imported into, sold, offered for sale or distributed in Singapore must comply with the standardised packaging requirements. Cigarettes or tobacco products that do not comply with requirements will be disposed of at the checkpoints.
The public can call the Singapore Customs hotline on 6355 2000 or refer to https://go.gov.sg/customs-guide-for-arriving-travellers for more details.
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