Applying for a Licence
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Applying for a Licence
Follow the steps below to apply for a licence. The licences are valid for 1 year.
The application fee (where payable) includes the evaluation of layout plans and process flow charts, as well as a joint site inspection of the completed premises to ensure that the site complies with SFA's requirements.
| Type of annual licence | Application Fee | Licence Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Licence to Operate a Coldstore for storage of meat & seafood products | $147.20 | $260 |
Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment
| $147.20 |
|
| Licence to Operate a Meat or Fish Food Processing Establishment where meat or fish products in containers are hermetically sealed and thereafter preserved by subjection to heat treatment | $147.20 | $840 |
| Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse for poultry | $147.20 | $1,000 |
| Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse for livestock | $147.20 | $4,000 |
Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements
Step 2: Get a CorpPass
You will need your CorpPass to log into the GoBusiness portal to register.
If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.
Step 3: Gather the supporting documents
The table below shows the supporting documents required for the different licences:
| Licence | Supporting documents |
|---|---|
| Licence to Operate a Coldstore |
You can use the following to prepare your supporting documents: |
| Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment | |
| Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse |
Step 4 : Submit your application
Log into the GoBusiness portal and submit your application for:
Licence to Operate a Coldstore
Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment
Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse
Pay the application fees via the GoBusiness portal if prompted. The GoBusiness portal accepts several payment methods.
Step 5: SFA reviews your application
within 30 working daysFor Coldstores, Food Processing Establishments and Slaughterhouses, SFA will assess the proposed plans to ensure they comply with the licensing requirements.
For example, the premises must be designed for one-directional flow to prevent cross-contamination between raw materials and finished products.If the application is complete and in order, an in-principle approval (IPA) notification will be sent to you via email from SFA. The email will provide details on what you must do after receiving the IPA.
Processing time starts from the date we receive the complete application with all the required supporting documents and, where required, a satisfactory pre-licensing inspection.
Time spent waiting for application with incomplete documentation or information to be re-submitted, as well as scheduling of pre-licensing inspections will not be counted in the processing time.
To facilitate timely processing, please ensure that:
1. All applications are completed correctly and in full;
2. All necessary supporting documents are submitted with your application.
3. Prompt responses to SFA's
requests for clarification or additional information.
Step 6: Sign up for GIRO
up to 8 weeksApplicants are encouraged to sign up for GIRO auto-payment as a convenient way to pay the fees for the renewal of their licence.
Please note that GIRO approval can take up to 8 weeks. You are advised to make payment by other means if you wish to commence your operations before your GIRO auto-payment arrangement is completed.
Step 7: Renovate or set up your food establishment
For Coldstores, Food Processing Establishments and Slaughterhouses, you may proceed with the renovation and set up the premises according to the submitted layout after receiving the IPA.
Step 8: Final inspection by SFA
The final inspection will be carried out at the premises before the issuance of the licence. To arrange for the inspection, contact the SFA officer in charge of your application, as stated in the IPA letter.
- Coldstores
Inspection of coldstores will be carried out virtually. Prior to the virtual inspection, SFA will send you a copy of the photograph submission template along with the grant of IPA. You will need to submit the completed photograph submission template via email to the SFA officer for review before arranging for the final inspection.
- Food processing establishments and Slaughterhouses
Inspection of food processing establishments and slaughterhouses will be carried out physically.
Gather the following documents as they must be submitted during the final inspection:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleaning and sanitation programme | The programme should include these areas and items:
|
| Pest control programme | Programme for the control of pests, including rodents and cockroaches. A copy of the contract with the pest control company must be submitted. Control measures involving treatments with chemical, physical, or biological agents should only be undertaken by or under the direct supervision of qualified personnel. |
| Leased (tenancy) agreement | A copy of the lease (tenancy) agreement of the premises (if applicable). |
| Particulars of Food Hygiene Officer | Particulars of Food Hygiene Officer, together with documentary proof that they have been trained and qualified in food hygiene. |
Step 9: SFA issues your licence
The licence will be issued when all required documents have been submitted and the licensing requirements are met.
You will be notified via the GoBusiness portal when your licence is approved. The details of the approved activities will be indicated on the licence.
Step 10: Make payment for licence fees
After obtaining your licence
Seek approval for additional trades or change in layout
You must obtain SFA’s approval before you carry out additional trades or change the layout of your premises. Please refer to the Responsibilities of Food Establishment Operators for more information.
Registering Food Storage Warehouses (non-meat/fish products)
Registering Food Storage Warehouses (non-meat/fish products)
Food storage warehouses are any buildings, facilities, structures, or premises where food is stored for the sale or distribution to other processors, wholesalers, or any other business selling or distributing to consumers. This includes cold rooms for the storage of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
All food storage warehouses are encouraged to register for traceability. Registrations are valid for 1 year. There are no fees to register.
Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements
Step 2: Get a CorpPass
You will need your CorpPass to log into the GoBusiness portal to register.
If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.
Step 3: Gather the supporting documents
You will need to submit the following documents when you apply:
- layout plan
- pest control contract
- tenancy/purchase agreement/letter of declaration
You can refer to this guide to prepare your own supporting document:
Step 4: Submit your application
Step 5: SFA reviews your application
within 30 working days
Processing time starts from the date we receive the complete application with all the required supporting documents and, where required, a satisfactory pre-licensing inspection.
Time spent waiting for application with incomplete documentation or information to be re-submitted, as well as scheduling of pre-licensing inspections will not be counted in the processing time.
To facilitate timely processing, please ensure that:
1. All applications are completed correctly and in full;
2. All necessary supporting documents are submitted with your application.
3. Prompt responses to SFA's
requests for clarification or additional information.
Step 6: Receive the registration number and approval
You will be notified via the GoBusiness portal when your registration is approved.
The Warehouse Approval Letter, which contains the Warehouse Registration Number, can be downloaded and printed via the GoBusiness portal.
Food Storage Warehouse operators have specific responsibilities. For details, see Responsibilities of Food Establishment Operators.
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
If you encounter difficulties using the GoBusiness portal, please contact the GoBusiness helpdesk.
Last updated: 18 Apr 2026
Related Pages
Requirements for Licence / Registration for Food Manufacturing & StorageUpdate, Renew, Cancel Licence / Registration for Food Manufacturing & StorageResponsibilities of Food Establishment OperatorsInspection & Sampling at Food Processing Establishments & Coldstores