A 31-year-old Singaporean man declared that he had two trading cards at Changi Airport, but a search of his luggage uncovered 105 One Piece cards with an estimated total value of about S$400,000.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) disclosed the case on 6 November. The baggage check took place at Terminal 4 on 2 November.
Officers Spotted Something Unusual During Screening
ICA said officers directed the man to the baggage screening area and asked whether he had anything to declare. He said he was carrying two trading cards.
When officers screened his luggage, they noticed something unusual in one of his bags and carried out a thorough search.
They found 105 assorted One Piece trading cards, along with a luxury bracelet. ICA estimated the cards’ combined value at approximately S$400,000.
The case was referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Travellers Must Declare Goods Above Their Allowances
ICA reminded travellers to declare newly acquired items exceeding their duty-free concessions and Goods and Services Tax (GST) import relief, and pay the applicable duty or GST.
Anyone unsure should make a declaration at the Red Channel or the Singapore Customs Tax Payment Office.
Singapore Customs’ current guidance provides eligible travellers with GST import relief on up to S$500 worth of newly acquired goods for personal use if they have been abroad for two days or more. The allowance is up to S$100 for shorter trips.
The days are counted from the departure date to the day before the traveller returns. GST is payable on the value above the applicable allowance.
Goods brought in for commercial, business or trade purposes do not qualify for this relief.
