Process for Larger Quantities of Food Detained

Process for Larger Quantities of Food Detained | Singapore Government Singapore Food Agency

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Step 1: Decide if you want to engage an agent

A local freight forwarding operator will know the requirements for import permits.

You may choose to engage an agent to apply for an import permit or do so on your own. You can find a list of local freight forwarding agents on the Singapore Customs website or the SingPost letter. You can also refer to the Singapore Customs website if you wish to apply the import permit on your own.

Step 2: Prepare the supporting documents

You will need to submit the following when you apply for your import permit:

a copy of the invoice for the food to be imported
a letter of undertaking by the applicant

The letter of undertaking should state your intention clearly i.e. to import the food for your own consumption and not to sell the food.

Step 3: Determine the HS and Product Codes for your food or food products

When applying for the permit, you will need to declare each food item accurately using the correct HS codes and Product Codes.

You can use our Product Code Search Tool to find the relevant codes.

Step 4: Submit your application

Permit declarations can only be done by declaring agents registered with Singapore Customs. Engage a Declaring Agent to submit the application together with the supporting documents for you through the Networked Trade Platform (NTP) or Tradenet.

There are no fees charged by SFA and Singapore Customs for import permits to import goods for private consumption. Declaring agents typically charge a service fee.

When submitting, use this number 99999990000C when prompted to enter the UEN so that the food items will be consigned to the permit applicant as an individual and not consigned to a local company.

Step 5: SFA reviews your application

1 working day

Your permit will be processed within 1 working day. Once your permit is processed, a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) will be issued.

You can obtain a copy of the CCP from the Declaring Agent and produce it when your goods go through customs or are detained by Customs, ICA, or Singapore Post.

Note

If your postal parcel has been detained by Singapore Post, you can request its release by emailing a copy of the CCP and the notification letter that you have received from Singapore Post to g-dps@singpost.com. Once your request is processed, Singapore Post will deliver the parcel to you within 2-3 working days.

Process for Larger Quantities of Food Detained

Singapore Food Agency

Why should import permits be obtained?

Does this mean I can bring in any food items as long as I have an import permit?

Can I bring in rice from my overseas travels?

Does the import permit allow travellers to sell the food or food products?

What happens if travellers do not have an import permit?

How do travellers apply for an import permit?

Note

Last Updated 28 May 2026