Singapore Customs

[SAVE THE DATE: 12th Joint Industry Outreach Seminar on Strategic Trade Management]

Mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss! The annual Joint Industry Outreach Seminar on Strategic Trade Management will be held in Singapore on 29 Oct 2024 (Tue).

This year, we’ll be featuring government and private sector speakers who are world-class experts on strategic trade and export control matters. Other than sharing regulatory updates, they will be speaking on compliance challenges and current threats, as well as best practices and due diligence examples.

So here’s your chance to get the inside scoop as you hone your knowledge in this domain. Stay tuned for more details!

The seminar is brought to you by Singapore Customs, together with the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

[Murky motives clear as glass]

On 31 July and 5 August 2024, Singapore Customs conducted operations at Woodlands Avenue 12 and Jurong Port Road. Two Singaporean men, aged 38 and 49, as well as three Indian nationals, aged 26, 29 and 39, were arrested.

A total of 4,480 cartons and 35,838 packets of duty-unpaid ci******es, hidden among a consignment of glass blocks, were seized. A truck allegedly used to transport the duty-unpaid ci******es, was also seized. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to $873,889.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-aug-12-mr

Happy 59th Birthday, Singapore!

[Beware of IMPERSONATION SCAMS!]

Singapore Customs has been alerted to a recent impersonation scam.

A member of the public received a purported ‘Ownership Certificate of Deposit’ document that FALSELY bears both the Singapore Customs logo and the signature of our Director-General.

The document was NOT sent by Singapore Customs.

We take a serious view of such impersonation incidents as they undermine public trust in Singapore Customs. We therefore urge the public to be vigilant against such scams.

Should you receive suspicious documents by email, a good precaution is to always scrutinise the sender’s email address.

Official email addresses under Singapore Customs contain the domain .gov.sg.

We will NOT send official correspondence from personal email accounts such as Gmail or Yahoo.

When in doubt, you can always contact Singapore Customs at [email protected] regarding any correspondence you receive from us.

You can also check out more information on how to protect yourself against Customs-related scams at: https://go.gov.sg/scam-advisory

[14th TSWGC Meeting, 23-28 Jul 2024 in Singapore]

Hosted by Singapore Customs, the 14th Technical Sub-Working Group on Classification (TSWGC) Meeting brought together classification experts from the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS). They deliberated on the latest developments in Harmonised System (HS) classification and reviewed the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN). Timor Leste participated as an observer.

The AHTN plays a crucial role in facilitating trade among AMS – by setting a consistent and uniform interpretation in goods classification. The Meeting’s discussion of the AHTN thus affirms ASEAN’s continuous collaboration in this area.

Participants’ active exchange of insights and experiences also covered the evolving landscape of HS classification, emerging technologies and international best practices. Such breadth and depth of topics further underscored the Meeting’s commitment towards constant improvement – which in turn, would lead to enhanced overall efficiency, interoperability and data quality across the ASEAN region.

[Busted at Peninsula Plaza!]

On 25 July 2024, Singapore Customs officers raided a shop and seized eight cartons and 126 packets of duty-unpaid ci******es, plus 2,363 sticks of duty-unpaid cheroots.

A male Myanmar national was arrested for allegedly peddling the duty-unpaid to***co products from the shop. A female Myanmar national is assisting with investigations. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded is more than $5,000.

Officers also found chewing to***co and an assortment of unregistered health products in the shop. The case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigations.

[Not a wise move…]

On 11 July 2024, Singapore Customs conducted an operation at Gul Circle and arrested four men - three Singaporeans, aged 33, 47 and 49, and a Malaysian, aged 34, for duty and tax evasion.

The men were transferring boxes from a lorry to a van behind it. A total of 3,968 cartons of duty-unpaid ci******es were seized, along with the lorry and van. An additional van was also seized. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to $430,019.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-jul-16-mr

[Singapore-India AEO MRA Joint Validation Visit, 2 – 4 Jul 2024]

Singapore Customs is working with our counterparts from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, India, on a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) that will be beneficial to our Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) companies when exporting to India.

We hosted a joint validation visit for the Indian delegation and made good progress on the MRA negotiations. During the onsite visits, both customs administrations had the opportunity to observe first-hand and discuss the validation procedures of AEO to determine the compatibility of Singapore’s and India’s AEO programmes.

