SINGAPORE: A new app will allow travellers to pay duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) for their overseas purchases before they arrive in Singapore, Singapore Customs announced on Wednesday (Jan 13).
Prior to this, travellers with goods purchased overseas that exceed their duty-free allowance or GST relief would have to declare and pay the GST for their goods at the Customs Tax Payment Office or a Self Service Tax Payment Kiosk at the arrival hall of the checkpoint in Singapore.
Once the payment has been made, the app will churn up an e-receipt that can be stored in the traveller’s mobile phone. On his arrival at the checkpoint in Singapore, the traveller can proceed to exit the checkpoint through the Customs Green Channel, without having to stop to declare and pay the duty/GST for the goods at the Customs Tax Payment Office.
When the traveller is stopped for checks at the channel, he can show the e-receipt in his mobile phone as a proof of tax payment to the inspecting officer.
A web application is also available for travellers who prefer to make the declaration and payment online through their own computers.
The mobile app also allows members of the public to provide tip-offs on suspected illegal cigarette peddling activities or submit a feedback to the authority.
