Meat and Meat Products
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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?
Imports classified as ‘Meat & Meat Products’ must meet the import requirements imposed on this category of food or food products. Examples of ‘Meat & Meat Products’ include, but are not limited to, fresh poultry and meats, pizza with meat toppings and barbequed meats (bak kwa).
To check if your food or food product falls under ‘Meat & Meat Products’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.
Where can I find the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?
The import requirements can be found in the Wholesome Meat and Fish (Import, Export and Transhipment) Rules.
You must comply with the import requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Meat & Meat Products into Singapore.
Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.
How do I comply with the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?
Step 1: Import only from approved sources
Meat and meat products must only be imported from SFA-approved sources.
- SFA-approved sources and SFA-accredited overseas establishments change from time to time. Always use the Accreditation Database for Overseas Sources to check the approved sources and establishments before you import any consignment. If your establishment is not listed in the database, please refer to Overseas Accreditation of Food & Food Products - Meat & Meat Products.
- In addition, always check the latest circulars before you import any consignment. SFA will issue a circular if there are changes to the approved sources (e.g. removed, added or suspended).
Step 2: Obtain the required health certificates from your supplier
Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country or region. This certifies that your imports comply with Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements.
Obtain the relevant health certificates of the meat and meat products you intend to import from your supplier or exporter.
For information on the retrieval of electronic sanitary certificate (eSPS) for Australia and New Zealand, see eSPS Certificate.
Submit the health certificate for each consignment in the format agreed by SFA and the overseas authorities. You can contact SFA or the overseas authority to check if the health certificate for your imports is in the agreed format.
Step 3: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete
Every carton and basic packaging unit of your imported meat or meat product must be labelled with the following:
- description of the meat product
- country/region of origin of the meat product
- brand name of the meat product (if any)
- name and designation number of the processing establishment (if applicable)
- date that the meat product was processed. The labels of all processed meat products must include the name and designation number of the slaughterhouse that had supplied the meat used in the meat product, and the date of the slaughter.
- name and designation number of the establishment that packed the meat product and the date of packing
- batch number, location and canning code of the canned meat product
- net weight of the meat product in each basic packaging and outer carton
You must inform your supplier or exporter to comply with the SFA's labelling requirements.
For more details, see Labelling Requirements for Food.
eSPS Certificate
What is an eSPS Certificate?
An eSPS certificate is an electronic sanitary certificate (also commonly referred to as a health certificate or veterinary certificate) used for the import/export of animal and animal-related products. An eSPS facilitates the exchange of certificate data with overseas Competent Authorities through Singapore Customs’ Networked Trade Platform (NTP). The eSPS certificate has the same validity as paper certificates issued by the overseas Competent Authorities.
Why use an eSPS Certificate?
eSPS exchange with Australia and New Zealand
Retrieving eSPS Certificates
Making eSPS enquiries
How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Meat and Meat Products?
SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensures food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
As meat has a higher risk of being contaminated with pathogens compared to processed food or vegetables, SFA requires all meat to be imported only from approved sources or accredited establishments. SFA also requires every consignment to be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate to ensure that your imports comply with Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements.
Eggs and Egg Products
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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?
Food or food products classified as ‘Eggs & Egg Products’ such as shell eggs, salted eggs, liquid eggs, and omelettes must meet the import requirements imposed on this category of food or food products.
To check if your food or food product falls under ‘Eggs & Egg Products’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.
When should I comply with these requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?
You must comply with these requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Eggs & Egg Products into Singapore.
Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.
How do I comply with the import requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?
Step 1: Import only from approved sources
Shell eggs: Shell eggs may only be imported from approved sources, and each consignment must be derived from a single farm.
Egg products / processed eggs: Processed eggs may only be imported from SFA-approved sources.
- SFA-approved sources and SFA-accredited overseas establishments change from time to time. Always use the Accreditation Database for Overseas Sources to check the approved sources and establishments each time you import a consignment. If your establishment is not listed in the database, please refer to Overseas Accreditation of Food & Food Products - Shell Eggs / Processed Eggs.
- In addition, always check the latest circulars before you import. SFA will issued a circular when approved sources are changed (e.g. removed, added or suspended).