Once implemented, our AEOs’ exports will be recognised as being lower risk in India and enjoy a more seamless clearance process.

Visit https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/customs-schemes-licences-framework/secure-trade-partnership-stp/ if you are wondering how your business can be AEO certified.

[143rd/144th Sessions of World Customs Organisation Council (WCO), 27 – 29 Jun 2024 in Brussels, Belgium]

Director-General (DG) of Singapore Customs, Mr Tan Hung Hooi, led the Singapore Customs delegation at the 143rd/ 144th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council Sessions.

Other than taking stock of the implementation progress of the WCO Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the Council Sessions also endorsed the WCO Modernisation Plan and the Resolution on Strengthening Customs-Industry Resilience.

The Heads of Delegation of Customs Administrations re-elected Mr Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, as the Council Chairperson for the Financial Year 2024/2025.

[Inaugural Sri Lanka Strategic Trade Forum, 26 Jun 2024]

In end-June, Singapore Customs participated in Sri Lanka’s first-ever Strategic Trade Forum. Held in Colombo, the Forum was a platform to foster discussions and collaborations with other administrations on strategic trade management.

During the panel discussion on “Strategic Trade Management: Genesis Stories and Best Practices”, Singapore Customs shared our experiences and insights which could be useful for countries in the region that are developing their own strategic trade management regime.

[A Stretch Too Far]

On 25 and 27 June 2024, Singapore Customs conducted operations at Depot Lane and Pandan Avenue and arrested three Singaporean men, aged 26, 27 and 43.

A total of 7,500 cartons of duty-unpaid ci******es, discovered among consignments of stretch film, were seized. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to $812,788.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-jul-2-mr

Penny Wise; Pound Foolish?

Singapore Customs, together with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), conducted joint operations during the June Holidays at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints. We checked over 100 vehicles and screened 600 travellers entering Singapore.

Besides detecting cases involving duty-unpaid goods and attempted GST evasion, it was also an opportunity for our officers to directly engage arriving travellers on their responsibility to make accurate and complete declarations for dutiable and taxable goods they bring in. Check out the top three notable cases we detected!

[Meeting between Singapore Customs and UAE Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing on 25 Jun 2024]

Director-General of Singapore Customs, Mr Tan Hung Hooi, warmly welcomed H.E. Ambassador Jamal Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, and H.E. Hamid Al Zaabi, Director-General of the UAE Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing along with his delegation.

Both sides discussed their robust whole-of-society approaches to combating money laundering and terrorism financing. They emphasised the importance of close cooperation among government bodies, the private sector, and international counterparts to effectively tackle the transnational threat of trade-based money laundering.

All travellers coming into Singapore must make accurate and complete declarations for the dutiable and taxable items in their possession.

To avoid hefty penalties for not doing so, use the Customs@SG Web Application (https://m.customs.gov.sg/CustomsTravellerPortal) to conveniently declare and pay for your dutiable or GST goods in advance - up to 3 days prior to arrival.

[BEWARE OF SCAMS!]

Singapore Customs has been alerted to a recent impersonation scam.

A member of the public received documents FALSELY attributed to our Director-General, Mr Tan Hung Hooi, and FALSELY bearing our Singapore Customs logo. The documents also asked for monetary payments for the release of goods.

We take a serious view of such impersonation incidents as they undermine public trust in Singapore Customs.

Singapore Customs does NOT demand payment for the release of goods. Thus, even if they carry the Customs logo, any letters or documentation you receive with instructions to make payment to other parties are likely to be fake.

We urge the public to be vigilant against such scams. Take the following precautions should you receive any suspicious document, especially from people you do not know:

- Do not follow the instructions and do not make any monetary payments if you are unable to verify that the sender is indeed a Singapore Customs official.
- Do not open any file attachment in the email or other digital platform as the content may be malicious.
- Do not provide your name, NRIC number, passport details, contact details, bank account or credit card details, or other personal details to the sender.

When in doubt, you can always contact Singapore Customs at [email protected] regarding any correspondence you receive from us.

More information on how to protect yourself against Customs-related scams can be read at: https://go.gov.sg/scam-advisory

[Quartet caught in the act]

On 7 June 2024, Singapore Customs conducted an operation at Tuas View Crescent, where 1,740 cartons of duty-unpaid ci******es (DUC) were seized. Four Malaysian men aged 27 to 42, who were involved in the transfer of the illicit goods between a lorry and a van, were arrested.

