Shopping In JB: 9 Illegal Items You Can't Bring Back From JB

Illegal items you cannot bring back from JB

For many of us, a quick getaway to Johor Bahru often ends with a satisfying haul of snacks, groceries, and souvenirs. While we already know that items like chewing gum are not allowed, you might be surprised to find out there are other things that are illegal to bring back from JB too. Case in point: recent stories of people having their bak kwa confiscated at customs have shed light on how strict the rules are.

Before you pack your shopping bags full of goodies from the supermarkets in JB, here’s a handy guide to things you might think are okay to bring back from JB – but are actually prohibited.

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Illegal items you cannot bring back from JB

What is the punishment for bringing prohibited items into SG?

The least severe punishment for bringing prohibited or restricted items into Singapore is typically confiscation, sometimes accompanied by a warning – particularly for first-time or minor offenders. In more serious cases with large quantities of banned products or repeat offences, fines can soar up to S$100,000, and offenders may face up to 5 years in prison, especially if there’s a suspicion they intended to sell the prohibited goods in Singapore.

It’s better to be safe than sorry to avoid even minor penalties, as Singapore takes biosecurity, public health, and environmental risks seriously. If you want to make sure everything you copped from JB can be brought home, you can always refer to the latest guidelines on the SFA website and the ICA website.

1. Bak kwa & processed meats

Image credit: Eatbook

Let’s face it, bak kwa is basically a Chinese New Year staple. But if you were planning to stock up on bak kwa for CNY, you might want to think again. It recently made headlines when the SFA announced that bak kwa from Malaysia is strictly prohibited from being brought into Singapore.

While you can bring in up to 5kg of bak kwa from approved countries like Japan and Australia, bak kwa from unapproved countries isn’t allowed due to concerns over African Swine Fever. This disease poses a risk to pigs and could potentially impact Singapore’s agricultural industry. So, while it might be cheaper in JB, it’s best to leave the bak kwa behind to avoid any issues at customs.

2. Fresh meat

Image credit: Evgeny Ermakov via Flickr

If you’re thinking of bringing back fresh chicken from JB’s wet markets, we hate to break it to you – it’s a no-go. Raw poultry, along with beef, mutton, and pork can only be imported from approved sources, and unfortunately, Malaysia isn’t on that list.

Singapore has strict regulations to ensure the safety and quality of food products, as unapproved imports can carry disease risks to the local population.

3. Free-range & processed eggs

Image adapted from: @purplecane_tea via Instagram

While supermarkets in Singapore sell kampung eggs from Malaysia, bringing free-range or processed eggs across the border yourself is prohibited. Some Singaporeans on Reddit have shared their stories of having to toss their delicious herbal tea eggs at the border. These biosecurity measures are in place to ensure eggs in Singapore remain safe from any possible contamination and diseases like salmonella.

However, you can bring up to 30 shell eggs from West of Malaysia.

4. Pet food containing meat

Pet owners, before you stock up on food and treats for your fur babies, think twice – not all pet food can be brought back to Singapore.

Image credit: @billiecavapoo via Instagram

Pet food containing meat might not meet Singapore’s safety standards and could end up being confiscated at customs. To bring such items back, you would need prior approval from AVS – a process that comes with its own costs and hassles.

If you’d still like to bring a present home for your pet, any meat-free or vegan treats are a safe and fuss-free alternative.

5. Pirated media & counterfeit goods

Image adapted from: egadolfo, TomFullum via iStock

We’ve all spotted those stalls selling knockoff bags and pirated DVDs, and as tempting as they may be, bringing them into Singapore is illegal. These counterfeit goods infringe on intellectual property laws, and getting caught can result in hefty penalties. The laws are strictly enforced to protect the rights of creators and industries from piracy and counterfeit trade.

6. Plants & seeds

For those with a green thumb hoping to snag some new additions for your home garden, getting them from JB isn’t an option.

Plants and seeds can carry pests and diseases that could wreak havoc on Singapore’s agriculture and ecosystems. Even ornamental plants like sunflowers and soil pose a risk.

The import of plants, seeds, and soil is regulated by NParks under the Control of Plants Act. While you can’t bring back living plants, soil, and seeds, there’s no harm in picking up pots, vases, or even fake flowers during your JB shopping spree.

7. Certain herbal remedies & traditional medicine

Before you purchase any sort of herbal remedies or traditional medicine in JB, make sure you check the ingredients list first. Some remedies contain ingredients like deer antler or rhino horn, which are banned in Singapore.

Image credit: Lucy Vigne via ResearchGate

While rhino horns are a well-known TCM ingredient for treating fever and relieving symptoms of arthritis, they are prohibited from being imported into Singapore. This aligns with the country’s commitment to protecting endangered species and complying with international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Similarly, deer antlers from endangered breeds like the Sambar deer are banned, despite their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. If you’re unsure, it’s best to avoid buying traditional medicine from sources that may contain prohibited ingredients.

8. Fireworks & sparklers

Image credit: @galacticfireworks via Instagram

Festive firecrackers and sparklers might be a hit during celebrations, but they are not worth the fines for bringing them into Singapore.

These flammable items are considered hazardous and can cause serious injuries or property damage, so they’re banned for safety reasons. It’s better to enjoy the fireworks at official events rather than risk trouble at customs.

9. Tobacco products & e-cigarettes

Although cigarettes in JB are cheaper, there are strict rules about bringing them into Singapore. You can only bring back cigarettes from JB if they have duty-paid stamps. Unmarked cigarettes and vapes are outright banned.

If the cigarettes you are bringing back were bought in Singapore, you’re good to go – just make sure each pack has the required duty-paid stamps to comply with local tobacco laws. Stick to the rules to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Play it safe when shopping in JB & avoid bringing in these prohibited items

Shopping in JB can be a great way to save money – just be aware of what you can and cannot bring back to Singapore. Avoiding a run-in with customs officers not only helps you avoid fines but also saves you from having to do the walk of shame into their office. So, shop wisely and leave those restricted items behind to enjoy your JB trips stress-free.

Other JB guides:

Cover image adapted from: @billiecavapoo, @leekumkeeusa via Instagram, Eatbook