Import Requirements for Food & Food Products

Meat and Meat Products

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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?

Imports classified as ‘Meat & Meat Products’ must meet the import requirements imposed on this category of food or food products. Examples of ‘Meat & Meat Products’ include, but are not limited to, fresh poultry and meats, pizza with meat toppings and barbequed meats (bak kwa).

To check if your food or food product falls under ‘Meat & Meat Products’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.

Where can I find the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?

The import requirements can be found in the Wholesome Meat and Fish (Import, Export and Transhipment) Rules.

You must comply with the import requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Meat & Meat Products into Singapore.

Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.

How do I comply with the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?

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Step 1: Import only from approved sources

Meat and meat products must only be imported from SFA-approved sources.

SFA-approved sources and SFA-accredited overseas establishments change from time to time. Always use the Accreditation Database for Overseas Sources to check the approved sources and establishments before you import any consignment. If your establishment is not listed in the database, please refer to Overseas Accreditation of Food & Food Products - Meat & Meat Products.
In addition, always check the latest circulars before you import any consignment. SFA will issue a circular if there are changes to the approved sources (e.g. removed, added or suspended).

Step 2: Obtain the required health certificates from your supplier

Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country or region. This certifies that your imports comply with Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements.

Obtain the relevant health certificates of the meat and meat products you intend to import from your supplier or exporter.

For information on the retrieval of electronic sanitary certificate (eSPS) for Australia and New Zealand, see eSPS Certificate.

Submit the health certificate for each consignment in the format agreed by SFA and the overseas authorities. You can contact SFA or the overseas authority to check if the health certificate for your imports is in the agreed format.

Step 3: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete

Every carton and basic packaging unit of your imported meat or meat product must be labelled with the following: 

description of the meat product 
country/region of origin of the meat product 
brand name of the meat product (if any) 
name and designation number of the processing establishment (if applicable) 
date that the meat product was processed. The labels of all processed meat products must include the name and designation number of the slaughterhouse that had supplied the meat used in the meat product, and the date of the slaughter.
name and designation number of the establishment that packed the meat product and the date of packing
batch number, location and canning code of the canned meat product 
net weight of the meat product in each basic packaging and outer carton

You must inform your supplier or exporter to comply with the SFA's labelling requirements.

For more details, see Labelling Requirements for Food.

eSPS Certificate

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What is an eSPS Certificate?

An eSPS certificate is an electronic sanitary certificate (also commonly referred to as a health certificate or veterinary certificate) used for the import/export of animal and animal-related products. An eSPS facilitates the exchange of certificate data with overseas Competent Authorities through Singapore Customs’ eServices. The eSPS certificate has the same validity as paper certificates issued by the overseas Competent Authorities.

Why use an eSPS Certificate?

The eSPS certificate is an electronic exchange of information between Competent Authorities that is fast and secure, and mitigates risks of fraudulent or missing information. It also saves time as traders do not have to wait for hardcopy sanitary certificates before seeking clearances for the import/export of animal and animal-related products. Traders can also easily retrieve and trace their eSPS certificates from Singapore Customs’ eServices.

eSPS exchange with Australia and New Zealand

The eSPS certificate exchange with Australia started on 28 June 2023, while the exchange with New Zealand started on 12 May 2023 for the import of meat and meat products.

Retrieving eSPS Certificates

Importers and their authorised declaring agents must first have their own Corppass account that is assigned with digital service "Customs eServices", which can be done at https://www.corppass.gov.sg/, before accessing eSPS enquiry service. Details can be found Quick Links for Traders | Singapore Customs. Importers and their authorised declaring agents can retrieve and trace their eSPS via www.customs.gov.sg > eServices > Search for “Electronic Sanitary and Phytosanitary (e-SPS) Enquiry Service” or via the URL go.gov.sg/espsenquiry.

Making eSPS enquiries

Please refer to the eSPS Certificate Guide for steps on making and retrieving eSPS certificates.

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Meat and Meat Products?

SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensures food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

As meat has a higher risk of being contaminated with pathogens compared to processed food or vegetables, SFA requires all meat to be imported only from approved sources or accredited establishments. SFA also requires every consignment to be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate to ensure that your imports comply with Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements.

