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General Rule to Bring Food into Singapore (Non-commercial)

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SFA requires anyone who imports food to be licensed/registered with SFA to ensure food safety. 

An exception is made for travellers who bring in food from abroad strictly for their private consumption. However, there are some important rules in place to ensure food safety. 

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      1. Ensure the food item is allowed

      The food that you bring back from your overseas travels must be allowed to be brought into Singapore and from approved sources.

      For instance, certain foods like chilled shucked raw oysters and chilled crabmeat are not allowed to be brought into Singapore, regardless of the source. However, fruits and vegetables from any country/region are allowed to be brought into Singapore. 

      Please also ensure that the ingredients of food products are also allowed to be brought into Singapore. For instance, food products that contain hemp seeds are strictly not allowed. For more information, check out these FAQs from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). 

      Please check the List of Food & Food Products Allowed to avoid having it disposed of or detained at the Singapore Customs. 

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      Last Updated 28 Jul 2026


        

      2. Ensure the amount is within the maximum allowance

      SFA imposes a limit that each person can bring into Singapore. Please refer to the limits set for different food products that can be brought into Singapore by individual travellers:

      • Meat
      • Fish
      • Fruits & Vegetables
      • Eggs
      • Processed Food

      For more information on private consumption limits, refer to the List of Food & Food Products Allowed.
      Icon Warning
      Remember: Any food product that you bring back are strictly for your private consumption. You are not allowed to sell them.

      If you intend to bring back quantities exceeding the limit, you should apply for an import licence or permit as detailed in the  Process for Larger Quantities of Food Detained.

      3. Observe practices that ensure food safety

      Unlike commercially imported food or food products, the food or food products you carry back from your travels are not subject to food safety checks. Please be aware of these risks and observe good practices that ensure that the food products are safe for your consumption.

      Here are some tips:

      Icon Tip

      Tip 1: Choose food items that do not need to be refrigerated

      Food that requires refrigeration tend to be perishable. Perishables might go bad along the journey back to Singapore, making them unsafe for consumption. 

      As luggages and packages are typically stored at room temperature, it is conducive to bacterial growth. Some bacteria produce toxins that remain in the food product even after it is cooked, which can cause illness.

      To avoid unnecessary food safety risks, choose non-perishable items instead, such as spices, biscuits, traditional snacks, canned delicacies, and other heat-processed food.

      Icon Tip

      Tip 2: Buy from safe sources

      It is advisable for you to purchase food products from reputable and licensed shops and food establishments overseas. You may wish to consider these questions when purchasing food products overseas:

      • Is the vendor you are buying from licensed by the relevant authorities? Do they have their certifications or licences displayed?

      • Do they observe practices that ensure food safety? Are their premises clean and hygienic?

      • Do they have a good reputation?

      • Is their food packed and labelled clearly with the manufacturer’s details?
      Icon Tip

      Tip 3: Ensure food items are properly packed

      Ensure food products that you bring back are packed securely. Good packaging prevents contaminants and bacterial growth. You may want to keep the food products in airtight containers and vacuum-sealed bags to ensure freshness and keep out any contaminants. You can also bubble wrap the food items to keep the packaging secure and intact. 

      4. Do not sell any of the food items to others

      Travellers are allowed to bring in food from abroad strictly for their private consumption. They are not allowed to sell any of the food products, whether to their friends or via online platforms. 

      Should you wish to bring in food products from overseas for sale, you must obtain a licence. You must also ensure that the food products are safe for consumption. 

      For details on how you can get a licence, check out What You Need to Know to Import Food for Commercial Sale and Guidelines for Group-Buy Organisers.

       

      For more information
      You can contact us through the SFA Online Feedback Form.

      Last Updated 28 July 2026

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