What You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Live Poultry, Livestock & Live Animals

Expand all

Step 1: Ensure you are eligible

Before you register to export or tranship live poultry, livestock or live animals, you need to fulfil some general requirements. For instance, registration with ACRA is mandatory, and your UEN must be activated with Customs.  

In addition, you must also set up a GIRO arrangement with SFA.

For more details, see Requirements for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export.

Step 2: Ensure the live poultry/livestock/live animal meet the requirements of the destination country/region

The destination country/region will require you to:

For Export & Transhipment

register your establishment or farm (e.g. by submitting a registration form and undergoing a site inspection by the importing authority of the country/region)
vaccinate and test your live poultry, livestock, or live animals before exporting or transhipping them
obtain an import entry permit from the importing country/region so that your live poultry, livestock, or live animals can enter the destination country/region

For Export only

provide a declaration from a veterinarian on the health status of your live poultry, livestock, or live animals
undergo inspection by SFA before exporting
obtain a Veterinary Certificate from SFA

As import requirements vary from different countries/regions, it is advisable to check with the destination country/region before you apply for this licence.

Step 3: Ensure your live poultry/livestock/live animals meet SFA’s export/ transhipment requirements

Export

export your live poultry, livestock or live animals within 30 days from the date of issuance of the licence
obtain a valid Veterinary Certificate, if required by the destination country/region, before exporting.
Ensure that the live poultry, livestock or live animals is also exported within the validity date of the Veterinary Certificate.
obtain an import permit from the destination country/region if required
obtain a signed declaration issued by the veterinarian (employed or engaged by the farm), detailing vaccination and health status of your live poultry, livestock, or live animals before exporting
obtain a Customs Clearance Permit for each export consignment
have the live poultry, livestock or live animals inspected where they are kept by SFA before exporting

Transhipment

tranship your live poultry, livestock or live animals within 30 days from the date of issuance of the licence
obtain an import permit from the destination country/region if required
undergo border control inspection by the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ)

Live poultry from bird-flu-affected countries/regions are not allowed to transit via Singapore. Only livestock from approved countries/regions are allowed to transit via Singapore. Refer to our FAQs for more information.

Step 4: Gather the required information and supporting documents

Log into the GoBusiness portal and view details of the Licence to Import/Export/Tranship Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics for the information and documents required for your licence application.

Step 5: Submit your licence application

Provide the required information and attach the supporting documents before submitting your application.

You should obtain your licence before applying for the Veterinary Certificate.

Step 6: Make payment

You can make payment using GIRO, AXS or GoBusiness. For more information, refer to  Payment Modes.

Cost: $87
Processing time: 2 working days for complete submissions

As licence validity period is 30 days for each consignment, you must complete the next steps and export/tranship your goods within this 30-day period.

Expand all

Step 1: Apply for Veterinary Certificate (for exports only)

If the destination country/region requires a Veterinary Certificate (VC), you must obtain one from SFA. VCs are only issued for exports and are not available for transhipment.

You will need to prepare the required supporting documents such as a signed declaration issued by the veterinarian (employed or engaged by the farm), detailing vaccination and health status of your live poultry, livestock, or live animals.

For details on VCs and how to apply, see Veterinary Certificate.

Step 2: Gather the supporting documents

You will also need to submit the following supporting documents when applying for your CCP:

Veterinary Certificate (if needed by destination country/region)
manufacturer’s declaration
ingredient list
invoices
bill of lading/airway bill

For more information on the documents required, go to Export Procedures for exporting goods and Transhipment Procedures for transhipping good s.

Step 3: Apply for a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP)

You must apply for a CCP through TradeNet for each consignment. You may refer to the Types of Transhipment Permits for transhipment movements which require a transhipment permit. The CCP is equivalent to a SFA export or transhipment permit granted by SFA.

Remember to attach the supporting documents to avoid delays in processing your CCP.

Step 4: Approval by SFA

Complete applications are processed within 1 working day. For details, refer to Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export.

Step 5: Make payment

Once your application is processed, you will be notified through TradeNet to make payment for the CCP. For applicants with a GIRO arrangement with SFA, we will deduct the fees via GIRO.

For details, refer to Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export.

Step 6: Print your CCP

You can log into TradeNet to print a copy of the CCP.

Step 7: Undergo inspection

Inspection for exports (when required)

Live poultry, livestock and live food animal exports may need to undergo inspection at the premises in Singapore where they are kept prior to export.

To find out if an inspection is required, email the Export Certification Section as follows:

If an inspection is required, please email SFA at the same addresses above at least 3 working days before the departure of the consignment to schedule an appointment for the inspection.

Inspection for transhipments

All transhipments must undergo inspection at the port of entry upon arrival in Singapore.

You should notify the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ) at least 5 days before the planned arrival date of the consignment.

What You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Live Poultry, Livestock & Live Animals

Singapore Food Agency

Who is allowed to export or tranship live poultry, livestock & live animals from/via Singapore?

How do I apply for the licence from SFA?

How do I apply for a CCP for every consignment and export/tranship my goods?

Last Updated 04 July 2026