Travellers arriving back to Singapore will now have a lower GST relief, starting from 12am on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
This was announced by the Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat in the Budget 2019 Statement.
In a joint press statement, Singapore Customs and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) said that travellers who spend less than 48 hours outside Singapore will get GST relief for the first SGD100 (instead of SGD150 currently) of the value of goods. Travellers who spend at least 48 hours outside Singapore will get GST relief for the first SGD500 (instead of SGD600 currently) of the value of goods.
The authorities noted that the revision in GST import relief limits is made to ensure that Singapore's tax system continues to remain resilient, amid rising international travel.
On arrival in Singapore, travellers carrying goods with values exceeding their GST import relief are required to declare the goods and make payment for the required GST. They can also make an advance declaration and payment of GST using the Customs@SG mobile app or web portal.
Failure to declare or making an incorrect declaration can result in a fine up to SGD10,000 or the equivalent of the amount of tax payable, whichever is greater, and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months. Those found guilty of fraudulent evasion of GST will be liable to a fine up to 20 times the amount of tax evaded and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years.