Birthday cakes, money bouquet among undeclared goods found at Singapore checkpoints

Singapore authorities seized a variety of undeclared goods, including cigarettes, tobacco products, liquor, birthday cakes, and money bouquets, during a recent multi-agency enforcement operation at checkpoints between September 22 and September 28. Sixty travelers were caught for not declaring and paying taxes on these items, leading to a total duty and GST evasion of S$7,810 (US$6,100).

The operation resulted in nearly 13,000 travelers and 350 vehicles being checked, with over 14,000 pieces of luggage and hand-carry bags scanned or searched. The authorities emphasized that travelers are responsible for accurately declaring all goods exceeding their duty-free concession and GST import relief during their online declarations up to three days before arrival or through customs declaration kiosks upon arrival.

Non-compliant products will be disposed of at checkpoints. Additionally, seven travelers were caught bringing cash exceeding S$20,000 without declaration, with fines and potential imprisonment for those found guilty of fraudulently evading duty or GST.