Consumers waiting for Eco-Friendly Cigarettes to Arrive LEGALLY

Smokers all over the world are bound to want to try out this new buzz of eco-friendly cigarettes. While the proper modes of distribution is still in question, there is indeed some of them on the way. But the question is, how can they legalize its entry into local ports without getting caught by the authorities.

Apparently, distributors are trying to avoid the taxes and licenses to earn more profits. However, if they get caught, penalties are bound to be applied and perhaps they were better of complying with the actual requirements for properly distributing their product.

Upon conviction by the court, first-time offenders of cigarette smuggling can be fined up to a maximum of 20 times the amount of duty evaded. For second or subsequent convictions, offenders can be jailed for up to two years, as well as being fined. The offenders also face further fines based on the amount of GST evaded.

The vehicles used in the commission of such offence are also liable to be forfeited.

Singapore Customs warns that buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with contraband cigarettes are serious offences under the Customs and GST Acts.

The public are strongly advised not to buy duty-unpaid cigarettes. For possessing a packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes, an offender may face a minimum fine of $500 or prosecution in court.

(Source) AsiaOne News

[tags]singapore_customs, first_time_offenders, contraband_cigarettes, cigarette_smuggling, smokers, prosecution, conviction, convictions, possession, buzz, ports, profits, authorities, modes[/tags]