Counterfeit Goods → 🇸🇬 Singapore

Full details

Counterfeit Goods import prohibited. Quantity guidance for Singapore: Any quantity prohibited under Trade Marks Act 1998; ICA/Singapore Customs seize even single items. Documentation: No permits available; Singapore Customs seizure notice issued. Enforcement in Singapore carries fines from SGD 10,000 to SGD 500,000 and imprisonment up to 20 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act 1960 s.130; Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. Because counterfeit goods is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by Singapore Customs; when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Singapore with counterfeit goods is a separate question: prohibited — Counterfeit goods are unlawful to export from Singapore — trademark and customs law applies on departure as well as arrival, and carriage risks seizure and fines.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

Leaving Singapore with counterfeit goods

Exporting counterfeit goods from Singapore is unlawful under trademark and customs legislation — counterfeits are contraband in both directions, and customs authorities seize them at exit as well as entry. Travellers carrying obviously fake branded goods (even for personal use) risk confiscation universally and fines in many jurisdictions; the EU, US, and others also seize inbound personal counterfeits. Market purchases of imitation goods should be assumed seizable at any border crossed.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-08-22