Laws
Control of Imports and Exports Act
s 21

In force1985 Revised EditionCurrent version · 1985 Revised EditionSee versions on Singapore Statutes Online(opens the publisher’s site)

Contents

Control of Imports and Exports Act

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IPreliminary

6 sections earlier

9Seizure of goods in certain cases
10Forfeiture
11Forfeiture of goods to include packages, etc.
12Disposal of forfeitures
13Powers in relation to vessels, aircraft and vehicles
14Examination of packages
15Powers in relation to examination of goods
16Power to remove packages and goods to police station or examination station
17Search of persons and baggage
18Search warrants
19When search may be made without a warrant
20Powers of authorised officers to enter on certain premises
21Powers of arrest and search
22Obstruction
23Penalty for false declarations, etc.
24General powers to call for information as to goods
25Information not to be published or disclosed
26Abetment and attempts
27Jurisdiction
28Sanction to prosecute required
29Power of Minister to remit penalties and restore goods seized or forfeited
30Conduct of prosecution
31Offences by corporations and liability for acts of agents or employees
32Protection of informers
33Saving of rights of Government

Control of Imports and Exports Act · 1985 Revised Edition

21. Powers of arrest and search

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Official textFrom Singapore Statutes Online, unchanged

An authorised officer may arrest without warrant any person whom he has reason to believe to be committing or to have committed an offence, and may search any person so arrested (provided that no woman shall be searched except by a woman and with due regard to decency) and may seize any article which he considers it necessary to seize in relation to the evidence necessary to establish the commission of any such offence.[22

authorised officer

Defined · s 2

“authorised officer” means —(a)any senior authorised officer;(b)any officer of customs within the meaning of the Customs Act;(c)any police officer;(d)any officer or class or description of officer appointed by the Minister by notification in the Gazette to exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed on an authorised officer by this Act;

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Terms defined in s 2

authorised officer
Defined · s 2
“authorised officer” means —(a)any senior authorised officer;(b)any officer of customs within the meaning of the Customs Act;(c)any police officer;(d)any officer or class or description of officer appointed by the Minister by notification in the Gazette to exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed on an authorised officer by this Act;
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offence
Defined · s 2
“offence” means an offence under this Act and includes any contravention of any order declared to be an offence by any such order;
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Control of Imports and Exports Act · s 21

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Singapore Statutes Online · Control of Imports and Exports Act, 1985 Revised Edition. Reader record updated on 2 Aug 2026.

Singapore legislation is Government copyright, used with the permission of the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Check Singapore Statutes Online for the latest version.

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