Singapore prohibits moist snuff

Embassy of Sweden, Singapore highlights an upcoming change in Singaporean law, which will affect the Scandinavian’s who consumer smokeless tobacco, or so called ‘snus’: The import of snuff to Singapore becomes prohibited on 1 August, 2016.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is banning emerging tobacco products as a pre-emptive measure to protect public health against the known and potential harms of such products. This will be done via the Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations made under Section 15 of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.

The ban is being implemented in two phases, where the second phase (with effect from 1 August 2016) – is a ban on emerging tobacco products existing in the local market. This is to allow for businesses to adjust their operating models and deplete their existing stocks of such products. These products include:
Nasal snuff
Oral snuff
Gutkha, khaini and zarda

The ban is part of the ongoing enhancements to existing tobacco control efforts in Singapore. Besides protecting the public from the health risks associated with the consumption of emerging tobacco products, the ban is aimed at ensuring that the targeted emerging tobacco products do not gain a foothold or become entrenched in the Singapore market. The ban will prevent these products from stimulating demand for and thereby increasing the prevalence of tobacco consumption. It will also prevent such products from becoming “gateway” or “starter” products for non-smokers, writes MOH.

In the current situation it is not forbidden to import snuff to Singapore. However, one must pay duty on what you bring in, no matter how small the quantity of man with himself.

Snuff is classified under HS Code 2403.99.40. During this Code classified all kinds of smokeless tobacco, “snuff” is among the products specifically mentioned. Goods with the specified code number is toll of SGD 388 per kg.

Customs Agency information to travellers is available at Singapore’s customs authority website.