Travellers reminded to pay GST for overseas shopping

SINGAPORE — The authorities have issued a reminder to those returning to Singapore after their overseas trips to pay the applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their overseas purchases.

The reminder from Singapore Customs comes at the start of the year-end school holidays, when many Singaporeans will be heading overseas for family vacations.

All goods brought into Singapore by travellers are subject to 7 per cent GST, but those who spend 48 hours or more abroad will enjoy GST relief for goods valued up to S$600, while those away from Singapore for less than 48 hours will enjoy GST relief for goods up to S$150.

Travellers are required to pay GST on the value of their goods exceeding their GST relief.

There is no GST relief for liquor, tobacco products, petroleum and goods imported for commercial purposes, according to a statement from Singapore Customs, while failure to make a declaration of all taxable and dutiable items in a traveller’s possession constitutes an offence that could result in a fine and imprisonment.