The lorry and van were also seized, and the DUC's total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about $188,241.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-jun-12-mr

[33rd Meeting of ASEAN Directors-General of Customs: Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Innovation]

From June 4 to 6, 2024, the 33rd Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs took place in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Mr. Tan Hung Hooi, the Director-General of Singapore Customs, attended this significant event, which gathered Customs Heads from ASEAN Member States to discuss key advancements and collaborative initiatives.

The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of various work plans under the following:
- Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation Working Group
- Customs Enforcement and Compliance Working Group
- Customs Capacity Building Working Group
- ASEAN Single Window Steering Committee
These discussions aimed to enhance customs procedures, strengthen enforcement, build capacity, and advance the ASEAN Single Window initiative.

Participants also engaged with the World Customs Organisation Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, and Dialogue Partners from Australia, China, Japan, and Korea. Key topics included green customs, artificial intelligence, technology, and innovation, with sessions held both virtually and in-person.

Additionally, the meeting underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in facilitating secure trade. Consultation sessions with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, US-ASEAN Business Council, and EU-ASEAN Business Council highlighted the strong commitment of ASEAN Customs administrations to work closely with the private sector.

The 33rd Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs reaffirmed the region’s dedication to innovation, security, and efficient trade facilitation, showcasing the collective efforts to drive progress and prosperity in ASEAN.

[Not quite food products…]

On 30 May 2024, Singapore Customs mounted an operation following a referral from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), who had detected a consignment of goods containing duty-unpaid ci******es and liquor declared as food products.

A 53-year-old male Singapore Permanent Resident was arrested during the operation conducted at Serangoon North Avenue 1. A total of 24 cartons and four packets of duty-unpaid ci******es and 52 bottles of duty-unpaid liquor were seized.

The man had allegedly found the overseas seller on an online shopping platform and then contacted the seller directly to order the duty-unpaid goods for his personal consumption.

The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about $4,320.

Investigations are ongoing.

You can get fined for not declaring items bought or received overseas. Here’s what else you need to know when travelling. If you don’t know what to declare and pay GST for.

[A Not So Lucky Trio]

On 23 May 2024, Singapore Customs conducted operations at Woodlands Link and Woodlands Industrial Park E9 and arrested three Indian nationals, aged 20 to 39.

5,450 cartons of duty-unpaid ci******es and cash amounting to $26,404 were seized. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about $590,626.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-may-28-mr

[Beware of IMPERSONATION SCAMS!]

Singapore Customs has been alerted to a recent impersonation scam.

Contacted via a WhatsApp message, a member of the public received a document FALSELY attributed to our Director-General, Mr Tan Hung Hooi. This FORGED document, which also FALSELY bears our logo, was asking for a payment fee for goods clearance.

We take a serious view of such impersonation incidents as they undermine public trust in Singapore Customs. Do note that Singapore Customs also does NOT demand payment for the release of goods – let alone send official correspondence via social messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

We urge the public to be vigilant against such scams. Take the following precautions should you receive suspicious text messages, especially from people you do not know:

1. Ignore the text message and do not follow the instructions if you are unable to verify that the sender is indeed a Singapore Customs official.
2. Do not open any file attachment as the content may be malicious.
3. Do not provide your name, NRIC number, passport details, contact details, bank account or credit card details, or other personal details to the sender.

When in doubt, you can always contact Singapore Customs at [email protected] regarding any correspondence you receive from us.

More information on how to protect yourself against Customs-related scams can be read at: https://go.gov.sg/scam-advisory

[Regional Strategic Interdiction Table-top Exercise, 13 – 14 May 2024]

Singapore Customs co-hosted the Exercise together with two United States (U.S.) agencies – namely the U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security Program and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Comprising government officials from Singapore, Malaysia and the U.S., participants had the opportunity to examine and discuss case studies related to strategic goods together.

Through such first-hand and in-depth engagements with our partners to keep abreast of the latest challenges and enforcement strategies, we are also reaffirming our commitment towards advancing regional trade security.

