Chinese online shopping platform Taobao has stopped selling passport covers featuring the State Crest of Singapore. As per the news website Mothership, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) confirmed the development.
Before the stoppage, the Alibaba-owned website sold the covers for about 138 yuan (S$26) in various colours such as black, red, and purple.
State Crest can only be used by government departments
Replying to queries from Mothership, The MCCY spokesperson said that the usage of the State Crest or the National Coat of Arms, is limited to government departments. This is as per the National Symbols Regulations 2023.
As per the National Heritage Board, “Private use of State Crest for advertisement or commercial purposes is prohibited by law. Approval must be sought for any other use of the State Crest except for the purposes of reporting news.”