The labelling requirements also provide consumers with the information to make informed choices. It also improves traceability in the event of food safety issues or recalls.

Eggs and Egg Products

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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?

Food or food products classified as ‘Eggs & Egg Products’ such as shell eggs, salted eggs, liquid eggs, and omelettes must meet the import requirements imposed on this category of food or food products.

To check if your food or food product falls under ‘Eggs & Egg Products’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.

When should I comply with these requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?

You must comply with these requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Eggs & Egg Products into Singapore.

Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.

How do I comply with the import requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?

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Step 1: Import only from approved sources

Shell eggs: Shell eggs may only be imported from approved sources, and each consignment must be derived from a single farm.

Egg products / processed eggs: Processed eggs may only be imported from SFA-approved sources.

SFA-approved sources and SFA-accredited overseas establishments change from time to time. Always use the Accreditation Database for Overseas Sources to check the approved sources and establishments each time you import a consignment. If your establishment is not listed in the database, please refer to Overseas Accreditation of Food & Food Products - Shell Eggs / Processed Eggs.
In addition, always check the latest circulars before you import. SFA will issued a circular when approved sources are changed (e.g. removed, added or suspended).

Step 2: Obtain the required health certificates from your supplier

If your products meet SFA’s veterinary conditions, please obtain the required health certificates from your supplier.

For information on the retrieval of electronic sanitary certificate (eSPS) for the import or export of meat and meat products to or from Australia, see eSPS Certificate.

Submit the health certificate for each consignment in the format agreed by SFA and the overseas authorities. You can contact SFA or the overseas authority to check if the health certificate for your imports is in the agreed format.

Step 3: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete

Shell eggs and pasteurised shell eggs: Please ensure that the labelling requirements for shell eggs and pasteurised shell eggs are compliant with the veterinary conditions.

Please refer to the following for SFA’s veterinary conditions:

Processed eggs: Your supplier must comply with the labelling requirements for processed eggs. For more information, please see Labelling Requirements for Food.

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Eggs & Egg Products?

SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

There is a risk of bacteria, known as Salmonella Enteritidis, in fresh eggs. To address the risks, SFA requires all eggs to be imported from approved sources. Approved sources have gone through an accreditation process. One of the accreditation criteria is that farms must be free from Salmonella Enteritidis.

In addition, every consignment must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate. Together with other measures (e.g. inspections carried out by SFA on imports), the import requirements make it safer for us to consume eggs and egg products.

Fish & Fish Products

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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?

Food or food products classified as ‘Fish & Fish Products’, including types of seafood (e.g. live fish, canned tuna, crabs, prawns, sea cucumbers, and squids) must meet the import requirements imposed on this category of food or food products.

To check if your food or food product falls under ‘Fish & Fish Products’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.

Where can I find the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?

The import requirements for Fish and Fish products can be found in the Wholesome Meat and Fish (Import, Export and Transhipment) Rules.

You must comply with these requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Fish & Fish Products into Singapore.

Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.

How do I comply with the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?

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Step 1: Check if your products are classified as ‘high-risk’

There are import requirements imposed for Fish & Fish Products that are considered 'high-risk'.

Use the table below to determine if your food or food products are classified as ‘high-risk’. The table also shows the import requirements corresponding to each high-risk item.

High-Risk Product	Requirements
Chilled-shucked raw oysters Chilled cockle meat Chilled cooked prawn/shrimp Chilled crab meat	Import is not allowed
Live cockles	Only food processing establishments that are licensed by SFA to shuck cockles are allowed to import live cockles.
Live oysters	Import of live oysters is only allowed from the following countries or regions which meet SFA’s requirements for a shellfish sanitation programme: Australia Canada France Ireland Japan (Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Mie, Miyagi, Oita, Tokushima, Iwate, and Shimane Prefectures) The Netherlands New Zealand United Kingdom USA Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region.
Frozen oysters Frozen blood cockle meat Frozen cooked prawns Frozen raw/cooked crab meat	Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region. For frozen oysters, the health certificate must certify and state that the consignment has been tested and found to be ‘free of norovirus’.
Frozen pearl oyster meat (adductor muscle)	You can import from any country or region if you: Have documentary proof to verify that the pearl oyster meat products meet the following requirements: The pearl oyster meat products are harvested and processed by an establishment regulated by the Competent Authority in the exporting country or region. The pearl oyster meat products are processed under hygienic and sanitary conditions. The pearl oyster meat products meet the Singapore Food Regulations. Maintain proper documentation records of the documentary proof. SFA may request to see them as part of inspection checks. For more details, please refer to this trade circular on import requirements for pearl oyster meat.
Pufferfish (wild and farmed pufferfish muscle meat and farmed pufferfish parts i.e. fins, skin, and milt only)	You can only import wild and farmed pufferfish muscle meat and farmed pufferfish parts (fins, skin, and milt) from SFA-accredited pufferfish establishments approved for export to Singapore. Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region. For more details, please see Overseas Accreditation of Food & Food Products - Fish & Fish Products.
Seafood from Fiji, Chile and Mexico	Fiji Only sharkfin and sea cucumber are allowed for import. Other seafood is not allowed.
Seafood from Fiji, Chile and Mexico	Chile and Mexico Each import consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority of the exporting country or region. The health certificate must certify and state that products are ‘free from marine biotoxins’.

Step 2: Check if your products fall under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Permits are required for importing fish species under CITES Appendix II and Appendix III. This applies to whole fish, fish parts, and fish derivatives.

The table below shows some examples of CITES species. Please use Species+ to check if your food or product fall under CITES by entering the scientific name of the animal/fish. The table also shows the corresponding import requirements. 

You may write to CITES@nparks.gov.sg for enquiries on CITES matters.

CITES	Requirements
CITES Appendix II     Sturgeon (Acipenseriformes species)   Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)     Basking Shark (Cetorhinus Maximus)    Seahorses (Hippocampus species)    All Thresher sharks (Alopias species)    Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)    Mediterranean date mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga)    Mackerel sharks (Carcharodon carcharias, Isurus oxyrinchus, Isurus paucus, Lamna nasus)    All Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrnidae species)    All Requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae species)    Sea cucumbers (Thelenota species)    Teatfishes (Holothuria fuscogilva, Holothuria nobilis and Holothuria whitmaei)    Mobuild rays (Manta spp.)    European eel (Anguilla anguilla)       CITES Appendix III       "Rock Sea Cucumber" (Isostichopus fuscus) from Ecuador	For each import consignment, you must obtain all the following permits:   a CITES import permit from NParks   a CITES export/re-export permit from country or region of export

CITES

Requirements

CITES Appendix II

Sturgeon (Acipenseriformes species)
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)  
Basking Shark (Cetorhinus Maximus) 
Seahorses (Hippocampus species) 
All Thresher sharks (Alopias species) 
Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) 
Mediterranean date mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga) 
Mackerel sharks (Carcharodon carcharias, Isurus oxyrinchus, Isurus paucus, Lamna nasus) 
All Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrnidae species) 
All Requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae species) 
Sea cucumbers (Thelenota species) 
Teatfishes (Holothuria fuscogilva, Holothuria nobilis and Holothuria whitmaei) 
Mobuild rays (Manta spp.) 
European eel (Anguilla anguilla)

CITES Appendix III

"Rock Sea Cucumber" (Isostichopus fuscus) from Ecuador

For each import consignment, you must obtain all the following permits:
 

a CITES import permit from NParks

a CITES export/re-export permit from country or region of export

Step 3: Comply with the import requirements for ‘high-risk' Fish & Fish Products

Fish and fish products that are not classified as ‘high-risk’ and not under CITES can be imported from any country or region without the need to obtain a health certificate.

If your food or food products are classified as ‘high-risk’ or under CITES, you must comply with the import requirements listed in the table above.

The most common mistakes made by traders is the incomplete submission of the required documents, such as omission of health certificates, or health certificates that do not have all required information.
To avoid delays in processing your application, you must ensure that the documents for each import consignment of food or food products are complete.

