Do I have to declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines at Singapore customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Singapore customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Singapore?

Under Goods and Services Tax, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1960, section 128L, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Customs Act 1960, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship narcotic and psychotropic medicines to Singapore instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.

Can I take narcotic and psychotropic medicines out of Singapore?

Singapore publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic and psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Singapore limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicines apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Singapore Customs states it in Travelling with medications to Singapore. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You must apply for approval if you intend to bring personal medications which contain controlled substances.”

How does Singapore compare with other countries on narcotic and psychotropic medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic and psychotropic medicines, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Singapore is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotic and psychotropic medicines can I bring into Singapore?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotic and psychotropic medicines into Singapore only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Travelling with medications to Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA)

Questions about Narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Singapore

Do I have to declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines at Singapore customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Singapore customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Singapore?: Under Goods and Services Tax, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1960, section 128L, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Customs Act 1960, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship narcotic and psychotropic medicines to Singapore instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.
Can I take narcotic and psychotropic medicines out of Singapore?: Singapore publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic and psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Singapore limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicines apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Singapore Customs states it in Travelling with medications to Singapore. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You must apply for approval if you intend to bring personal medications which contain controlled substances.”
How does Singapore compare with other countries on narcotic and psychotropic medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic and psychotropic medicines, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Singapore is among the ones that set a limit.

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Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances