Edible Bird's Nest Import Licence
- a22162
- Aug 25
- 9 min read
Singapore Edible Bird's Nest Import Licence
To import edible bird's nest into Singapore for commercial purposes, you need to follow a multi-step process and obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Singapore Customs.
Here is a general overview of the steps and requirements:
1. Business and Customs Registration:
ACRA Registration: Your business must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Singapore Customs Registration: You need to have a TradeNet account with Singapore Customs to import goods. You can activate this account using your business's Unique Entity Number (UEN) from ACRA.
SFA GIRO Account: You must open and maintain a GIRO account with the SFA for the payment of license, registration, and permit fees.
2. Obtaining the Necessary Licenses and Registrations:
Edible bird's nest is classified as a "processed food" by the SFA. Therefore, you will need to apply for a Registration to Import Processed Food Products and Food Appliances.
This application is done through the SFA's GoBusiness portal. You will need your SingPass or CorpPass to log in.
3. Specific Import Requirements for Each Consignment:
Import Permit: For every consignment of edible bird's nest you import, you must apply for a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) through the TradeNet system. This CCP serves as the SFA import permit.
Approved Sources: The processed food products you intend to import must be manufactured in an establishment that is properly supervised by the authorities of the exporting country and/or has a quality assurance program acceptable to the SFA.
Health Certificate: Each consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. This certificate attests that the imports comply with Singapore's food safety requirements.
Labelling: All cartons and individual packaging units of your imported product must be accurately and completely labeled with information such as:
Description of the product.
Country/region of origin.
Brand name.
Name and designation number of the processing establishment.
Date of production.
Net weight.
Batch number.
Documentation: You should maintain source documentation (e.g., HACCP certificates, GMP certificates, factory licenses) and be prepared to produce them upon request by SFA officers.
Important Notes:
SFA and Customs Inspections: Imported consignments may be subject to border control inspections. You will need to present the Cargo Clearance Permit and other relevant documents (invoices, health certificates) to the SFA inspector.
Timeline
The timeline for a company to be fully authorized to import edible bird's nest into Singapore involves several distinct steps, each with its own processing time. The total duration can vary, but here's a realistic breakdown:
Step 1: Business and Customs Registration (Prerequisites)
This is the very first step and must be completed before you can apply for the SFA registration.
ACRA Company Registration:
If you have all your documents ready, the process can be completed in as little as 15 minutes to a few hours.
For more complex cases, such as those with foreign directors or company names requiring approval from a referral authority, it can take up to 1-3 business days or up to 15 working days, respectively.
Activation of Singapore Customs Account:
This is a quick online process that can be completed immediately after your company is registered with ACRA.
The standard processing time is typically within 4 working hours if no supporting documents are required. If documents are needed, it may take up to 3 working days.
SFA GIRO Account (Optional but Recommended):
Applying for a GIRO account with the SFA is a separate process that can take up to 8 weeks for bank approval.
It is not a pre-requisite for the initial SFA registration, but it is necessary for paying for subsequent Cargo Clearance Permits. You can use other payment methods, but GIRO is the most convenient for regular imports.
Step 2: SFA Registration to Import Processed Food Products
This is the direct application for the right to import processed food, which includes edible bird's nest.
Application Submission:
The application is submitted online via the GoBusiness portal.
The time it takes to fill out and submit the application depends on how prepared you are with your company details.
SFA Processing Time:
The SFA's service standard for reviewing and approving a complete application for this registration is 1 working day.
However, this timeline is highly dependent on the completeness and accuracy of your submission. If the SFA requires clarification, rectification, or additional documents, the process will be delayed. SFA will contact the applicant within 7 working days of an incomplete application.
Step 3: Import Permit for Each Consignment (TradeNet)
Once all the above steps are complete, you can start importing. However, you need to apply for a separate permit for each shipment.
Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) Application:
This application is submitted online through the TradeNet system.
A straightforward application for a non-dutiable, non-controlled item like edible bird's nest can be approved very quickly, often within minutes to a few hours.
However, if the SFA places a "hold" on your shipment for inspection, testing, or documentation checks, the timeline will be extended. The SFA will typically notify you via the permit's status, and this can add several days to your timeline depending on the inspection and lab testing queues.
Summary Timeline
A streamlined and efficient timeline for the entire process, assuming no complications, looks like this:
ACRA & Customs Account: 1-3 working days (or a bit longer if there are complications).
SFA Registration: 1 working day (if the application is complete).
First Import Permit: Minutes to hours (for a new consignment after SFA registration is approved).
Total Minimum Timeline: In a best-case scenario with everything in order, you can complete all the necessary registrations and be ready to apply for your first import permit in as little as 2 to 5 working days.
Realistic Timeline: A more realistic timeline, accounting for potential minor delays in documentation, setup, and processing, would be 1 to 2 weeks to be fully ready for your first shipment. If you are also setting up an SFA GIRO account for payments, that process can take up to 8 weeks.
Fees
When importing edible bird's nest into Singapore, you will incur a few different types of fees. The fees are not for a single "import license" but are associated with the different permits and registrations required for each consignment.
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
1. Registration with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA):
Registration to Import Processed Food Products and Food Appliances: This is the main registration required for your business. This registration itself does not have an annual fee. However, maintaining a GIRO account with SFA is a prerequisite for paying subsequent permit fees and other charges.
2. Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) via TradeNet:
For every consignment of edible bird's nest you import, you must obtain a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) through the TradeNet system. This serves as the import permit.
The cost of a single TradeNet permit application is a combination of different fees:
Statutory Fee: This is a fixed fee charged by a government body, in this case, the SFA. For a processed food product like edible bird's nest, the permit fee may vary. While a flat fee of S$300 per permit was recently introduced for certain processed meat products, fees for other processed foods might be different. You should confirm the exact fee with the SFA's latest guidelines for processed food.
Processing and Messaging Fees: These are charged by the TradeNet operator (CrimsonLogic). Singapore Customs has stated that a typical TradeNet permit application costs about S$3.19, which includes a statutory fee of S$0.90 and processing and messaging fees of S$2.29.
Note: If you use a freight forwarder or a third-party declaring agent to submit the permit on your behalf, they will charge you their own service fees on top of the government and TradeNet fees.
3. Other Potential Fees:
Inspection Fees: Your consignment may be subject to inspection by SFA officers upon arrival. While the permit fees cover the permit issuance, there may be additional charges for physical inspections or sampling if required. These are charged on a per-consignment basis.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): You will need to pay the prevailing GST on the value of the imported goods (including cost, insurance, and freight). As of the latest information, Singapore's GST is 9%.
Customs Fees: While edible bird's nest is generally not subject to customs duty, other miscellaneous customs fees may apply depending on the services required.
Bestar Professional Fees
Here's a breakdown of what our professional fees cover and the costs.
What Our Fees Cover
Our professional services go beyond just filling out the form. We ensure your business is compliant and that the application is submitted correctly the first time to avoid delays. Our fees cover:
Initial Consultation and Assessment: The consultancy will first review your business structure, product details (e.g., origin, processing method), and current status with ACRA and Singapore Customs to determine if you meet the prerequisites for registration.
Documentation and Information Gathering: We will guide you on what documents and information you need to prepare, such as your business's Unique Entity Number (UEN), details for your SFA GIRO account, and any information required for the GoBusiness application.
Application Submission: The core service is the actual submission of the application on the GoBusiness portal. We will handle the administrative task, ensuring all fields are filled out accurately and that the application is complete.
Follow-up and Communication: In case the SFA requires clarification or additional information, Bestar will act as an intermediary, communicating with the SFA on your behalf and helping you address any queries.
Advisory on Other Requirements: A good consultancy will also provide advice on related import requirements, such as the need for a Cargo Clearance Permit for each consignment, proper labeling, and the necessary health certificates from the country of origin. This helps you prepare for the next steps in the import process.
Our professional fees for this kind of service can vary widely depending on the complexity of your business and the scope of services you require. Here is a general range:
Simple Application Assistance: For a straightforward case where your business is already fully registered and you simply need someone to handle the GoBusiness application, our fee could range from S$200 to S$500.
Comprehensive Service: If you are a new business and require assistance with prerequisites like ACRA registration or setting up your Singapore Customs account, or if you need more in-depth advice on the import regulations for your specific product, our fees could be higher. This could range from S$500 to S$1,500 or more, depending on the number of services bundled together.
Why Do Importers Pay These Fees?
Many businesses, especially small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), choose to pay our professional fees for several reasons:
Time Savings: It saves significant time and effort that would otherwise be spent navigating government portals and understanding complex regulatory requirements.
Risk Mitigation: It reduces the risk of errors in the application, which can lead to delays or even rejection. A complete and accurate application ensures a smoother and faster approval process.
Expertise: Bestar specializes in these processes and have up-to-date knowledge of the regulations, which can be invaluable for a business new to importing.
How Bestar can Help
Edible Bird's Nest Import Licence
Hiring Bestar to assist with the "Registration to Import Processed Food Products and Food Appliances" for edible bird's nest in Singapore offers several key benefits, primarily revolving around expertise, efficiency, and risk mitigation. While the registration itself is free and the process is outlined on the SFA and GoBusiness websites, Bestar can provide valuable support.
Here's a breakdown of how Bestar can help:
1. Navigating Pre-requisites and Complexities
The SFA registration is not a standalone process. It requires your business to have already met several pre-requisites. Bestar can ensure you've ticked all the boxes before you even start the application.
ACRA Registration: We will verify that your company is properly registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and that the registration is valid.
Singapore Customs Activation: We will confirm that your business's Unique Entity Number (UEN) has been activated with Singapore Customs for import/export purposes.
SFA GIRO Account: We will advise you on the requirement to set up a GIRO account with the SFA for future payment of permit fees and other charges, a mandatory step for importers.
2. Ensuring a Smooth and Accurate Application
The primary value of Bestar is in our expertise in handling the application itself.
Correct Classification: We will help you correctly classify your product (edible bird's nest) as "Processed Food" to ensure you are applying for the right registration and not a more complex license (e.g., for meat or fish products).
Documentation and Information: We will guide you on gathering all the necessary information and documents required for the application. While the SFA registration for processed food doesn't require many documents upfront, there are specific fields to fill in and we will ensure every detail is accurate to avoid rejection.
Acting as a Liaison: If the SFA has queries or requires further clarification on your application, Bestar can act as a direct liaison, communicating with the agency on your behalf and helping to promptly provide the requested information. This can significantly reduce processing time.
3. Comprehensive Advisory and Risk Mitigation
Bestar's role extends beyond just the registration form. We provide a holistic view of the entire import process.
Understanding Full Requirements: We can advise you on the complete set of SFA requirements for importing edible bird's nest. This includes the need for a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) for every consignment, the requirement for a health certificate from the country of origin, and proper labeling standards.
Compliance with Legislation: We will help you understand and comply with Singapore's food legislation, such as the Sale of Food Act and relevant Food Regulations. This knowledge is crucial for avoiding costly fines or having your goods seized due to non-compliance. For example, we can advise on the specific standards for food additives and other ingredients if your product is mixed with other substances.
Source Verification: We can provide guidance on the SFA's "Regulated Source Programme," ensuring that the establishments you are importing from are compliant with the standards of their exporting country and have acceptable quality assurance programs. This is vital for long-term, sustainable import operations.
By leveraging the expertise of Bestar, you can streamline the administrative process, ensure full compliance with Singapore's strict food safety regulations, and mitigate the risks of costly delays, penalties, or even the rejection of your import application.
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