Red/Green Channels

When you arrive in Singapore, you must use the correct channel to declare your goods. The Red and Green Channels help speed up customs clearance while ensuring that dutiable, taxable, controlled or prohibited goods are properly declared. Use this page to check which channel to use and what to do at each channel.

A visual guide to help travellers decide whether to use the Green or Red Channel when arriving in Singapore.

Download the Infographic in [PDF, 2.7 MB] to view the linked resources.

When to use the Red Channel

Use the Red Channel if you are carrying dutiable, taxable, controlled or prohibited goods.

Go to the Red Channel if you are carrying:

• Dutiable goods above your duty-free allowance or goods exceeding your GST relief

• Controlled, restricted or prohibited items

What to do at the Red Channel

At the Red Channel, you must:

1. Inform the customs officer of all declarable goods.

2. Present controlled goods together with the required permits or authorisation forms.

3. Present a valid Customs import permit if you are carrying any of the following (including but not limited to):

   • More than 0.4 kg of cigarettes or tobacco products

   • More than 10 litres of liquor

   • More than 10 litres of motor fuel in spare containers

   • More than 0.5 kg of investment precious metals

   • Goods for commercial purposes where GST payable exceeds S$300

   • Trade samples (excluding liquor and tobacco) with a value above S$400

Help with Permits and Declarations

If needed, you may engage:

• A local freight forwarder, or

• A TradeNet Declaring Agent to assist with permit applications

Declaring Agents may use the Generic UEN 99999990000C for individuals importing goods for non-commercial purposes.

For details, refer to Customs Circular No. 11/2014.

Need more information?

• View Types of Import Permits

• Call (+65) 6355 200

• Submit an enquiry via the Customs Documentation Enquiry Form

When to use the Green Channel

Use the Green Channel if you do not have any goods to declare.

Use the Green Channel if you do not carry any declarable goods.

Customs officers may conduct random checks at the Green Channel.

You must still declare:

• Goods exceeding your allowances, and

• Goods carried on behalf of others

Failure to declare may result in fines or prosecution.