What not to bring into Singapore, and what is taxed

Leave e-cigarettes and vapes at home: they are illegal in Singapore, and cigarettes have no duty-free allowance at all.

E-cigarettes and vapes

Vaporisers (e-cigarettes, vapes) are prohibited imports. Since 1 May 2026, buying, using or having one is punishable by a fine of up to S$10,000, under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.
Importing vaporisers carries mandatory imprisonment of up to 9 years, and a fine of up to S$300,000 can be added.
Foreigners found with one have it seized and are issued a composition fine. Short-term visitors caught again are banned from re-entering Singapore, and foreigners convicted of offences are deported after their sentence and barred from returning.

Cigarettes and tobacco: no duty-free allowance and no GST relief. Every pack you bring in is taxed, even packs bought in a Singapore duty-free shop. Packs must be in Singapore's standardised packaging, or they are disposed of at the checkpoint. Declare and pay on the Customs@SG web application or at the customs kiosks.
Alcohol is duty-free only if you are 18 or over, have been outside Singapore for at least 48 hours, are not arriving from Malaysia, and it is for your own use. Choose one of these:

Spirits Wine Beer

A 1 L 1 L
B 1 L 1 L
C 1 L 1 L
D 2 L
E 2 L

Soju counts as spirits, and sake as wine. More than 10 litres needs a customs permit.

Goods bought abroad, gifts and souvenirs included, are free of GST up to S$500 if you have been outside Singapore for 48 hours or more (S$100 if less). Alcohol and tobacco are not covered. Your own used belongings are not counted.
Chewing gum is a prohibited import, apart from dental and medicinal gum approved by the Health Sciences Authority.
Medicines: up to 3 months' supply, in the original labelled packaging, with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. Some ingredients (controlled drugs and psychotropics) need HSA approval first: apply at least 2 weeks before you arrive. You may not carry medicines for anyone but immediate family.
Cash: carrying more than S$20,000 (or the same in other currencies) in or out of Singapore must be declared online within 72 hours before you travel, through the e-727 e-Service, the MyICA app or after your SG Arrival Card. Not declaring can mean a fine of up to S$50,000, up to three years in prison, or both.

Read 2026-10-02. The law and its penalties change; the official pages are the authority.