Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Singapore customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of Singapore?

Singapore publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Singapore limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 Importing or exporting wildlife and endangered species. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “This step is not required if you are hand-carrying one or more CITES-listed species as personal effects. However, CITES permits are still required for personal effects imported via hand-carry.”

How does Singapore compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Singapore is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into Singapore?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products 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
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

Importing or exporting wildlife and endangered species Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), National Parks Board
National Parks Board (NParks) Singapore Customs

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in Singapore

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Singapore customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Singapore customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of Singapore?: Singapore publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Singapore limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 Importing or exporting wildlife and endangered species. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “This step is not required if you are hand-carrying one or more CITES-listed species as personal effects. However, CITES permits are still required for personal effects imported via hand-carry.”
How does Singapore compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Singapore is among the ones that set a limit.

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