Yes, under the Sale of Food Act, a licence to operate a food processing establishment is required from AVA, for the manufacturing, processing, preparation or packing of foods (excluding meat or fish processing) for the purpose of distribution to wholesalers and retailers.

The premises used for manufacturing, processing, preparation or packing of food for the purpose of distribution must be carried out in a properly designed and constructed food processing establishment equipped with all the necessary facilities.

Use of residential house as a food processing establishment for manufacturing of food for distribution is not allowed.

If you are operating a food establishment for manufacturing, processing, preparation or packing of food for the purpose of distribution to wholesalers and retailers (retailers may include supermarkets, restaurants, food retail outlets, etc.), you should apply for a licence to operate a food establishment from AVA.

On the other hand, if you wish to operate a retail food establishment where food is sold wholly by retail (whether or not the food sold is also prepared, stored or packed for sale or consumed at such premises), including cake shops, supermarkets, cut fruit shops, market-produce shops, food stalls, catering establishments, eating establishments such as restaurants etc., then you should apply for a licence from NEA.

Importers of processed food products and food appliances are required to first register with the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), Quarantine & Inspection Group (QIG).

An import permit is required for every import consignment of processed food products or food appliances. Traders may apply for the import permits by declaring their food imports prior to importation into Singapore through the Tradexchange Portal. The system will then route the declaration to AVA for processing. Upon approval, the import permit for the consignment is incorporated in the Cargo Clearance Permit printed at the trader's terminal. Importers may appoint an agent to apply for permits on their behalf.

The import and sale of food products in Singapore are governed by the Sale of Food Act and the Food Regulations. Importers must ensure that the food products imported for sale in Singapore comply with the food standards and labelling requirements stipulated in the Food Regulations.

Supporting documents such as health certificates, laboratory analytical reports may be required for specific food products when applying for import permits. When submitting the documents, please state the Unique Reference No of the declaration & the AVA Registration Number on the top right hand corner of each document. Please refer to the section "Conditions for Specific Types of Food". 


All imported processed food products are subjected to inspection. Samples may be taken for laboratory analysis. In certain cases of the food items, a conditional approval message will be posted on the import permits to require traders to contact AVA for an inspection.

You may apply for a Licence to operate a food processing establishment (excluding meat and fish) via AVA's e-Services.

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