Businesses that import, export, or tranship food and food products regulated by SFA will need to apply for the necessary licences and permits. This page outlines the main steps involved.
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Only businesses registered with ACRA are eligible to apply for a licence or register with SFA to import, export, or tranship goods.
You can visit ACRA's website for more information on how to register your business with ACRA as well as the fees for registration and the processing time required.
Ensure your business is registered with ACRA and that the registration remains valid before you apply/register with SFA.
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Last Updated 27 Apr 2026
To import, export, or tranship goods, you will need a TradeNet account.
You should activate your TradeNet account with Singapore Customs using the UEN issued by ACRA before applying with SFA.
For details on how to set up a TradeNet account, see Activation of Customs Account. For information or assistance, please contact Singapore Customs.
You must open and maintain a GIRO account with SFA for the payment of licence, registration, and permit fees.
If you need to change your GIRO account with SFA, you must submit a new GIRO application form. You should maintain the existing GIRO account until the new one is approved, as your licence may be suspended if you do not have a GIRO account with SFA.
For details on how to set up your GIRO with SFA, see Payments – GIRO.
You will need your SingPass or CorpPass to log into the GoBusiness portal to apply/register.
If you do not have a SingPass account, register for one on the SingPass website. You will need to be authorised by your company’s CorpPass administrator before logging into the GoBusiness portal to apply/register on behalf of your company.
If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.
Before applying, ensure that you can meet the requirements for the goods you want to import, export, or tranship. For instance, if you are importing meat, the meat must be from approved sources.
For an overview of the requirements, see Requirements for Licence / Permit / Registration for Import / Export.
Individuals or sole proprietorships must settle any CPF Medisave arrears before applying/registering. You will not be able to apply if there are outstanding CPF Medisave payments.
Use the table below to identify the licences, registrations, and permits you require.
Please refer to the user guide below for information on the steps for application for licences and registration.
The table below shows the fees and processing time for the licences/registrations to import, export and tranship goods regulated by SFA.
If you have already set up your GIRO arrangement with SFA in step 3, you can pay through GIRO. If you prefer other payment modes, such as AXS or GoBusiness, refer to Payments.
| Licence/Registration | Fees | Processing time for complete submissions |
|---|---|---|
| Licence for Import/Export/Transhipment of Meat and Fish Products | $84 per year | 1 working day |
| Licence for Import/Transhipment of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables | $378 per year | 1 working day |
| Licence to Import Shell Eggs | Free | 1 working day |
| Registration to Import Processed Food Products and Food Appliances | Free | 1 working day |
| Registration to Import Animal Feed | Free | 1 working day |
| Licence to Import Poultry | Free | 1 working day |
| Licence to Import Sheep & Goats | Free | 1 working day |
| Licence to Import/Export/Tranship Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics |
| 2 working days The licence is valid only for 1 consignment and for 30 days. |
| Licence to Import Pigs | Free | SFA will contact you within 5 working days of receiving your application. |
| Licence to Import/Export Rice | $50 per licence | 3 working days
Applications may take longer to process to connect applicants with government designated warehouse. For details, visit the Rice Portal. |
You can check the status of your application via the GoBusiness Portal.
After you have obtained the licence, registration or permit from SFA, you may be required to take other actions, such as:
For details, refer to:
What You Need to Know for Import of Food for Commercial Sale
Apply for an import permit
What You Need to Know for Import of Animal Feed
What You Need to Know for Import of Live Poultry, Livestock & Live Animal
What You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Food & Food Products
What You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Animal Feed
What You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Live Poultry, Livestock & Live Animal
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
Related Pages
What You Need to Know for Import of Animal Feed for Food-Producing AnimalsWhat You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Animal Feed for Food-Producing AnimalsWhat You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Food & Food ProductsWhat You Need to Know for Export / Tranship of Live Poultry, Livestock & Live Animals
