International shopping has never been easier. With services like Buy&Ship, Singaporean consumers can now access thousands of online stores across the world—from Japan and Korea to the US and UK—at competitive shipping rates and reliable delivery speeds.
However, before placing your order, it’s crucial to understand what items are prohibited from shipping into Singapore. Failing to comply with Singapore’s import regulations could result in your parcel being delayed, confiscated, or even destroyed by customs.
In this article, we provide a complete and easy-to-understand guide on prohibited items, common shipping mistakes to avoid, and how Buy&Ship ensures your cross-border shopping experience stays safe, legal, and hassle-free.
Why Understanding Prohibited Items Matters
Whether you’re a first-time buyer on Amazon Japan or a seasoned Shopee Taiwan shopper, knowing what cannot be shipped to Singapore can:
- Prevent customs seizures
- Save shipping costs on undeliverable items
- Protect yourself legally
- Ensure smooth and fast delivery
At Buy&Ship, we prioritize transparency. That’s why we offer clear policies and real-time notifications to ensure you’re always informed throughout the shipping process.
Prohibited vs. Restricted Items: What’s the Difference?
Prohibited items are completely banned from importation into Singapore. These will be rejected or destroyed by customs, regardless of carrier or declaration.
Restricted items, on the other hand, may be imported only with prior approval, licenses, or permits from the relevant authority (e.g., Singapore Police Force, Health Sciences Authority).
In this guide, we focus mainly on prohibited items. For restricted items, we recommend contacting the appropriate agency or referring to Singapore Customs official site.
Commonly Prohibited Items When Shipping to Singapore
Here is a list of items that Buy&Ship will not ship to Singapore due to legal restrictions:
1. Weapons and Replicas
- Real or replica firearms (e.g., airsoft guns, BB guns)
- Knives, switchblades, and knuckle dusters
- Toy weapons resembling real arms
🚫 Tip: Even decorative swords or cosplay gear may be flagged if they appear too realistic.
2. Controlled Drugs and Supplements
- Narcotics, including cannabis products and CBD oil
- Prescription drugs without proper documentation
- Slimming pills and unregulated dietary supplements
🚫 Singapore has zero tolerance for drug-related items—even trace elements can lead to customs violation.
3. Explosives and Flammable Items
- Firecrackers, fireworks, and sparklers
- Spray paint, lighters with fuel, matches
- Power banks over legal capacity
🔥 These items are classified under dangerous goods and are strictly forbidden via air freight.
4. Perishable Food & Animal Products
- Fresh meat, seafood, dairy, or vegetables
- Homemade food items or open-packaged snacks
- Products containing bird’s nest, shark fin, ivory, etc.
🥩 Agricultural and animal-origin goods require strict permits, and many are outright banned.
5. Cultural or Inappropriate Content
- Pornographic materials or sex toys
- Obscene literature, videos, or illustrations
- Publications promoting racial/religious hatred
📚 Customs will flag any material deemed offensive under local law.
6. Currency and Precious Metals
- Cash exceeding SG$20,000 (or equivalent) without declaration
- Coins and banknotes from other countries
- Gold bullion or collectible currency without approval
💰 Monetary items are subject to tight financial regulations in Singapore.
7. Counterfeit and Copyright-Infringing Goods
- Replica handbags, branded clothing, or watches
- Fake software, DVDs, games, or electronics
- Unlicensed character merchandise (e.g., Disney, Hello Kitty)
⚖️ Importing fakes is a violation of Singapore’s IP laws and subject to criminal penalties.
How Buy&Ship Helps You Stay Compliant
At Buy&Ship, we understand that international shopping can be confusing. That’s why we’ve built a system that:
✅ Filters Prohibited Items
Our system checks declared product information to identify items that cannot be shipped to Singapore.
✅ Alerts You Before Shipment
We notify you via email and app if your item is flagged as non-shippable.
✅ Offers Pre-Shipment Cancellation
You can remove or forfeit prohibited items before consolidation, avoiding unnecessary shipping costs.
✅ Provides Local Customer Support
Our Singapore support team is on hand to help clarify regulations and suggest alternatives when your item is restricted.
Real-Time Tips to Avoid Mistakes
Here are some practical recommendations to help you avoid common errors:
- Always declare accurately: Don’t try to “hide” product names—this may delay processing.
- Check our Prohibited List before buying: Visit Buy&Ship Singapore Prohibited List.
- Avoid batteries and liquids: These are most often flagged by air cargo handlers.
- If in doubt, ask! Our support team is trained to assist with product eligibility.
What Happens if You Ship a Prohibited Item?
If your item is discovered to be on the prohibited list after arriving at our overseas warehouse, one of three actions may take place:
- Auto-forfeiture (item is disposed according to local laws)
- Return to sender (if store allows, at your expense)
- Blocked from consolidation (you’ll be asked to remove the item)
In all cases, Buy&Ship will notify you promptly.
Examples of Items Commonly Misunderstood
| Item | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Powder | ✅ Allowed | Must be factory-sealed & labelled |
| Alcohol | 🚫 Prohibited | Requires license, not supported |
| Facial Cleanser | ✅ Allowed | Must not exceed liquid quantity limits |
| Rechargeable Fan | ⚠️ Restricted | Battery limits apply—check before shipping |
| Knives for kitchen use | 🚫 Prohibited | Cannot import without license |
| Hand Cream | ✅ Allowed | Sealed, under 100ml each |
Final Thoughts: Ship Smart, Shop Smarter
Buying from overseas shouldn’t be a guessing game. With Buy&Ship, you can shop globally with peace of mind, knowing we’ve built safeguards and systems to help you stay compliant with Singapore’s import laws.
Remember—if something feels risky to ship, it probably is. Check with us, read our guidelines, and make informed decisions.
Stay Updated
Singapore’s customs regulations can evolve. To stay informed:
- Bookmark our Prohibited Items Page
- Follow us on social media for shipping tips
- Use the Buy&Ship app for real-time alerts and updates
Start Shopping with Confidence
With transparent pricing, global warehouse coverage, and professional support, Buy&Ship is your trusted partner in international shopping.