Chee Hong Tat on Customs (Amendment) Bill

Custom officers will have new powers to conduct searches on those suspected of having committed custom offences. They can seize computers, devices and cash that might be connected to the offence. Auxiliary police officers will be allowed to search, arrest and seize illegal items in customs enforcement operations. Singapore Customs will have the legal power to require licensees to remove all dutiable goods from licensed warehouses before the expiry or withdrawals of their licences. Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat, who highlighted the key proposals in Parliament on Wednesday (Jan 8), said the amendments will enable Singapore Customs to carry out its regulatory and enforcement operations more effectively and strengthen the deterrent effect for offences. These efforts will ultimately strengthen Singapore's status as a trusted and thriving trade hub, he added.