Infectious Diseases Act 1976 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 5 · Prevention of International Spread of Infectious Diseases
42. Power to inspect merchandise, etc., on board vessel
Feedback & supportLast amended by an amending law of 2023. 2 amendments in all.
The Director-General of Public Health, the Director-General, Food Administration or a Port Health Officer may inspect and examine any articles, merchandise, baggage or cargo, on board any vessel, which are in his or her opinion contaminated or likely to be contaminated.
Director-General
“Director-General” means the Director‑General of Public Health appointed under section 3(1) of the Environmental Public Health Act 1987;
The Director-General of Public Health, the Director‑General, Food Administration or the Port Health Officer may order any contaminated articles, merchandise, baggage or cargo found on board the vessel to be —
Port Health Officer
“Port Health Officer” means any Health Officer in charge of a port and includes his or her deputies and assistants;
seized and treated or disposed of in the manner that he or she thinks fit; and
prohibited from being unloaded or stored in Singapore.
Any person who fails to comply with an order of the Director‑General of Public Health, the Director‑General, Food Administration or the Port Health Officer under subsection (2) or hinders or obstructs the execution of that order shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
Director-General, Food Administration
“Director-General, Food Administration” means the Director‑General, Food Administration appointed under section 3(1) of the Sale of Food Act 1973;
Any articles, merchandise, baggage or cargo to which the order relates may be confiscated, treated or disposed of at the discretion of the Director‑General of Public Health, the Director‑General, Food Administration or the Port Health Officer.
baggage
“baggage” means the personal effects of a traveller or of a crew member of a vessel;