Traders who are licensed or registered with SFA are allowed to import food for commercial sale in Singapore. Regardless of the nature and mode of your business, you must have a licence/registration to import food into Singapore.

Please refer to the following steps for importing food for sale:

Step 1: Check the Classification of the Food or Food Products
Step 2: Ensure you are eligible to apply for a licence/register with SFA as an importer. For more information, please see Requirements for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export
Step 3: Ensure you can comply with the Import Requirements for Food and Food Products and Singapore Prevailing Food Legislation
Step 4: Apply for a licence from or register with SFA via GoBusiness portal. For more information, please see Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export
Step 5: Apply for an import permit using TradeNet
Step 6: Receive and print your Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP)
Step 7: Inspection of your imports (where applicable). If you are required to book an inspection for your consignment, please use the Inspection & Laboratory e-Service
Step 8: Clear your food or food product from Customs. To know more about clearing customs, please see Import Procedures from Singapore Customs

Please refer to What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale for more information.

If you intend to carry out food storage activities in your establishment, you may submit an application for ‘Registration of Food Storage Warehouse’. This includes cold rooms for the storage of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and ambient storage of dry food products.

However, you will require a SFA licence if:

There is chilled/frozen storage of meat and seafood products. You will need to apply for a Licence to Operate a Cold Store.
There is repacking of food products or food processing activities involved. You will need to apply for a Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment.

Please refer to Businesses that Need Licence/Registration for Food Manufacturing & Storage for more information.

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