Taking Foreign Books and Such into Singapore

by C Erise
(France)

I am a Malaysian residing in France and will be travelling into Singapore soon. I will be bringing some old and new French books, and a couple of handbags(unbranded) which belong to my daughter who is studying there.

I would like to know if I have to pay taxes on foreign books and also what is the quantity of chocolates and cigarettes I can bring in. I will then leave Singapore by land to Malaysia.

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Taking Foreign Books and Such into Singapore

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Oct 26, 2009

Cigarettes Strongly Discouraged; Tax Relief of S$300
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi

Cigarettes are a Hassle

I suggest you forget about taking cigarettes into Singapore. In my opinion,

1. the duty on cigarettes is hefty, and

2. the declaration process too much of a hassle.

Tax Relief Up to S$300 for New Items

1. No tax is imposed on old/used items such as used handbags and old books.

2. Please ensure that the books bound for Singapore are NOT obscene or pornographic in nature, or you'll get stuck at customs.

3. For new items such as chocolates, new books and other souvenirs, you will not be taxed if:

a. the value of the items is no more than S$300, and

b. you have not been into Singapore in the 48 hours prior to your arrival.

Note:

The tax relief of S$300 applies to travellers to Singapore who are at least 18 years old. For travellers less than 18 years old, the maximum tax relief is S$100.