Application Process & Fees for Licence / Registration for Food Manufacturing & Storage

Type of annual licence	Application Fee	Licence Fee
Licence to Operate a Coldstore for storage of meat & seafood products	$147.20	$260
Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment Meat & fish processing establishment Other processed food establishment a) Below 200 m² (small) b) 200 to 750 m² (medium) c) Above 750 m² (large)	$147.20	$260 a) $180 (small) b) $360 (medium) c) $600 (large)
Licence to Operate a Meat or Fish Food Processing Establishment where meat or fish products in containers are hermetically sealed and thereafter preserved by subjection to heat treatment	$147.20	$840
Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse for poultry	$147.20	$1,000
Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse for livestock	$147.20	$4,000

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Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements

Review the licence/registration requirements carefully and ensure that you are able to meet all the requirements before applying for a licence. For more details, see Requirements for Licence / Registration for Food Manufacturing & Storage.

Step 2: Get a CorpPass

You will need your CorpPass to log into the GoBusiness portal to register.

If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.

Step 3: Gather the supporting documents

The table below shows the supporting documents required for the different licences:

Licence	Supporting documents
Licence to Operate a Coldstore	layout plan process flow chart particulars of products You can use the following to prepare your supporting documents: Particulars of Products (Template) Samples for document submission
Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment
Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse

Licence

Supporting documents

Licence to Operate a Coldstore

layout plan
process flow chart
particulars of products

You can use the following to prepare your supporting documents:

Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment

Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse

Step 4 : Submit your application

Log into the GoBusiness portal and submit your application for:

Licence to Operate a Coldstore

Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment

Licence to Operate a Slaughterhouse

Pay the application fees via the GoBusiness portal if prompted. The GoBusiness portal accepts several payment methods.

Step 5: SFA reviews your application

within 30 working days

For Coldstores, Food Processing Establishments and Slaughterhouses, SFA will assess the proposed plans to ensure they comply with the licensing requirements.

For example, the premises must be designed for one-directional flow to prevent cross-contamination between raw materials and finished products.

If the application is complete and in order, an in-principle approval (IPA) notification will be sent to you via email from SFA. The email will provide details on what you must do after receiving the IPA.

Processing time starts from the date we receive the complete application with all the required supporting documents and, where required, a satisfactory pre-licensing inspection.

Time spent waiting for application with incomplete documentation or information to be re-submitted, as well as scheduling of pre-licensing inspections will not be counted in the processing time.

Icon Tip

To facilitate timely processing, please ensure that:

1. All applications are completed correctly and in full;
2. All necessary supporting documents are submitted with your application.
3. Prompt responses to SFA's requests for clarification or additional information.

Step 6: Sign up for GIRO

up to 8 weeks

Applicants are encouraged to sign up for GIRO auto-payment as a convenient way to pay the fees for the renewal of their licence.

Please note that GIRO approval can take up to 8 weeks. You are advised to make payment by other means if you wish to commence your operations before your GIRO auto-payment arrangement is completed. 

Step 7: Renovate or set up your food establishment

For Coldstores, Food Processing Establishments and Slaughterhouses, you may proceed with the renovation and set up the premises according to the submitted layout after receiving the IPA.

Step 8: Final inspection by SFA

The final inspection will be carried out at the premises before the issuance of the licence. To arrange for the inspection, contact the SFA officer in charge of your application, as stated in the IPA letter.

Coldstores

Inspection of coldstores will be carried out virtually. Prior to the virtual inspection, SFA will send you a copy of the photograph submission template along with the grant of IPA. You will need to submit the completed photograph submission template via email to the SFA officer for review before arranging for the final inspection.

Food processing establishments and Slaughterhouses

Inspection of food processing establishments and slaughterhouses will be carried out physically.

Gather the following documents as they must be submitted during the final inspection:

Document	Description
Cleaning and sanitation programme	The programme should include these areas and items: equipment to be cleaned frequency of cleaning method of cleaning staff responsible for each specific task monitoring arrangements
Pest control programme	Programme for the control of pests, including rodents and cockroaches. A copy of the contract with the pest control company must be submitted. Control measures involving treatments with chemical, physical, or biological agents should only be undertaken by or under the direct supervision of qualified personnel.
Leased (tenancy) agreement	A copy of the lease (tenancy) agreement of the premises (if applicable).
Particulars of Food Hygiene Officer	Particulars of Food Hygiene Officer, together with documentary proof that they have been trained and qualified in food hygiene.

Step 9: SFA issues your licence

The licence will be issued when all required documents have been submitted and the licensing requirements are met.

You will be notified via the GoBusiness portal when your licence is approved. The details of the approved activities will be indicated on the licence.

Step 10: Make payment for licence fees

Log into the GoBusiness portal to pay the licence fees. You will be able to print your new licence upon payment of the licence fee.

Registering Food Storage Warehouses (non-meat/fish products)

Food storage warehouses are any buildings, facilities, structures, or premises where food is stored for the sale or distribution to other processors, wholesalers, or any other business selling or distributing to consumers. This includes cold rooms for the storage of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

All food storage warehouses are encouraged to register for traceability. Registrations are valid for 1 year. There are no fees to register.

Follow the steps below to register:

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Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements

Review the registration requirements carefully and ensure that you are able to meet all the requirements before registering. For more details, see Requirements for Licence / Registration for Food Manufacturing & Storage.

Step 2: Get a CorpPass

You will need your CorpPass to log into the GoBusiness portal to register.

If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.

Step 3: Gather the supporting documents

You will need to submit the following documents when you apply:

layout plan
pest control contract
tenancy/purchase agreement/letter of declaration

You can refer to this guide to prepare your own supporting document:

Sample of warehouse layout plan

Step 4: Submit your application

Log into the GoBusiness portal and submit your application for the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses.

Step 5: SFA reviews your application

within 30 working days

Processing time starts from the date we receive the complete application with all the required supporting documents and, where required, a satisfactory pre-licensing inspection.

Time spent waiting for application with incomplete documentation or information to be re-submitted, as well as scheduling of pre-licensing inspections will not be counted in the processing time.

Step 6: Receive the registration number and approval

You will be notified via the GoBusiness portal when your registration is approved.

The Warehouse Approval Letter, which contains the Warehouse Registration Number, can be downloaded and printed via the GoBusiness portal.

Food Storage Warehouse operators have specific responsibilities. For details, see Responsibilities of Food Establishment Operators.

Application Process & Fees for Licence / Registration for Food Manufacturing & Storage

Applying for a Licence

Applying for a Licence

Singapore Food Agency

After obtaining your licence

Seek approval for additional trades or change in layout

Registering Food Storage Warehouses (non-meat/fish products)

Registering Food Storage Warehouses (non-meat/fish products)

Last Updated 28 July 2026