Step 4: Ensure food labels are accurate and complete

Every carton and basic packaging unit of your imported Fish and Fish Products must be labelled with the following information:

description of the fish product
country/region of origin of the fish product
brand name of the fish product (if any)
name and designation number of the processing establishment (if applicable)
date that the fish product was processed. The labels of all processed fish products must include the name and designation number of the establishment, and the date on which the fish was processed.
name and designation number of the establishment that packed the fish product and the date of packing
batch number, location and canning code of the fish product
net weight of the fish product in each basic packaging and outer carton

You must inform your supplier or exporter to comply with the SFA's labelling requirements.

For more details, see Labelling Requirements for Food.

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Fish & Fish Products?

SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

More requirements are imposed on high-risk Fish & Fish Products. For example, frozen oysters require health certificates as they are more susceptible to microbiological and chemical contamination.

If you intend to import live oysters, you will need to obtain a health certificate as well as from countries/regions that meet SFA’s requirements for a shellfish sanitation programme. This is because live oysters pose a higher risk than frozen ones.

The labelling requirements also provide consumers with the information to make informed choices. It also improves traceability in the event of food safety issues or recalls.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

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What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

Food or food products classified as ‘Fresh Fruits & Vegetables’ include, but are not limited to, fresh apples, fresh durians, fresh potatoes, and raw ginger among others. Each import consignment must meet the requirements imposed on this category of food or food products.

Fruits and vegetables that have undergone processing e.g. cutting, peeling, canning, and freezing, are classified as ‘Processed Food’ and must comply with the import requirements for processed food instead.

To check if your food or food products fall under ‘Fresh Fruits & Vegetables’, use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. For more information on the different categories of food and food products, see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.

Where can I find the import requirements for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables?

The import requirements can be found in the Control of Plants (Import & Transhipment of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables) Rules.

You must comply with these requirements before you apply for an import permit to bring Fresh Fruits & Vegetables into Singapore.

Non-compliance can result in penalties under the prevailing food safety laws and regulations.

How do I comply with the import requirements for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

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Step 1: Check the pesticides used

You can import Fresh Fruits & Vegetables from any region/country. However, you must ensure that all imported fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain any of the following:

prohibited pesticides. For the list of SFA-approved agricultural pesticides, go to Pesticide Search Tool.
levels of pesticide residue or toxic chemical residue exceeding the prescribed levels specified in the Ninth Schedule of the Food Regulations or recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission

You can obtain the laboratory test results from your supplier to check the pesticides used and if it exceeds the prescribed levels.

Step 2: Ensure the food labels are accurate and complete

Every container (e.g. carton or basket) of fruits or vegetables must be labelled with the following: 

name and address of the producer
product description
date of export/packing

You must inform your supplier or exporter to comply with the SFA's labelling requirements.

For more details, see Labelling Requirements for Food.

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore. The requirements imposed ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. These requirements ensure that imported fresh fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption.

For instance, the requirement to check the pesticides used and to ensure that it does not exceed the prevailing limits ensures that the imported consignments do not contain any prohibited pesticides which may be harmful when consumed.

The labelling requirements also provide consumers with the information to make informed choices. It also improves traceability in the event of food safety issues or recalls.

Processed Food & Food Appliances

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What are Processed Food & Food Contact Articles?

Processed Food refers to products such as biscuits, cooking oil and mineral water.

A Food Contact Article refers to an item that is designed for use in, or in connection with the handling of food or beverages that comes into contact with food or beverages and does not require electricity to function. Examples include plates, bowls, cups, straws, pots and utensils such as chopsticks and spoons.

To check whether your product falls under this category, please use the Food and Related Products Classification Tool. To learn more about the different categories of food and food products, please see the Classification of General Food & Food Products.

What is needed to import Processed Food & Food Contact Articles for sale?

The sale of Processed Food & Food Contact Articles is governed under the Sale of Food Act 1973 and Food Regulations.

All pre-packed food products for sale in Singapore should meet requirements specified in Part 3 of the Food Regulations. For more information, please see Labelling Guidelines for Food.

