Pokemon Card Seizure at Changi Airport Sparks Malaysia Customs Warning

Pokemon Card Seizure at Changi Airport Sparks Malaysia Customs Warning

Singapore authorities seized over S$30,000 (US$23,000) in Pokémon cards at Changi Airport from a 25-year-old traveler who said he had nothing to declare, with the haul subject to Singapore’s 9% goods and services tax, minus limited import relief.

The case prompted Malaysia’s customs chief to clarify that almost all items brought into Malaysia are taxable, with only small duty-free allowances and a 1,000 ringgit exemption cap. Pokémon and sports cards count as playing cards and, above that limit, face 10% import duty, 10% sales tax and 10% excise duty, with “no loophole” for personal items. (Source: SCMP)