Step 2: Obtain the required health certificates from your supplier
If your products meet SFA’s veterinary conditions, please obtain the required health certificates from your supplier.
Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country or region. This certifies that your imports comply with Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements.
For information on the retrieval of electronic sanitary certificate (eSPS) for the import or export of meat and meat products to or from Australia, see eSPS Certificate.
- Submit the health certificate for each consignment in the format agreed by SFA and the overseas authorities. You can contact SFA or the overseas authority to check if the health certificate for your imports is in the agreed format.
Step 3: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete
Shell eggs and pasteurised shell eggs: Please ensure that the labelling requirements for shell eggs and pasteurised shell eggs are compliant with the veterinary conditions.
Please refer to the following for SFA’s veterinary conditions:- Veterinary conditions for the importation of shell eggs
- Veterinary conditions for the importation of pasteurised shell eggs
Processed eggs: Your supplier must comply with the labelling requirements for processed eggs. For more information, please see Labelling Requirements for Food.
How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Eggs & Egg Products?
SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
There is a risk of bacteria, known as Salmonella Enteritidis, in fresh eggs. To address the risks, SFA requires all eggs to be imported from approved sources. Approved sources have gone through an accreditation process. One of the accreditation criteria is that farms must be free from Salmonella Enteritidis.
In addition, every consignment must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate. Together with other measures (e.g. inspections carried out by SFA on imports), the import requirements make it safer for us to consume eggs and egg products.
Fish & Fish Products
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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?
Food or food products classified as ‘Fish & Fish Products’, including types of seafood (e.g. live fish, canned tuna, crabs, prawns, sea cucumbers, and squids) must meet the import requirements imposed on this category of food or food products.
To check if your food or food product falls under ‘Fish & Fish Products’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.
Where can I find the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?
The import requirements for Fish and Fish products can be found in the Wholesome Meat and Fish (Import, Export and Transhipment) Rules.
You must comply with these requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Fish & Fish Products into Singapore.
Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.
How do I comply with the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?
Step 1: Check if your products are classified as ‘high-risk’
There are import requirements imposed for Fish & Fish Products that are considered 'high-risk'.
Use the table below to determine if your food or food products are classified as ‘high-risk’. The table also shows the
import requirements corresponding to each high-risk item.
| High-Risk Product | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Chilled-shucked raw oysters Chilled cockle meat Chilled cooked prawn/shrimp Chilled crab meat | Import is not allowed |
| Live cockles | Only food processing establishments that are licensed by SFA to shuck cockles are allowed to import live cockles. |
| Live oysters | Import of live oysters is only allowed from the following countries or regions which meet SFA’s requirements for a shellfish sanitation programme:
Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region. |
Frozen oysters Frozen raw/cooked crab meat | Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region. For frozen oysters, the health certificate must certify and state that the consignment has been tested and found to be ‘free of norovirus’. |
| Frozen pearl oyster meat (adductor muscle) | You can import from any country or region if you:
For more details, please refer to this trade circular on import requirements for pearl oyster meat. |
| Pufferfish (wild and farmed pufferfish muscle meat and farmed pufferfish parts i.e. fins, skin, and milt only) | You can only import wild and farmed pufferfish muscle meat and farmed pufferfish parts (fins, skin, and milt) from SFA-accredited pufferfish establishments approved for export to Singapore. Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region.
For more details, please see Overseas Accreditation of Food & Food Products - Fish & Fish Products. |
| Seafood from Fiji, Chile and Mexico | Fiji Only sharkfin and sea cucumber are allowed for import. Other seafood is not allowed. |
Chile and Mexico Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region. The health certificate must certify and state that products are ‘free from marine biotoxins’. |
Step 2: Check if your products fall under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Permits are required for importing fish species under CITES Appendix II and Appendix III. This applies to whole fish, fish parts, and fish derivatives.
The table below shows some examples of CITES species. Please use Species+ to check if your food or product fall under CITES by entering the scientific name of the animal/fish. The table also shows the corresponding import requirements.
You may write to CITES@nparks.gov.sg for enquiries on CITES matters.
| CITES | Requirements |
|---|---|
|
CITES Appendix II
CITES Appendix III
| For each import consignment, you must obtain all the following permits: a CITES import permit from NParks
|
Step 3: Comply with the import requirements for ‘high-risk' Fish & Fish Products
Fish and fish products that are not classified as ‘high-risk’ and not under CITES can be imported from any country or region without the need to obtain a health certificate.
