More than 13,000 travellers have been fined for evading taxes across air, land and sea checkpoints since January. In total, 13,099 travellers were fined $3,471,043, said the Singapore Customs in a statement on Nov 15. This is almost double the number of 7,193 travellers caught over the same period in 2023, who were fined a total of $2,303,380.
In one case, during a bag inspection, officers discovered various undeclared luxury bags and accessories on a woman flying back from a business trip in London. The bags and accessories, which were intended as gifts, were from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Balenciaga. There were also Pop Mart toys, including Labubu figurines.
She was fined $5,000 and had to pay $3,963.69 in goods and services tax (GST) on the items. According to the Singapore Customs, the traveller admitted she was aware of the GST relief limits, but believed that only items for personal use required declaration.
Another case involved a woman who was intercepted at the Singapore Cruise Centre. The repeat offender was found with new and used gold jewellery intended for commercial purposes. She was fined $1,935 and had to pay $96.
95 in GST. In a third case, a man at Woodlands Checkpoint was couriering items on behalf of another person. He was questioned after a failed transaction at the self-help Customs Declaration Kiosk.
Officers discovered undeclared items in two vehicles. A further search uncovered several undeclared invoices. Photos.