Don’t even think of taking these prohibited items to Singapore

There are things that you can bring and prohibited items that you should not ever bring when going to another country. The same rule applies to Singapore.

Singapore has one of the strictest laws when it comes to these items. 

Never take the risk of thinking that you can get away. 

Singapore customs are incredibly meticulous and diligent in ensuring no stones are left unturned.

So what are items that you should not bring? 

Drugs

Let’s start with the one of the most obvious prohibited items, drugs.

Like many other countries in the world, Singapore prohibits drug trafficking, sales and usage. The country has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal narcotics.

While many countries are looking for alternative ways to deal with drugs, Singapore still believes that the death sentence will serve as a deterrent. 

The only outcome you can expect when caught with illegal narcotics is a mandatory death sentence.

Furthermore, this applies to your prescriptions as well. Though you might not get hanged, you risk a hefty fine.

So to avoid all the hassle, make sure to carry your prescription. If your medication contains potent narcotics such as Diazepam, get prior approval from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.

Weapons, ammunition and explosives

Firearms and explosives are a big no-no in Singapore. The hangman’s gallery is the only destination for you if caught with it.

Furthermore, carrying a cool-looking pistol-shaped cigarette lighter can land you in trouble because it is one of the prohibited items. The list also includes a toy gun. 

In that list, the Singaporean authority included kitchen knives, blades (all forms), empty cartridge shells and handcuffs (regardless of use), crossbow, knuckleduster, Ninja Star, catapult and slingshot.

However, if you have an import license or authorisation from the relevant authorities, you can bring these items to Singapore.

Cigarettes/ eCigarettes

A pack of cigarettes in Singapore will cost you RM 50. Yes, it is expensive. It is priced in such way to deter people from smoking. 

You have no choice but to buy them in Singapore if you are a chronic smoker.

However, if you think of bringing a pack from outside, a hefty fine awaits you. Some say an open packet is allowed, but why take the risk?

The fine for smuggling a pack of cigarettes is SGD 500. Don’t even think about smuggling a carton, as it might land you in jail.

You also cannot bring eCigarettes into Singapore because it is one of the prohibited items.

Shisa is also a prohibited item in Singapore. You are not allowed to import, sell or buy Shisa. So, stick with perfume and shawarma if you visit the Arab street in Singapore.

Other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco are also prohibited.

Chewing Gum

Well, this might sound lame for many of us, but Singapore authorities view chewing gum as a serious offence.

The Singapore government banned chewing gum in 1992 after one chewing gum incident brought the whole SMRT trains to a halt.

Rumour has it; that you will get caned for chewing gum in Singapore. However, it is not true.

Nevertheless, you may face a hefty fine for importing and possessing chewing gum.

Yet, you can still get dental and medicated gum if you have a prescription.

Firecrackers

Another prohibited item in Singapore is firecrackers. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small pop pop or 100 feet firecrackers.

The Singaporean government imposed a partial ban on firecrackers in March 1970 after a fire killed six people and injured 68. 

An explosion in August 1972 killed two people. That led to a total ban.

According to Singapore’s law, a person guilty of importing, selling, or distributing fireworks shall face a prison term of up to two years and caning up to six strokes.

Obscene publications, videotapes, videodiscs and software

According to the Singapore Statutes, the word “obscene” is anything that tends to “deprave and corrupt persons” who are likely to see or read the materials.

If you naively brought a Playboy magazine for the toilet reading, you might still walk away. But if you intend to sell it, then be prepared for a fine.

However, you don’t have to worry because there are plenty of adult entertainment stores in Singapore. (sorry, we are not providing a link)

Exotic Animals

No matter how much you miss your pet iguana, never bring it to Singapore. 

In Singapore, it’s illegal for anyone to own, breed or sell exotic species of amphibians, lizards or reptiles without a licence.

Furthermore, you also cannot bring any form of products derived from the body of such animals, be it meat or hair.

Singapore takes exotic animal smuggling seriously to protect its ecosystem and biodiversity. 

Liquor Products

Let me explain. This prohibition only applies to those arriving from Malaysia.  

Malaysians, travellers and crew members arriving from other destinations are entitled to duty-free concessions.

You must be 18 years old or older and have spent 48 hours outside Singapore. Most importantly, the liquor is for your consumption.

You can find more items on this Singapore Customs page which lists the prohibited items.