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New app to pay tax in advance for travellers to Singapore

Xinhua, January 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Travellers to Singapore can now declare and pay duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) via a new app before they arrive at the checkpoint in Singapore, said Singapore Customs on Wednesday.

The Customs@SG mobile app is designed to provide travellers with greater convenience, according to Singapore Customs. With the Customs@SG mobile app, travellers no longer need to make a stop at the Customs office or kiosk to make payment. They can use the app to make an advance declaration and pay the duty and/or GST before they arrive 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 as a proof of tax payment.

A web application is also available for travellers who prefer to make the declaration and payment online through their own computers.

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.

Besides duty/tax declaration and payment, the Customs@SG mobile app also has other features such as a Tip-Off module, which allows members of the public to provide tip-off on suspected illegal cigarette peddling activities. Endit