When you saw this post on Facebook, you must have burst into flames from anger.
How dare they ask us to declare face masks and sanitizers when our lives are at risk!
Well, as with everything on the internet, you should have taken it with a pinch big bowl of salt.
Asked to Declare Masks & Sanitisers
As you can see, the image says “Please declare ALL FACE MASKS and SANITISERS at customs counter. He also shared another image of a receipt which shows that S$25.20 GST (Goods and Services Tax) was charged for bringing in seven boxes of face masks.
Hong criticized the government for their lack of sympathy.
So, how could this possibly be a mistake?
Singapore Customs Responds
On Monday (17 Feb), the Singapore Customs said that no extra restrictions have been imposed on face masks and hand sanitisers brought into Singapore.
Angry reader: That doesn’t explain the image of the declaration!
Oh yes, about that. A customs spokesperson clarified that the sign depicted in the Facebook post was put up at the Singapore Cruise Centre in response to a “surge in the number of ferry passengers hand-carrying sizeable quantities of surgical masks and hand sanitisers into Singapore”.
You see, many travellers had quantities of masks and sanitisers with values in excess of their GST import relief thresholds or which were for commercial purposes. And these people were stopped at the baggage screening area and turned back to the Customs service counters for GST payment.
So, the sign was actually put up to help travellers.
Angry reader: I don’t believe you. How?
Well, it was to remind travellers to make their GST payments first before proceeding for customs clearance, so as to minimise inconvenience and help expedite their clearance at the Singapore Cruise Centre.
But “the intent was misconstrued” in that Facebook post, of course.
Angry reader: Uh, okay, fine… but that doesn’t explain the receipt!
Now, Mr Angry, take a chill pill first.
Taxed Due to Commercial Purposes
Well, as for the receipt, Singapore Customs said that it was a separate incident.
They explained that the person was charged S$25.20 GST at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal because the goods were for commercial purposes and thus, no import GST relief was given to him.
Angry reader: But I’m sure he didn’t buy that many mas-
Actually, the person bought S$360 worth of N95 and surgical masks and therefore was charged with 7 per cent GST that is S$25.20 as indicated on the receipt.
Angry reader: Oh
Yes.
Angry reader: Wait, you mean that there was a logical and rational explanation for everything and that I have nothing to be angry about?
That’s what I’m saying, yes. However, if you need to buy masks, you should know that there are some retailers out there who have raised the prices of masks just to make a profit.
Angry reader: HOW DARE THEY, I’M FURIOUS!
You just like being angry, don’t you?
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Angry reader: I think I have a problem.The chill pill didn’t work.