More than 81,000 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes seized at Changi Free Trade Zone

Singapore Customs has seized 81,750 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes at a warehouse unit within the Changi Free Trade Zone, according to an announcement made on Tuesday, August 18. The discovery took place during an inspection on June 9, when officers inspected a consignment declared as cigarettes under a transhipment permit destined for Mexico.

The cigarettes, found in cardboard boxes wrapped in black and green packaging, were suspected to be counterfeit, prompting officers to contact the respective trademark proprietors. These proprietors confirmed the cigarettes' illegality upon inspection. The seized cigarettes will be disposed of after the trademark proprietors have completed their infringement actions.

The Changi Free Trade Zone, a special economic area, allows for goods to be imported, stored, and re-exported without immediate payment of Goods and Services Tax. A Customs spokesperson emphasized that the agency does not condone the use of these zones for illicit activities and reiterated its commitment to enforcing customs regulations and protecting Singapore’s trade ecosystem.