Three categories of goods
Prohibited goods cannot be imported; controlled goods need the competent authority’s licence/authorisation; dutiable goods require the applicable customs treatment. ICA’s lists are non-exhaustive. Food, animals, medicine, telecommunications items and weapons can have different controls.
| Category | Examples from ICA |
|---|---|
| Prohibited | E-cigarettes/imitation tobacco; controlled drugs; obscene materials; specified concealed weapons |
| Controlled | Food; animals/plants; medicines; arms; communication equipment |
| Dutiable | Goods subject to customs/excise duty |
Red or green channel
Declare dutiable, controlled or prohibited goods at the Red Channel and produce relevant permits. Use Green only when there is nothing requiring declaration; baggage may still be checked. If uncertain, ask at Red. Without a required permit, an item may be retained pending the authority’s decision and a warehouse receipt issued.
Medicine and overseas remains
For prescription-only medicines, particularly sleeping pills, antidepressants and stimulants, carry a doctor’s prescription and check the applicable authorisation. Transferring human remains into Singapore requires the permit described in ICA’s guidance; register the overseas death abroad and make the relevant ICA report. Declaring an item does not make a prohibited import lawful.
Official ICA source
Written independently from ICA’s English original. The linked source supplies the complete document and subsequent updates.