Singapore to regulate blind boxes and trading cards without forcing sellers to open sealed packs: Shanmugam

Singapore does not intend to require sellers to open blind boxes or trading card packs before selling them, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said on 7 May, as the government develops regulations targeting gambling-related risks linked to such products.

In a written parliamentary response to Workers’ Party MP Kenneth Tiong, Shanmugam said authorities were seeking safeguards that would “mitigate the gambling inducement risk of blind boxes” without effectively banning them.

“We do not intend to require the sellers of blind boxes, of trading cards or otherwise, to open the sealed boxes and sell the contents as individual items. This would effectively ban blind boxes,” he said.

Tiong asked what regulatory measures were being considered for sealed trading card game (TCG) products and whether forcing retailers to open packs before sale was among the options under review.

He also asked what consultations had been conducted with TCG retailers, collectors and youth-serving organisations as part of the regulatory process.

Blind boxes are sealed packages containing unknown items, typically collectable figurines, toys or trading cards, which buyers only discover after purchase and opening.

Authorities have increasingly scrutinised such products because of concerns that the randomised rewards resemble gambling mechanics and may encourage addictive purchasing behaviour, especially among young consumers.

Growing market and concerns

According to market researchers, the global blind box toy market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 6.5 per cent between 2025 and 2033, with the Asia Pacific region expected to record the fastest expansion.

The popularity of blind boxes has surged in recent years as more brands and retailers adopt the sales model across toys, gaming merchandise and collectables.

However, community groups and youth advocates have raised concerns over the normalisation of repeated spending behaviour associated with mystery-based purchases.

Critics have also warned that the format may expose younger consumers to gambling-like impulses by encouraging repeated purchases in pursuit of rare or limited-edition items.

The MHA previously said it would provide further details on planned blind box regulations around mid-2026.

Shanmugam said on Thursday that the government is currently engaging industry stakeholders on the proposed rules, including businesses linked to trading card games.

“Any proposed safeguard will need to be proportionate to the gambling inducement risk of the product,” he added.