If your food or food products are classified as ‘high-risk’ or under CITES, you must comply with the import requirements listed in the table above.
- The most common mistakes made by traders is the incomplete submission of the required documents, such as omission of health certificates, or health certificates that do not have all required information.
- To avoid delays in processing your application, you must ensure that the documents for each import consignment of food or food products are complete.
Step 4: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete
Every carton and basic packaging unit of your imported Fish and Fish Products must be labelled with the following information:
- description of the fish product
- country/region of origin of the fish product
- brand name of the fish product (if any)
- name and designation number of the processing establishment (if applicable)
- date that the fish product was processed. The labels of all processed fish products must include the name and designation number of the establishment, and the date on which the fish was processed.
- name and designation number of the establishment that packed the fish product and the date of packing
- batch number, location and canning code of the fish product
- net weight of the fish product in each basic packaging and outer carton
For more details, see Labelling Requirements for Food.
How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Fish & Fish Products?
SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
More requirements are imposed on high-risk Fish & Fish Products. For example, frozen oysters require health certificates as they are more susceptible to microbiological and chemical contamination.
If you intend to import live oysters, you will need to obtain a health certificate as well as from countries/regions that meet SFA’s requirements for a shellfish sanitation programme. This is because live oysters pose a higher risk than frozen ones.
The labelling requirements also provide consumers with the information to make informed choices. It also improves traceability in the event of food safety issues or recalls.
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?
Food or food products classified as ‘Fresh Fruits & Vegetables’ include, but are not limited to, fresh apples, fresh durians, fresh potatoes, and raw ginger among others. Each import consignment must meet the requirements imposed on this category of food or food products.
To check if your food or food products fall under ‘Fresh Fruits & Vegetables’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. For more information on the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.
Where can I find the import requirements for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables?
The import requirements can be found in the Control of Plants (Import & Transhipment of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables) Rules.
You must comply with these requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Fresh Fruits & Vegetables into Singapore.
Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.
How do I comply with the import requirements for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?
Step 1: Check the pesticides used
You can import Fresh Fruits & Vegetables from any region/country. However, you must ensure that all imported fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain any of the following:
- prohibited pesticides. For the list of SFA-approved agricultural pesticides, go to Pesticide Search Tool.
- levels of pesticide residue or toxic chemical residue exceeding the prescribed levels specified in the Ninth Schedule of the Food Regulations or recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission
You can obtain the laboratory test results from your supplier to check the pesticides used and if it exceeds the prescribed levels.
Step 2: Ensure the food labels are accurate and complete
Every container (e.g. carton or basket) of fruits or vegetables must be labelled with the following:
- name and address of the producer
- product description
- date of export/packing
You must inform your supplier or exporter to comply with the SFA's labelling requirements.
For more details, see Labelling Requirements for Food.
How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?
SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. These requirements ensure that imported fresh fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption.
For instance, the requirement to check the pesticides used and to ensure that it does not exceed the prevailing limits ensures that the imported consignments do not contain any prohibited pesticides which may be harmful when consumed.
The labelling requirements also provide consumers with the information to make informed choices. It also improves traceability in the event of food safety issues or recalls.
Processed Food & Food Appliances
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What is needed to import Processed Food & Food Appliances?
Food and related products classified as ‘Processed Food & Food Appliances’ include Processed Food such as biscuits, cooking oil and mineral water, as well as Food Appliances such as food ware (e.g. plates, bowls, cups) and utensils (e.g. chopsticks and spoons). All import of Processed Food and Food Appliances intended for sale are to be accompanied by a valid permit.
To check if your food or related product falls under ‘Processed Food & Food Appliances’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.
Processed Food & Food Appliances which are intended for sale are subject to prevailing food safety laws and regulations.
You should check on these requirements before you apply for a permit to import Processed Food & Food Appliances into Singapore.
For processed foods like infant formulas and ready-to-eat food, under the Regulated Source Programme and the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme, importers may be required to provide additional supporting documents.
Please refer to the Documents needed for Specific Food Products for the list of high-risk products and their requirements.
