Can I bring DVDs, CDs & software media to Singapore ?

[GanShy]

Hi
I will soon be relocating to Singapore on a permanent basis.
I have been told by friends that it is not allowed to bring in music CD's, movie DVDs and Software CD/DVDs into Singapore.

I understand the laws again pirated copies, but I have a whole collection of legally purchased music and movies that I was hoping to bring with me. I have also licensed copies of software I use on a regular basis which I would want to have as back up of the software that is on my computer

Can CDs/DVDs/Software really NOT be brought into Singapore?

Thanks for your advice on this.
Warm regards

[Saint]

No problem at all to bring legal DVD/CD/Software etc, as long as they aren't on the banned list

[GanShy]

Thanks much for the answer.

I quickly looked over the Singapore Customs web site & saw that there is a specific line stating that it is prohibited to import: "Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software".
It also states that it is prohibited to import: "Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes".


On another site, I saw that it was mentioned that if Customs agrees to allow you to import DVDs, there will be a 3$ cost for every 30 minutes of viewing that Customs officers will need to review DVDs to ensure there are no issues before they permit them to be released.

The upshot seems to be that for every DVD I have already legally purchased, I either risk them being confiscated and destryoed or if they are allowed, will need to pay at least 6$ additional surcharge (assuming a movie is at least 2 hrs long) to bring into Singapore.

I understand the need to prohibit pornography and of course illegal pirated copies of movies, but the above rules seem to indicate that import of all DVDs and software are prohibited or strongly discouraged!

Is above correct, or have I completely misinterpreted the law?

I can't believe that everyone who relocates to Singapore has to dispose of their movie collection before coming!

Thanks much for any clarification.
Cheers

[pakjohn]

I had similar concerns about my recorded media prior to moving to Singapore. Between my wife and I, we have a laundry basket full of movie, data and video discs.

We took a chance and shipped them all over and had no issue. (No pirated software or porn in the group, but many were recorded at home and labeled vaguely)

[GanShy]

Thanks for the info.
Sounds like you were lucky. Good for you!

I asked the Moving Company this morning if they had any advice since the DVDs would be included in the packing list if I shipped it out.
They have now gone to their local rep in Singapore for advice.

I will post back what they say.....

cheers

[ukdesigner]

I brought with me back-ups (basically copies of the original discs) and the original discs with me when I came here. No-one even asked or looked.

As long as you don't bring in porn or banned material then you'll be fine. I also shipped over copies of discs and dvd's (all work, not porn or films) and again they didn't even look.

The stuff on the website I reckon is mainly scare tactics. However I think some people provide a list of the DVD's that they bring over and give that to the shipping agent to act as a double check. They say they can open every DVD and charge you so much for checking but it's rarely done from what I hear. Just be sensible.

Mostly you won't get bothered with software, as long as they're originals. I only brought copies along just in case something happened to the originals. Bearing in mind I brought over over 50 discs in my hand luggage that's alot. Plus I also brought over 2 hard drives and shipped over 2 hard drives full of work and my music and imagery etc etc. I wasn't stopped at customs for anything I brought over, but then again that might be luck.

If you're unsure if it'll be legal (they don't sell the UK FHM here as I think it's too raunchy or something) then don't bring it.