Singapore to USA Shipping: Prohibited and Restricted Items [2025]
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If you are shipping from Singapore to the USA in 2025, it’s important to understand the difference between prohibited items and restricted items.
Prohibited items are completely banned and cannot be shipped under any circumstances. Restricted items, on the other hand, may be shipped if you follow the correct procedures, such as obtaining permits or meeting packaging regulations.
To help you check your shipment instantly, we created the JustShip AI Shipment Review Tool. It quickly tells you if your items are safe to send or if they need special documentation before shipping.
At JustShip, we handle thousands of shipments from Singapore to the USA every year. This guide combines the latest rules from both Singapore Customs and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), helping you avoid delays, confiscations, or fines when sending parcels from Singapore to the USA.
Quick Reference Table: Prohibited & Restricted Items
Category | Example Item | Status | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Meat/Dairy | Bak kwa, mooncakes with egg yolk | Prohibited | Meat and egg products are not allowed |
Agricultural | Fresh fruit, raw seeds | Prohibited | Risk of pests and plant diseases |
Herbal Medicine | Products containing rhino horn or tiger bone | Prohibited | Banned under CITES |
Hazardous Goods | Aerosol sprays, paint, perfumes with alcohol | Prohibited | Classified as dangerous goods |
Lithium Batteries | Power banks, loose batteries | Restricted | Must meet IATA packing guidelines |
Supplements | Health capsules with restricted ingredients | Restricted | May require FDA clearance |
Cultural Items | Antique artifacts, rare stamps | Restricted | May need export permits |
Prohibited Items When Shipping from Singapore to the USA
1. Meat & Agricultural Products
- Bak kwa, beef jerky, mooncakes with egg yolk
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts in raw form
- These items pose biosecurity risks and are prohibited by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations.
For more on sending food overseas safely, see our Guide to Shipping Food Overseas from Singapore.
2. Animal Products
- Anything containing ivory, rhino horn, or other endangered species parts (even if processed)
- Certain traditional Chinese medicines fall into this category
3. Hazardous Materials
- Flammable liquids, paints, perfumes with alcohol, aerosol cans
- Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) and IATA classify these as dangerous goods
4. Counterfeit & Pirated Goods
- Branded bags, shoes, or electronics that infringe trademarks
- U.S. Customs actively seizes such goods
5. Electronics Violating FCC Rules
- Radio transmitters, GPS jammers, or frequency devices not compliant with U.S. standards
Restricted Items When Shipping from Singapore to the USA (Allowed with Proper Clearance)
1. Medicines & Health Supplements
- Vitamins and over-the-counter products shipped from Singapore are generally fine, but herbal remedies with restricted plant or animal derivatives may need permits.
- Regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
2. Lithium Batteries & Electronics
- Allowed only if properly packaged and compliant with airline regulations.
- Some couriers apply stricter rules, so always confirm. See our Electronics Shipping Guide for details.
3. Cultural & Historical Artifacts
- Antique statues, rare coins, and artworks exported from Singapore.
4. High-Value Goods
- Gold, diamonds, and high-end watches are allowed but require detailed declaration for insurance and customs.
Singapore-Specific Surprises
Many Singapore-based shippers are caught off guard by these bans:
- Bak kwa: Common festive gift here, but banned in the USA due to meat content.
- Certain mooncakes: Any with salted egg yolk or meat.
- Herbal teas & tonics: Some contain restricted herbs.
- Aerosol beauty sprays: Considered dangerous goods.
Penalties & Risks
If your shipment violates these rules:
- From Singapore Customs: Possible fines, goods seizure.
- From U.S. Customs: Goods may be destroyed without compensation, and your recipient could be fined.
- Your courier may also impose return-to-sender fees.
Tips for Compliant Shipping
- Double-check both sides: Singapore Customs for export rules and U.S. CBP for import rules.
- Use the JustShip AI Shipment Review Tool: Get instant, free checks for your item list
- Be truthful: Declare goods accurately to avoid heavier penalties.
FAQs
Q: Can I send packaged food from Singapore to the USA?Yes, if it is commercially packaged, non-perishable, and contains no meat or egg products. See our Overseas Food Shipping Guide for more information.
Q: Can I ship vitamins from Singapore to the USA?Yes, but check if they contain restricted herbal ingredients.
Q: Are lithium batteries allowed?Yes, if they are built into the device.
Final Thoughts
Shipping from Singapore to the USA in 2025 is straightforward if you know the rules. Before you send anything, use the JustShip AI Shipment Review Tool to check your items for free. It quickly tells you if your shipment is safe to send to the USA.