Beverage Container Return Scheme (For Beverage Importers)
To promote the recycling of empty containers, NEA will introduce the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) from 1 April 2026. Under the BCRS, local beverage manufacturers and importers are responsible for the collection and recycling of empty containers. Visit the NEA website to learn more about the BCRS requirements.
How do I check if my processed food product is classified as 'high-risk' under the Regulated Source Programme and the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme?
Regulated Source Programme
The Regulated Source Programme imposes requirements for processed food that are considered ‘high-risk’. This table lists the food or food products that fall under the Regulated Source Programme. If your processed food fall under this programme, you must follow the steps to submit the required documents.
| No. | Types of Products |
|---|---|
| 1 | Packaged mineral and drinking water and ice |
| 2 | Coconut milk and grated coconut, and nasi lemak |
| 3 | Infant formula (age 0-12 months) You can use the Calculation guide for infant formula to ensure the nutritional composition is within the limits. |
| 4 | Infant cereal |
| 5 | Land snails |
| 6 | Minimally processed fruits and vegetables |
| 7 | Pasteurised liquid milk |
| 8 | Traditional cakes (kueh kueh) |
| 9 | Cut sugarcane |
| 10 | Mooncakes |
Enhanced Regulated Source Programme (imports from Malaysia)
The Enhanced Regulated Source Programme imposes requirements for processed food imported from Malaysia, and each import consignment must be from registered establishments. This table lists the food or food products that fall under the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme. If your food or food products fall under this programme, you must submit the required documents that your food or food products in each import consignment are from registered establishments.
| No. | Types of Products |
|---|---|
| 1 | Infant formula You can use the Calculation guide for infant formula to ensure the nutritional composition is within the limits. |
| 2 | Infant Cereal |
| 3 | Traditional cakes/kueh kueh, cooked rice products, and other perishable cooked food that are ready-to-eat. Frozen and/or uncooked products are currently excluded. For more information, see Examples of Traditional Cakes (Kueh Kueh), Cooked Rice Products and Other Perishable Cooked Food. |
| 4 | Mooncakes |
| 5 | Dried beancurd sticks, skin, and sheets |
| 6 | Edible oil |
How and what is needed to import 'high-risk' processed food products under the Regulated Source Programme?
Step 1: Obtain and submit documents for high-risk Processed Food under the Regulated Source Programme
If your processed food product falls under this programme, follow the steps below to submit the required documents when applying for an import permit.
| No. | Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure you are importing from regulated establishments
|
| 2 | Obtain documentary proof You must have documentary proof that the establishment you are importing from is regulated by the relevant authorities overseas. Below are examples of documentary proof you can obtain from your supplier:
Retain the original documents as you will need to produce them for SFA inspections. |
| 3 | Submit documents to apply for a permit You must submit the required documents via TradeNet portal or the SFA Online Feedback Form before you import the food or food products. There are no fees involved. There are 2 ways to submit documents:
Your import permit application will be expedited if you include the declaring agent’s UEN and job reference number.
|
| 4 | Receive establishment code upon approval If your submission is in order, you will receive a unique establishment code (e.g. AUZGxxxx) for each registered supplier from SFA. |
For importers of infant cereal products who are able to meet the pre-import requirements under the voluntary scheme, see Supplier Registration for Infant Cereal Products Voluntary Scheme.
Step 2 (Optional): Send products to accredited laboratories for analysis
While not mandatory, you are encouraged to have quality control checks on the food or food products by sending them to accredited laboratories for analysis before you import them.
This way, you can be more certain that your food or food products comply with the food safety standards and food regulations.
The time and costs for lab tests vary depending on the type of food product tested and the specific testing procedures.
Please refer to the Singapore Accreditation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) website for the list of accredited laboratories.
Step 3: Ensure the food additives and ingredients are allowed
Only certain food additives and ingredients are allowed in food. Ensure you comply with the rules which can be found in:
Regulatory Limits for Food Additives
Step 4: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete
All pre-packed food products for sale in Singapore should be labelled according to specified requirements. For more information on food labelling and advertisement, please see Labelling Guidelines for Food.
How and what is needed to import 'high-risk' processed food products under the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme?
