What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.

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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?

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

How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into Singapore?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances into Singapore only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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 Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in Singapore

Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at Singapore customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Singapore customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of Singapore?: Singapore publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Singapore limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Singapore is among the ones that set a limit.

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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 Narcotic and psychotropic medicines