Only permitted food additives and ingredients are allowed in food. Please check the relevant requirements here:

Regulatory Limits for Food Additives

Regulatory Limits for Contaminants in Food

Chinese Medicinal Materials and Ingredients Used in Food

All imported Processed Food and Food Contact Articles need to be accompanied by a valid permit under Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations Section 3.

You should check on the requirements for your food product before you apply for a permit to import Processed Food & Food Contact Articles into Singapore.

For processed foods like infant formulas and ready-to-eat food, importers are to provide additional supporting documents. Please refer to the Documents needed for the sale of Specific Food Products for the details.

Enhanced Regulated Source Programme (imports from Malaysia)

In addition to the supporting documents required for specific food products listed above, the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme requires processed food imported from Malaysia to come from registered establishments.

The following food products are covered under the programme. You are required to submit documents showing that your food products are obtained from registered establishments.

No.	Types of Products
1	Infant formula You can use the Calculation guide for infant formula to ensure the nutritional composition is within the limits.
2	Infant Cereal
3	Traditional cakes/kueh kueh, cooked rice products, and other perishable cooked food that are ready-to-eat. Frozen and/or uncooked products are currently excluded. For more information, see Examples of Traditional Cakes (Kueh Kueh), Cooked Rice Products and Other Perishable Cooked Food.
4	Mooncakes
5	Dried beancurd sticks, skin, and sheets
6	Edible oil

How and what do I need to submit to prove that processed food products under the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme are from registered establishment?

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Step 1: Obtain and submit documents for Processed Food imported from Malaysia under the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme before you submit an application to SFA for an import permit

If your processed food product falls under this programme, you must submit documentary proof to SFA that your processed food products are from registered establishments before applying for an import permit.

Follow the steps below to submit your documents and obtain the establishment code.  

No.	Steps
1	Ensure you are importing from registered Malaysian establishments   Registered Malaysian establishments are food manufacturing establishments that have been registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH).   Please contact MOH Malaysia for details:   Food Safety & Quality Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia (Attn: Ms Norshafawati Binti Rosli)  Tel: +60-03-8885 0797 ext 4074 Email: norshafawati@moh.gov.my Export Branch
2	Obtain documentary proof  You must gather the following documents before you can import food or food products under this programme:    MOH Malaysia registration letter    invoices from the establishment      This step can take a month or longer, depending on how quickly you can gather the required documents from your supplier.    Retain the original documents as you will need to produce them for SFA inspections.
3	Submit documentary proof    Documents must be submitted before you import a processed food product. Please submit the documents using the SFA Online Feedback Form.
4	Receive establishment code   If your submission is in order, you will receive an establishment code (e.g. MYZNNV0001) for each manufacturer upon submission of the documents.   You will need this code to fill in the CA/SC Code1 field when applying for your import permit through TradeNet.   You will also be required to submit the following documents for each import consignment:    invoices    packing lists   manufacturer’s licences   For details on import permits, see Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export.

Step 2 (Optional): Send products to accredited laboratories for analysis

While not mandatory, you are encouraged to have quality control checks on the food or food products by sending them to accredited laboratories for analysis before you import them.

This way, you can be more certain that your food or food products comply with the food safety standards and food regulations.

The time and costs for lab tests vary depending on the type of food product tested and the specific testing procedures.

Please refer to the Singapore Accreditation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) website for the list of accredited laboratories.

Ready-to-Eat Minimally Processed (MP) Cut/ Peeled Fruits (including coconuts), Vegetables and Cut Sugarcane from Malaysia

To import Ready-to-Eat minimally processed cut/peeled fruits (including coconuts), vegetables and cut sugarcane from Malaysia, you are required to submit documents showing that it is obtained from producers registered and certified by Malaysian Ministry of Health.

The registration process is the same as the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme. Please refer to the above section for information.

Supplier Registration for Infant Cereal Products (Voluntary Scheme)

Under the Supplier Registration for Infant Cereal Products Voluntary Scheme, importers are exempted from the submission of laboratory reports of Aflatoxin B1 testing for every consignment.

Only manufacturers with existing food safety management and assurance programmes, which ensure that their food or food products comply with Singapore’s food safety standards and laws, will be registered.

