A returning Singaporean traveller was on Nov 2 referred to the Singapore Customs, after $400,000 worth of One Piece trading cards were found in his baggage.

In a social media post on Friday (Nov 6), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said its officers at Changi Airport Terminal 4 had directed the 31-year-old man to the baggage screening area.

He was then asked if he had anything to declare.

Despite being in possession of 105 pieces of One Piece trading cards, the man said he was only in possession of two pieces of trading cards.

During the subsequent screening, anomalies were found in one of the bags and a thorough check was carried out by ICA's search and examination officers, where ICA officers found 105 pieces of assorted One Piece trading cards and a luxury branded bracelet.

According to ICA, the cards have an estimated value of about $400,000.

In this case, the 31-year-old Singaporean man was referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.

ICA reminded travellers to declare and pay duty and/or GST on newly acquired items, that exceed the duty-free concession and GST import relief. 

Singapore residents who are away for 48 hours or more can receive GST import relief of up to $500 of the total value of goods, while those who are away for less than that period can receive relief of up to $100.

GST is calculated based on the amount that exceeds the relief.

Those who are unsure should proceed to make a declaration at the Red Channel or at the Singapore Customs Tax Payment office.

Failing to declare or making an incorrect declaration of non-dutiable goods may result in fines of up to 20 times the GST amount. 

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editor@asiaone.com 

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