Any Import tax in Singapore?

[profjohn]

One quick question, if I actually travel to Sg and carry with me watches bought overseas, will I be required to declare these to Sg customs or pay any import taxes? I have often worn my cheap Omega SMP and kept in my bag, one or two Rolex watches the past few times I flew into Sg. If Singaporeans buy expensive watches overseas that are not worn on their wrists (say with a few new ones in hand luggage) do they have to declare these or pay tax?

[jarren]

yes. taxable.

any items bought from overseas are subject to 7% tax if the value of the item exceeds S$800. that's my understand and i believe it apply for local only. hope that helps.

[sys12345]

Has there been a revision? The last i remembered was any value exceeding SGD400.00.

[PamDino]

any items bought from overseas are subject to 7% tax if the value of the item exceeds S$800. that's my understand and i believe it apply for local only. hope that helps.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I think is anything above S$400.

Dino

[Darkangel]

One quick question, if I actually travel to Sg and carry with me watches bought overseas, will I be required to declare these to Sg customs or pay any import taxes? I have often worn my cheap Omega SMP and kept in my bag, one or two Rolex watches the past few times I flew into Sg. If Singaporeans buy expensive watches overseas that are not worn on their wrists (say with a few new ones in hand luggage) do they have to declare these or pay tax?

Yes..if I am not wrong

[wedgehammer]

if you've been away from singapore for 48 hours or more, anything above SG$300 will be subject to GST... link: http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/tr...oncessions.htm

for internet purchases/postal parcels, anything above SG$400 (inclusive of insurance and freight charges aka shipping charges) will be subject to GST... Link: http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=93&secid=91#gst

[profjohn]

thanks

That sounds awful. I guess I have to make sure that I only bring one or two watches at a time and ensure they show signs of wear and ship back the boxes and papers separately if I return home for holiday.

[kee_on_rolex]

That sounds awful. I guess I have to make sure that I only bring one or two watches at a time and ensure they show signs of wear and ship back the boxes and papers separately if I return home for holiday.

would it be ok if only buying a rolex watch overseas AD and bring back Sg? Do i need to declare at the custom also?

[profjohn]

Wear whatever you buy on your wrist and post the box and papers home. That is the best solution. In most countries, they exempt jewellery and watches from import tax - not sure about Sg.

[116520]

Normally they wouldn't catch you for bringing a BNIB Rolex into sg. Usually thyey catch cig, DVDs, drugs, etc...
Unless you're bringing 10 rolex into sg, if not, I think you're fine...

One way to go round this is to bring in your stuff as "used".. remove the bracelets, stickers.. bring boxes separately or on another trip

[profjohn]

You're right 116520, they want to catch people with alcohol, cigs and drugs. The duty on this is very high.

Last April, I went home to Sg for Easter, I was stopped and they asked me if I have any thing to declare, I said no. In my suitcase was the box, receipt and papers for my LV I was bringing to safekeep with my parents. They x-rayed my suitcase and just said 'THANK YOU', but in my hand carrier was the actual watch! They didn't even x-ray my hand luggage!

[116520]

I believe even they x-ray your hand luggage and even they "see" the watch in it, they will not be bother... trust me... one they don't care.... like backseat never wear seat belt, TP see also don't really care... they have the right to fine you... but normally they don't care unless you get caught for other offends and they will put that as extra charge... always like that one...

You're right 116520, they want to catch people with alcohol, cigs and drugs. The duty on this is very high.

Last April, I went home to Sg for Easter, I was stopped and they asked me if I have any thing to declare, I said no. In my suitcase was the box, receipt and papers for my LV I was bringing to safekeep with my parents. They x-rayed my suitcase and just said 'THANK YOU', but in my hand carrier was the actual watch! They didn't even x-ray my hand luggage!

[williamsgl]

One way to go round this is to bring in your stuff as "used".. remove the bracelets, stickers.. bring boxes separately or on another trip

What I do when I purchase a watch from oversea...get the shop to ship the box back and declared as box (it worked). As for the watch, I just put it in my jeans pocket (No need to re-size and wear it). At the Sin custom, they scan your bags but they don't scan you. That was how I brought my bro and mine GMTIIc and Daytona back. Boxes arrived a week later.

[profjohn]

The customs officer actually asked me very rudely, any cigarettes / liquor to declare, not if I have anything to declare for GST. I showed him the wine I bought duty free at Changi. For so many yrs, I've been travelling home, I was never stopped - just the one time. Probably because my parents said I seemed to look angry, and it was because some passenger behind me irritated me and I didn't get any sleep at all. Must be because of my face, always look very happy and put on a smile when you arrive then they know you won't have anything to hide.

[Reborn]

I hope no customs officer reading what you are saying here

One way to go round this is to bring in your stuff as "used".. remove the bracelets, stickers.. bring boxes separately or on another trip

Otherwise....