[Tile-tale signs of illicit stash]

On 6 May 2024, Singapore Customs conducted operations at Serangoon North Avenue 4 and Gul Circle. One male Singaporean and two male Malaysians, aged between 24 and 42, were arrested. In total, 6,470 cartons of duty-unpaid ci******es, along with a car and lorry used for transportation were seized. The duty-unpaid ci******es were found concealed in a consignment described as floor tiles. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about $701,166. Investigations are ongoing.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-may-10-mr

[BEWARE OF SCAMS!]

Singapore Customs has recently learnt of a scam incident.

A member of the public received a document FALSELY bearing the Singapore Customs logo as well as a request to pay a sum of money for the “release” of a parcel allegedly being held for clearance.

TAKE NOTE!

Singapore Customs does NOT demand payment for the release of goods. Any form of letters with Customs logo you receive with instructions to make payment to other parties are also likely to be fake.

We would also NOT send official correspondence from personal email accounts or other unofficial email domains.

PROTECT YOURSELF NOW!

1) VERIFY the Source: Authenticate all communication claiming to be from Singapore Customs. When in doubt, contact Singapore Customs at [email protected] to verify the authenticity of any correspondence you have received from Singapore Customs.

2) BEWARE of Unsolicited Requests: Exercise caution with unexpected requests for money or personal information.

3) CROSS-CHECK Information: Confirm details directly with Singapore Customs through official channels.

4) REPORT Suspicious Activities: Notify the Police immediately if you encounter scams impersonating Singapore Customs.

Keep INFORMED; stay VIGILANT - and together, let's COMBAT scams!

Click the link for more information on how to protect yourself against Customs-related scams: https://go.gov.sg/scam-advisory

[BEWARE OF SCAMS!]

Singapore Customs has recently learnt of a scam incident.

A member of the public had received “payment request” from Singapore Customs for declaration/documentation/inspection and freight.

TAKE NOTE!

Singapore Customs does NOT demand payment for the release of goods. Any form of letters with Customs logo you receive with instructions to make payment to other parties are also likely to be fake.

We would also NOT send official correspondence from personal email accounts or other unofficial email domains.

PROTECT YOURSELF NOW!

1️)VERIFY the Source: Authenticate all communication claiming to be from Singapore Customs. When in doubt, contact Singapore Customs at [email protected] to verify the authenticity of any correspondence you have received from Singapore Customs.

2️)BEWARE of Unsolicited Requests: Exercise caution with unexpected requests for money or personal information.

3️)CROSS-CHECK Information: Confirm details directly with Singapore Customs through official channels.

4️) REPORT Suspicious Activities: Notify the Police immediately if you encounter scams impersonating Singapore Customs.

Keep INFORMED; stay VIGILANT - and together, let's COMBAT scams!

Click the link for more information on how to protect yourself against Customs-related scams: https://go.gov.sg/scam-advisory

Get your copy today!

Stay connected with the latest updates from inSYNC!

In this last issue of inSYNC, we take a moment to recognise the remarkable efforts of our officers in building relationships with both traditional and new partners. We also emphasise our ongoing dedication to promoting fair and secure trade, sharing insights into our most recent enforcement outcomes.

As we say goodbye, keep in touch with us for future updates and insights on our website and social media pages. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Read more here: https://go.gov.sg/insync-issue71

[Not Quite Clearing the Trash…]

On 23 Apr 2024, Singapore Customs conducted an operation at Sungei Kadut Street 1 and arrested three Singaporean men and one Malaysian man, aged 23 to 39.

2,952 cartons of duty-unpaid ci******es concealed in black trash bags were seized, along with the van, prime mover and bowser involved. The total duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about $319,914.

Read our latest media release for more information: https://go.gov.sg/2024-apr-26-mr

[Conference on Strategic Trade Management in Free Trade Zones, 15 - 18 April 2024]

The Conference in Singapore brought together representatives from various countries and regions.

Over four days, the participants discussed the effective implementation of strategic trade management in free trade zones, with the aim of fostering closer collaboration in Southeast Asia. They had in-depth engagements by sharing challenges and best practices, as well as approaches for enhancing strategic trade management in the region.

Singapore Customs co-organised the Conference with the European Union’s Partner-to-Partner Export Control Programme for Dual Use Goods, the U.S. Export Control and Related Border Security, U.S. Department of Energy and World Customs Organisation (WCO).