I am travelling to Singapore for business meetings and would like to hand-carry a small quantity of food trade samples in my checked baggage to show potential buyers. Do I need an import permit even though I am not selling the samples?

Question

Accepted Answer

As the food samples are intended for business demonstration purposes, they are regarded as commercial imports rather than food brought in under the traveller's private consumption allowance.

Accordingly, the samples should be imported under an import permit. If you do not have a Singapore-registered business entity or TradeNet account, you may apply for an import permit under personal imports using the UEN 99999990000C or engage a freight forwarding to do so on your behalf. However, do note that permit declaration must be made via a local declaring agent.

For more information on how to apply for an import permit, please refer to What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale.

I am travelling to Singapore for business meetings and would like to hand-carry a small quantity of food trade samples in my checked baggage to show potential buyers. Do I need an import permit even though I am not selling the samples?

Topics:

Related questions

How do I import food for commercial sale?

What are the imports requirements and legislations?

I intend to bring food from overseas into Singapore by private vehicle several times a month for donation to a charitable organisation. Do I need an import permit, or would a letter from the organisation suffice?

If I import food for private consumption only in small quantities, are they also subject to food import control?

Need more help?