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Who can apply for the AOR Programme?
Auditing organisations can apply for the AOR programme if they meet SFA’s requirements. A summary of the key requirements is listed below:
- Auditing organisations must be accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council to the CT 17 standard.
- Auditing organisations must pass on-site verification by SFA.
- Auditing organisations must complete the mandatory training courses on audit competency, covering topics such as audit procedures, assessment criteria, and so on. This ensures all auditors have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform audits effectively and accurately.
- Auditing organisations must have auditors based in Singapore.
- Auditing organisation must comply to the AOR Programme Terms and Conditions
Why should your auditing organisation be recognised under the AOR Programme?
Being officially recognised as an AOR auditing organisation signifies your eligibility to conduct export audits on food manufacturers that export food products.
Auditing organisations under the AOR Programme can offer their services to food manufacturers seeking audits to be conducted in preparation for export certifications.
What is the purpose of this Programme?
Through this programme, SFA aims to establish a network of private sector auditing organisations that can support the industry’s need for audits to be conducted in preparation for export certifications.
The programme also enables SFA to ensure that audits are performed effectively by recognised auditing organisations that meet the destination countries' requirements.
How to apply for the AOR Programme? (For SAC accredited AOs)
Step 1: Request for a copy of the AOR Terms and Conditions
The list of requirements is available in the AOR Programme Terms and Conditions. You may request a copy through the Food Safety Management Information System (FSMIS).
SFA will respond to your request within 5 working days.
Step 2: Ensure you meet the requirements
Go through the Terms and Conditions, including the Annexes, carefully and ensure that your organisation can meet all the requirements. Only auditing organisations that can fulfil all requirements will be considered.
If you have any questions about the requirements, contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form. SFA will respond to you within 3 working days.
Step 3: Prepare and submit your application
Step 4: SFA reviews your application
All applications with complete documentation attached will be processed in about 1 month. SFA may request for more information during the review period for clarifications if necessary.
Step 5: Pass the on-site verification audit
SFA will conduct on-site verification audit or review the audit services performed by the auditors. This is a critical step in the programme. If corrective actions are required, SFA will inform you and follow up with you to ensure they are rectified before assessing your organisation’s eligibility to be part of the programme.
The duration for the verification process varies and is dependent on several factors, such as the completeness of the application, compliance with the requirements, scheduling of on-site verifications, and time needed to make rectifications.
Step 6: Receive official recognition
Once you have met all the requirements, your organisation will be granted SFA’s approval to be part of the programme. Your organisation’s name will be listed on SFA’s website as a recognised auditing body within 1 month from receiving the appointment letter.
The recognition status is valid for 1 year.
How do I renew my status under this programme?
The steps for renewal and application are identical. You can follow steps 3-6 above to renew your status under the AOR programme.
To renew, you must submit your renewal application via the FSMIS.
Current List of Recognised Auditing Organisations
| Auditing Organisation | Contact Details | Recognition Status |
|---|---|---|
60 Albert Street #13-03 OG Albert Complex Singapore 189969 | Valid | |
21 Bukit Batok Crescent #26-84 WCEGA Tower Singapore 658065 | Valid |
Will I be able to receive any funding support? (For SFA-licensed exporters)
From 1 Sep 2024 onwards, SFA will implement a new regime where recognised auditing organisations under SFA’s AOR programme will conduct export audits on behalf of SFA. The implementation will take place progressively as follows:
- From 1 Sep 2024: for all food establishments manufacturing meat and fish products for export; and
- From 1 Jul 2025: for all food establishments manufacturing processed food products for export.
SFA will provide funding support to eligible exporters to ease them into the new regime.
Exporters can refer to the Terms and Conditions
and FAQs
for more information on the funding support. Exporters can submit their claims using the Auditing Organisation Recognition (AOR) Programme Funding Support-Claim Form.
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
