Singapore legislation

Section 14

Examination of packages

(1)

Any package, box, chest or other article in regard to which a reasonable suspicion exists that it is being, or is about to be, or has recently been, imported, exported, carried coastwise, shipped as ships’ stores, or transhipped in contravention of the provisions of any order, and which is in Singapore —

(a)

may be examined and searched by any authorised officer and may be detained until any person in charge thereof has opened it to admit of the examination and search;

(b)

may be broken open by or by order of a senior authorised officer to facilitate the examination and search:Provided that any person in charge of the package, box, chest or other article shall be afforded every reasonable facility for being present at the breaking open, examination and search; or

(c)

may be marked, locked, sealed or otherwise secured by any authorised officer pending examination and search.

(2)

Any person who removes, opens, breaks or tampers with any lock, seal or other means of securing any package, box, chest or other article, being a person not lawfully employed in accordance with subsection (1), shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.[15

Read in full context — Control of Imports and Exports Act →