You may register your supplier of infant cereal products under this scheme by following the steps below:

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Step 1: Ensure your supplier and the food or food products you intend to import meet all pre-import requirements

Please refer to the supplier verification checklist for the supporting documents required for verification. Your supplier can be a manufacturer, producer, or consolidator.

If your supplier is a consolidator, you should ensure that the information used for the verification is obtained either directly from the manufacturer or producer.

Retain the original documents as you will need to produce them at SFA's request.

Step 2: Register your supplier

Submit the Supplier Registration (Infant Cereal Products) form to register your supplier under this voluntary scheme. There are no fees.

Step 3: Receive establishment code upon approval

If your submission is in order, you will receive a unique establishment code (e.g. AUZGxxxx) for each registered supplier from SFA within 2 weeks.

You will need this code to fill in CA/SC Code1 field when applying for your import permit through TradeNet. For details on import permits, see

What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale

Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export

Step 4 (Optional): Send products to accredited laboratories for analysis

While not mandatory, you are encouraged to have quality control checks on the food or food products by sending them to accredited laboratories for analysis before you import them.

This way, you can be more certain that your food or food products comply with the food safety standards and food regulations.

The time and costs for lab tests vary depending on the type of food product tested and the specific testing procedures.

Please refer to the Singapore Accreditation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) website for the list of accredited laboratories.

How do we ensure the food safety of imported Processed Food & Food Contact Articles?

SFA adopts a science and risk-based approach to ensure that food is safe for consumption in Singapore.

SFA samples imported food for regulatory testing, with a focus on food that are of higher food safety risks. Food that does not meet our regulatory requirements will not be allowed for import or sale in Singapore.

Insects & Insect Products

Guidelines to Import Insects & Insect Products

SFA’s priority is to ensure the safety of food consumed in Singapore. As the insect industry is nascent and insects are a new food item here, SFA has developed the insect regulatory framework, which puts in place guidelines for insects to be approved as food.

For imports of insects and insect products for human consumption, importers should register with SFA for the Registration to import processed food and food appliances. Insects and insect products may be imported from any country or region as long as the imported insect and insect products meet SFA’s guidelines.

The following guidelines will apply to the import of insects and insect products, depending on their intended purpose (i.e. production for human consumption or animal feed for food-producing animals).

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A. For all import of insects and insect products for human consumption

S/N	Import Guidelines
1	Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration: Documentary proof that products are manufactured in premises regulated by Competent Authority; and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)/ Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan showing that products are manufactured in establishments which have in place production and post-harvest processes to identify the hazard(s) and the control measures.
2	Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that: Insects are not harvested from the wild; Manure, decomposing organic material and materials originating from diseased animals or fish are not used as feeding substrates. (Decomposing state is identified by putrid odours, mushy/slimy, or with visible moulad or bacteria growth. Substrates which have undergone controlled fermentation are permitted); No materials of ruminant origin are used as feeding substrate, except for deboned meat cuts and dairy (e.g. milk and cheese) products; and The products have been handled and packed in a hygienic manner and are free from contaminants.
3	The insects imported should only be those listed in the Food Safety and Security (Catalogued Insect-like Species) Order 2025. Declaration of insect species imported is required as part of cargo clearance permit approval. Insects which are not in this list should undergo evaluation to ensure that the insect species are safe to consume. SFA requires the following information for the assessment of new insect species: Scientific name of insect and intended life stage of consumption Details of the farming and processing method, including the type of substrate (i.e. material used for feeding insects) Evidence of history of use as a food in a country other than Singapore Information relied on to establish that the species and life stage is safe for consumption (e.g. scientific literature, laboratory reports) Singapore address or entity of applicant

S/N

Import Guidelines

Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:

Documentary proof that products are manufactured in premises regulated by Competent Authority; and
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)/ Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan showing that products are manufactured in establishments which have in place production and post-harvest processes to identify the hazard(s) and the control measures.

Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that:

Insects are not harvested from the wild;
Manure, decomposing organic material and materials originating from diseased animals or fish are not used as feeding substrates. (Decomposing state is identified by putrid odours, mushy/slimy, or with visible moulad or bacteria growth. Substrates which have undergone controlled fermentation are permitted);
No materials of ruminant origin are used as feeding substrate, except for deboned meat cuts and dairy (e.g. milk and cheese) products; and
The products have been handled and packed in a hygienic manner and are free from contaminants.

The insects imported should only be those listed in the Food Safety and Security (Catalogued Insect-like Species) Order 2025.

Declaration of insect species imported is required as part of cargo clearance permit approval. Insects which are not in this list should undergo evaluation to ensure that the insect species are safe to consume.

SFA requires the following information for the assessment of new insect species:

Scientific name of insect and intended life stage of consumption
Details of the farming and processing method, including the type of substrate (i.e. material used for feeding insects)
Evidence of history of use as a food in a country other than Singapore
Information relied on to establish that the species and life stage is safe for consumption (e.g. scientific literature, laboratory reports)
Singapore address or entity of applicant

B. For all import of insects and insect products as animal feed

S/N	Import Guidelines
1	Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration: Documentary proof that products are manufactured in premises regulated by Competent Authority; and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)/ Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan showing that products are manufactured in establishments which have in place production and post-harvest processes to identify the hazard(s) and the control measures.
2	Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that: Insects are not harvested from the wild; Manure, decomposing organic material and materials originating from diseased animals or fish are not used as feeding substrates. (Decomposing state is identified by putrid odours, mushy/slimy, or with visible moulad or bacteria growth. Substrates which have undergone controlled fermentation are permitted); No materials of ruminant origin are used as feeding substrate, except for deboned meat cuts and dairy (e.g. milk and cheese) products; and The products have been handled and packed in a hygienic manner and are free from contaminants.

S/N

Import Guidelines

Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:

Documentary proof that products are manufactured in premises regulated by Competent Authority; and
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)/ Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan showing that products are manufactured in establishments which have in place production and post-harvest processes to identify the hazard(s) and the control measures.

Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that:

Insects are not harvested from the wild;
Manure, decomposing organic material and materials originating from diseased animals or fish are not used as feeding substrates. (Decomposing state is identified by putrid odours, mushy/slimy, or with visible moulad or bacteria growth. Substrates which have undergone controlled fermentation are permitted);
No materials of ruminant origin are used as feeding substrate, except for deboned meat cuts and dairy (e.g. milk and cheese) products; and
The products have been handled and packed in a hygienic manner and are free from contaminants.

C. For all imports of live insects for local production (for human consumption)

S/N	Import Guidelines
1	Have fulfilled and obtained approval from the National Parks Board (NParks) on requirements for the import conditions for insects and other invertebrates.
2	Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration: Documentary proof that insects are farmed in premises regulated by Competent Authority.
3	Submission of Health certificate for every consignment to certify that: Insects are not harvested from the wild; Manure, decomposing organic material and materials originating from diseased animals or fish are not used as feeding substrates. (Decomposing state is identified by putrid odours, mushy/slimy, or with visible mould or bacteria growth. Substrates which have undergone controlled fermentation are permitted); No materials of ruminant origin are used as feeding substrate, except for deboned meat cuts and dairy (e.g. milk and cheese) products.
4	The insects imported should only be those listed in the Food Safety and Security (Catalogued Insect-like Species) Order 2025. Declaration of insect species imported is required as part of cargo clearance permit approval. Insects which are not in this list should undergo evaluation to ensure that the insect species are safe to consume. SFA requires the following information for the assessment of new insect species: Scientific name of insect and intended life stage of consumption Details of the farming and processing method, including the type of substrate (i.e. material used for feeding insects) Evidence of history of use as a food in a country other than Singapore Information relied on to establish that the species and life stage is safe for consumption (e.g. scientific literature, laboratory reports) Singapore address or entity of applicant

D. For all imports of live insects for local production as animal feed

S/N

Import Guidelines

Have fulfilled and obtained approval from the National Parks Board (NParks) on requirements for the import conditions for insects and other invertebrates.

Submission of the following documents (one-time submission) from importer for SFA’s consideration:

Documentary proof that insects are farmed in premises regulated by Competent Authority.