Step 1: Obtain and submit documents for Processed Food imported from Malaysia under the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme
If your processed food product falls under this programme, you must submit documentary proof to SFA that your processed food products are from registered establishments.
Follow the steps below to submit your documents and obtain the establishment code.
| No. | Steps |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure you are importing from registered Malaysian establishments Registered Malaysian establishments are food manufacturing establishments that have been registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH). Please contact MOH Malaysia for details: Food Safety & Quality Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia |
| 2 | Obtain documentary proof
|
| 3 | Submit documentary proof Documents must be submitted before you import the processed food products. There are no fees. The documents only need to be submitted once using the SFA Online Feedback Form:
Including the declaring agent’s UEN and job reference number will make it easier to retrieve the documents for your import permit application. |
| 4 | Receive establishment code If your submission is in order, you will receive an establishment code (e.g. MYZNNV0001) for each manufacturer upon submission of the documents. You will need this code to fill in the CA/SC Code1 field when applying for your import permit through TradeNet. You will also be required to submit the following documents for each import consignment:
For details on import permits, see Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export. |
All other food or food products classified as ‘Processed Food & Food Appliances’
- You should have documentary proof that the imported products are produced under sanitary conditions. Examples of documents include HACCP certificates, GMP certificates, and Health Certificates.
- Retain the original documents as you will need to produce them at SFA’s request.
Step 2 (Optional): Send products to accredited laboratories for analysis
While not mandatory, you are encouraged to have quality control checks on the food or food products by sending them to accredited laboratories for analysis before you import them.
This way, you can be more certain that your food or food products comply with the food safety standards and food regulations.
The time and costs for lab tests vary depending on the type of food product tested and the specific testing procedures.
Please refer to the Singapore Accreditation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) website for the list of accredited laboratories.
Step 3: Ensure the food additives and ingredients are allowed
Only certain food additives and ingredients are allowed in food. Ensure you comply with the rules which can be found in:
Regulatory Limits for Food Additives
Step 4: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete
All pre-packed food products for sale in Singapore should be labelled according to specified requirements. For more information on food labelling and advertisement, please see Labelling Guidelines for Food.
Supplier Registration for Infant Cereal Products (Voluntary Scheme)
Under the Supplier Registration for Infant Cereal Products Voluntary Scheme, only manufacturers that have food safety management and assurance programmes, which ensure their food or food products comply with our food safety standards and laws, can be voluntarily registered.
Importers for infant cereal products who are able to meet the pre-import requirements under the voluntary scheme may register their suppliers with SFA. Importers under the voluntary scheme will be exempted from submission of laboratory reports of Aflatoxin B1 testing for every consignment during import permit application. They will also be allowed to maintain their own records of the supplier verification checks for periodic checks by SFA.
You may register your supplier of infant cereal products under this scheme to be exempted from the submission of laboratory reports. To do so, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Ensure your supplier and the food or food products you intend to import meet all pre-import requirements
Your food or food products must be able to meet the pre-import requirements listed in the Import Requirements of Specific Food Products. You can also refer to the supplier verification checklist for more information.
Your supplier can be a manufacturer, producer, or consolidator. If your supplier is a consolidator, you should ensure that the information used for the verification is obtained either directly from the manufacturer or producer.
Step 2: Obtain the information you need to register your supplier
- supplier’s details i.e. Country/region of origin, establishment name, number and address
- list of products imported into Singapore from the supplier i.e. brand, product description and packing size
- supporting documents showing that your supplier has been verified (e.g. you can complete and submit the supplier verification checklist as a supporting document)
Retain the original documents as you will need to produce them at SFA's request.
Step 3: Register your supplier
Submit the Supplier Registration (Infant Cereal Products) form to register your supplier under this voluntary scheme. There are no fees.
Step 4: Receive establishment code upon approval
If your submission is in order, you will receive a unique establishment code (e.g. AUZGxxxx) for each registered supplier from SFA within 2 weeks.
You will need this code to fill in CA/SC Code1 field when applying for your import permit through TradeNet. For details on import permits, see
What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale
Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export
Step 5 (Optional): Send products to accredited laboratories for analysis
While not mandatory, you are encouraged to have quality control checks on the food or food products by sending them to accredited laboratories for analysis before you import them.
