Contents in this page
An import permit should be obtained if the food products that you bring back from your overseas travels exceed the maximum limit allowed for private consumption.
Why should import permits be obtained?
Import permits should be obtained when food products brought into Singapore exceed the limit allowed for private consumption. It also allows SFA to ensure that food that are brought into Singapore meets our food safety standards and ensure food safety.
Does this mean I can bring in any food items as long as I have an import permit?
You can only bring in food that is allowed. For a list of food that are allowed, see the List of Food & Food Products Allowed.
Can I bring in rice from my overseas travels?
If you wish to bring processed rice products (e.g. fried rice and porridge (not containing meat)) into Singapore, you can do so under the Processed Food category where a limit of 5kg for that category of food products have been set for private consumption. If you wish to bring in larger quantities of processed rice products even for private consumption, you should apply for a licence in addition to an import permit. For details, see the Import Requirements for Food & Food Products.
Does the import permit allow travellers to sell the food or food products?
You are not allowed to sell the food products that you have brought into Singapore from your overseas travels, as these are meant strictly for your private consumption. If you wish to import food for sale, you must be a licensed importer.
Learn more at What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale.
What happens if travellers do not have an import permit?
When you arrive in Singapore and the food brought in exceeds the limit allowed, the food will be detained at Customs.
You have the option of applying for an import permit (by following the steps below) or disposing of the food at Customs.
In cases where the quantity for disposal is large, you will have to bear the cost of disposal.
How do travellers apply for an import permit?
Step 1: Decide if you want to engage an agent
A local freight forwarding operator will know the requirements for import permits.
Step 2: Prepare the supporting documents
You will need to submit the following when you apply for your import permit:
- a copy of the invoice for the food to be imported
- a letter of undertaking by the applicant
The letter of undertaking should state your intention clearly i.e. to import the food for your own consumption and not to sell the food.
Step 3: Determine the HS and Product Codes for your food or food products
When applying for the permit, you will need to declare each food item accurately using the correct HS codes and Product Codes.
You can use our Product Code Search Tool to find the relevant codes.
Step 4: Submit your application
Permit declarations can only be done by declaring agents registered with Singapore Customs. Engage a Declaring Agent to submit the application together with the supporting documents for you through the Networked Trade Platform (NTP) or Tradenet.
There are no fees charged by SFA and Singapore Customs for import permits to import goods for private consumption. Declaring agents typically charge a service fee.
When submitting, use this number 99999990000C when prompted to enter the UEN so that the food items will be consigned to the permit applicant as an individual and not consigned to a local company.
Step 5: SFA reviews your application
1 working dayYour permit will be processed within 1 working day. Once your permit is processed, a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) will be issued.
You can obtain a copy of the CCP from the Declaring Agent and produce it when your goods go through customs or are detained by Customs, ICA, or Singapore Post.
Note
If your postal parcel has been detained by Singapore Post, you can request its release by emailing a copy of the CCP and the notification letter that you have received from Singapore Post to g-dps@singpost.com. Once your request is processed, Singapore Post will deliver the parcel to you within 2-3 working days.
For more information
You can contact us through the SFA Online Feedback Form.
