CarryRules

Can I bring switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives to Singapore?

Official classification
Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives

Prohibited

You cannot bring switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives into Singapore.

Carried Not allowed
Declaration Required — surrender
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

Questions about Switchblade and gravity knives in Singapore

Can I bring switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives to Singapore?
switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives may not be brought into Singapore at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Source: Singapore Customs — Guideline on Prohibited, Controlled and Non-Regulated Items · verified 2026-09-19

Do I have to declare switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives at Singapore customs?
There is nothing to declare — switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

Source: Singapore Customs — Guideline on Prohibited, Controlled and Non-Regulated Items · verified 2026-09-19

What happens if I do not declare switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives 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.

Source: Singapore Customs — Goods and Services Tax (Imports Relief) Order 1994 (2026 Revised Edition) · verified 2026-09-20

Can I post or ship switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives 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.

Source: Singapore Customs — Goods and Services Tax (Imports Relief) Order 1994 (2026 Revised Edition) · verified 2026-09-20

Can I take switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives out of Singapore?
Singapore publishes no separate rule for taking switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Singapore limit for switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives apply per person or per family?
Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Source: Singapore Customs — Guideline on Prohibited, Controlled and Non-Regulated Items · verified 2026-09-19

Where does this rule come from?
Singapore Customs states it in Guideline on Prohibited, Controlled and Non-Regulated Items. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

Source: Singapore Customs — Guideline on Prohibited, Controlled and Non-Regulated Items · verified 2026-09-19

How does Singapore compare with other countries on switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives?
Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit switchblade, gravity, ballistic and butterfly knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. Singapore is among the strictest.