{
  "id": "medical/hsa-controlled-meds-import",
  "signature": "AI tells a traveler they can freely bring personal medication into Singapore",
  "signature_zh": "",
  "regex": "(singapore.*medication|singapore.*medicine|singapore.*prescription|hsa.*import|controlled.*drug.*singapore)",
  "domain": "medical",
  "category": "legal_restriction",
  "subcategory": null,
  "root_cause": "Singapore restricts import of many medicines. Personal medication is generally allowed up to about 3 months' supply with a prescription, but controlled drugs (e.g., codeine, sleeping pills, some psychotropics and stimulants) require prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Some products legal elsewhere are banned.",
  "root_cause_type": "generic",
  "root_cause_zh": "",
  "versions": [
    {
      "version": "any",
      "introduced": null,
      "deprecated": null,
      "removed": null,
      "behavior_change": null,
      "status": "active"
    }
  ],
  "os_specific": {},
  "dead_ends": [
    {
      "action": "Bring controlled medicines (codeine cough syrup, sedatives, stimulants) into Singapore without HSA approval",
      "why_fails": "Controlled drugs require an HSA import authorisation in advance; bringing them without it can mean seizure and prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act.",
      "fail_rate": 0.75,
      "condition": "",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.hsa.gov.sg/personal-medication"
      ]
    },
    {
      "action": "Carry more than the personal limit without a prescription",
      "why_fails": "Personal supply is generally capped (about 3 months) and must be supported by a prescription; excess or undocumented quantities are stopped at customs.",
      "fail_rate": 0.55,
      "condition": "Over personal limit or no prescription",
      "sources": []
    }
  ],
  "workarounds": [
    {
      "action": "Carry up to about 3 months' supply with a prescription/doctor's letter and apply to HSA in advance for any controlled medicine.",
      "success_rate": 0.85,
      "how": "Check the HSA list; for controlled drugs apply for approval before travel and keep medication labeled with documentation.",
      "condition": "",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.hsa.gov.sg/personal-medication"
      ]
    },
    {
      "action": "Declare medicines at customs if you are unsure.",
      "success_rate": 0.8,
      "how": "When in doubt, declare; officers can advise and it avoids accusations of smuggling.",
      "condition": "",
      "sources": []
    }
  ],
  "workarounds_zh": [],
  "transition_graph": {
    "leads_to": [],
    "preceded_by": [],
    "frequently_confused_with": []
  },
  "official_doc_url": null,
  "official_doc_section": null,
  "error_code": null,
  "verification_tier": "ai_generated",
  "confidence": 0.8,
  "fix_success_rate": 0.83,
  "resolvable": "true",
  "first_seen": "2024-01-01",
  "last_confirmed": "2026-06-14",
  "last_updated": "2026-06-14",
  "evidence_count": 3,
  "tags": [],
  "locale": "en",
  "aliases": [
    "medical/hsa-controlled-meds-import/sg"
  ]
}