This way, you can be more certain that your food or food products comply with the food safety standards and food regulations.
The time and costs for lab tests vary depending on the type of food product tested and the specific testing procedures.
Please refer to the Singapore Accreditation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) website for the list of accredited laboratories.
Step 6: Ensure the food additives and ingredients are allowed
Only certain food additives and ingredients are allowed in food. Ensure you comply with the rules which can be found in:
Regulatory Limits for Food Additives
Step 7: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete
All pre-packed food products for sale in Singapore should be labelled according to specified requirements. For more information on food labelling and advertisement, please see Labelling Guidelines for Food.
How do we ensure the food safety of imported Processed Food & Food Appliances?
SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore.
SFA samples imported food for regulatory testing, with a focus on food that are of higher food safety risks. Food that does not meet our regulatory requirements will not be allowed for import or sale in Singapore.
Insects & Insect Products
Guidelines to Import Insects & Insect Products
SFA’s priority is to ensure the safety of food consumed in Singapore. As the insect industry is nascent and insects are a new food item here, SFA has developed the insect regulatory framework, which puts in place guidelines for insects to be approved as food.
For imports of insects and insect products for human consumption, importers should register with SFA for the Registration to import processed food and food appliances. Insects and insect products may be imported from any country or region as long as the imported insect and insect products meet SFA’s guidelines.
The following guidelines will apply to the import of insects and insect products, depending on their intended purpose (i.e. production for human consumption or animal feed for food-producing animals).
A. For all import of insects and insect products for human consumption
| S/N | Import Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 1 | Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:
|
| 2 | Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that:
|
| 3 | The insects imported should only be those listed in the Food Safety and Security (Catalogued Insect-like Species) Order 2025.  Declaration of insect species imported is required as part of cargo clearance permit approval. Insects which are not in this list should undergo evaluation to ensure that the insect species are safe to consume.
SFA requires the following information for the assessment of new insect species:
|
B. For all import of insects and insect products as animal feed
| S/N | Import Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 1 | Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:
|
| 2 | Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that:
|
C. For all imports of live insects for local production (for human consumption)
| S/N | Import Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 1 | Have fulfilled and obtained approval from the National Parks Board (NParks) on requirements for the import conditions for insects and other invertebrates. |
| 2 | Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:
|
| 3 | Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that:
|
| 4 | The insects imported should only be those listed in the Food Safety and Security (Catalogued Insect-like Species) Order 2025. Declaration of insect species imported is required as part of cargo clearance permit approval. Insects which are not in this list should undergo evaluation to ensure that the insect species are safe to consume.
|
D. For all imports of live insects for local production as animal feed
| S/N | Import Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 1 | Have fulfilled and obtained approval from the National Parks Board (NParks) on requirements for the import conditions for insects and other invertebrates. |
| 2 | Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:
|
| 3 | Submission of health certificate for every consignment to certify that:
|
HS and product codes for insect and insect products for human consumption can be found in Product Codes for Processed Food.
The overseas insect processing establishment, from which the insect and insect products (for human consumption) are sourced, should be registered with SFA with submission of supporting documents such as regulated source documents and Food Safety Management System/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. This is a one-time registration. Please register by filling in the online form.
Rice
Rice
Rice is a controlled item under the Price Control Act (Chapter 244) and the Price Control (Rice) Order 1990 issued by the Minister for Trade and Industry (MTI).
A licence is required to import (into Singapore or the Singapore Free Trade Zone), re-export, and carry out wholesale dealings in rice.
Application Details
For more information on permit applications for import, HS codes, current rice licences, the government-designated warehouses and FAQs, please visit the Rice website.
Novel Food
Please refer to the following pages for information:
Food Additives & Ingredients
Before importing any food or food product, please ensure that all food additives and ingredients included in the product are permitted under SFA’s Food Regulations.
Please refer to the following pages for information:
Overview on Food Safety Regulatory LimitsRegulatory Limits for Food AdditivesRegulatory Limits for Contaminants in Food Chinese Medicinal Materials and ingredients used in food
Genetically Engineered Food and Feed
Please refer to the following pages for information:
Regulatory framework for the use of genome edited crops in food and/or animal feed Conditions related to use of genetically modified crops in foodLabelling Requirements for Genetically Modified (GM) Food
For more information
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