Submission of health certificate for every consignment to certify that:

Insects are not harvested from the wild;
Manure, decomposing organic material and materials originating from diseased animals or fish are not used as feeding substrates. (Decomposing state is identified by putrid odours, mushy/slimy, or with visible mould or bacteria growth. Substrates which have undergone controlled fermentation are permitted);
No materials of ruminant origin are used as feeding substrate, except for deboned meat cuts and dairy (e.g. milk and cheese) products.

HS and product codes for insect and insect products for human consumption can be found in Product Codes for Processed Food.

The overseas insect processing establishment, from which the insect and insect products (for human consumption) are sourced, should be registered with SFA with submission of supporting documents such as regulated source documents and Food Safety Management System/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. This is a one-time registration. Please register by filling in the online form.

In order to facilitate import clearance, importers of insects and insect products (for human consumption and as animal feed for food-producing animals) should, in applying for permits use, the correct HS and product codes, attach the required health certificate, and declare the specific establishment code of the insect processing establishment in the appropriate fields in TradeNet. The establishment codes are to be filled in the field name, “CA/SC Code 1”. If the establishment codes are not filled in the designated field, invalid establishment codes are filled, or the required health certificate is not attached, the permit declaration will be rejected.

Rice

Rice is a controlled item under the Price Control Act (Chapter 244) and the Price Control (Rice) Order 1990 issued by the Minister for Trade and Industry (MTI).

A licence is required to import (into Singapore or the Singapore Free Trade Zone), re-export, and carry out wholesale dealings in rice.

Application Details

For more information on permit applications for import, HS codes, current rice licences, the government-designated warehouses and FAQs, please visit the Rice website.

Novel Food

Please refer to the following pages for information:

Overview of Pre-Market Approval Framework for Novel Food

Guidelines on Applying for Pre-Market Approval for a Novel Food

List of Approved Novel Foods

Food Additives & Ingredients

Before importing any food or food product, please ensure that all food additives and ingredients included in the product are permitted under SFA’s Food Regulations.

Please refer to the following pages for information:

Overview on Food Safety Regulatory LimitsRegulatory Limits for Food AdditivesRegulatory Limits for Contaminants in Food Chinese Medicinal Materials and ingredients used in food

Genetically Engineered Food and Feed

Please refer to the following pages for information:

Regulatory framework for the use of genome edited crops in food and/or animal feed Conditions related to use of genetically modified crops in food Labelling Requirements for Genetically Modified (GM) Food

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

Last Updated 09 September 2026

What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale

Import Requirements for Food & Food Products

Meat and Meat Products

What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?

Where can I find the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?

How do I comply with the import requirements for Meat & Meat Products?

eSPS Certificate

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Meat and Meat Products?

Eggs and Egg Products

What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?

When should I comply with these requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?

How do I comply with the import requirements for Eggs & Egg Products?

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Eggs & Egg Products?

Fish & Fish Products

What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?

Where can I find the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?

How do I comply with the import requirements for Fish & Fish Products?

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Fish & Fish Products?

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

What food or food products must meet the import requirements for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

Where can I find the import requirements for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables?

How do I comply with the import requirements for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

How do these import requirements ensure the food safety of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

Processed Food & Food Appliances

What are Processed Food & Food Contact Articles?

What is needed to import Processed Food & Food Contact Articles for sale?

Enhanced Regulated Source Programme (imports from Malaysia)

How and what do I need to submit to prove that processed food products under the Enhanced Regulated Source Programme are from registered establishment?

Ready-to-Eat Minimally Processed (MP) Cut/ Peeled Fruits (including coconuts), Vegetables and Cut Sugarcane from Malaysia

Supplier Registration for Infant Cereal Products (Voluntary Scheme)

How do we ensure the food safety of imported Processed Food & Food Contact Articles?

Insects & Insect Products

Guidelines to Import Insects & Insect Products

Rice

Rice

Application Details

Novel Food

Food Additives & Ingredients

Genetically Engineered Food and Feed

Last Updated 09 September 2026

Singapore Food Agency

Singapore Food Agency