How do I clear my detained parcel containing food products items from overseas for private consumption?
Your parcel may be detained at different locations depending on how it entered Singapore:
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at entry points during customs clearance at airports or land checkpoints
Singapore Customs at checkpoints
Courier such as SingPost facilities when food items are sent via international mail
If your food items are detained at ICA or Singapore Customs because you were personally carrying them, you can either apply for an import permit if the quantities exceed limits for private consumption or dispose of the food items at the checkpoint. You will need to bear the disposal costs if the quantity is large.
Courier and postal parcels may be subjected to screening at courier facilities to check if the food products are allowed for import into Singapore and within allowable limits. If the parcel is detained, you have the option to apply for an import permit to import/bring in the parcel or arrange for the parcel to be returned to the postal office in the country of origin. Please refer to Clearance of detained food parcels for more information.