Over 4,600 Cases of Duty and GST Evasion Detected at Singapore Land Checkpoints

• Over 4,600 cases of duty and GST evasion detected at Singapore Land Checkpoints in 10 months
• Penalties totaling over S$1.4 million (US$1.03 million) were issued
• Almost S$14,200 in duties and GST was successfully recovered
• Authorities emphasize the importance of compliance among travellers, importers, and couriers
• Travellers and importers urged to declare and pay for overseas purchases truthfully
• 58 cases identified in October, with S$625 in duties and GST recovered and S$9,700 in penalties imposed
• Increase in instances involving homeware, furnishings, fashion, and personal accessories
• Customs and ICA officers subjected over 200 inbound cars and travellers to enhanced checks
• Various irregularities discovered, including undeclared luxury bags, night curtains, and smuggled cigarettes
• Penalties for fraudulent evasion of customs duty or excise duty can include fines up to 20 times the amount evaded or jail time
• Authorities committed to sustaining enforcement operations and collaborating with other government agencies
• Importers and travellers advised to perform advance declaration and payment for dutiable or GST goods
• All imported cigarettes and tobacco products in Singapore must adhere to standardized packaging requirements
• Failure to comply with customs and immigration laws may result in penalties and prosecution
• Singapore authorities have a zero-tolerance stance on illegal activities and conduct security checks to safeguard borders against smuggling activities.

Source: gutzy.asia

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

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