Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics
The Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics is issued by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore. It is required for businesses involved in the import, export, or transshipment of these items. The licence is valid for 90 days, with processing times varying from 1 to 3 working days depending on the type of product.
- Validity
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Biologics: 3 working days (normal), 2 working days (express) Animal Product/Live Animals/Live Birds: 2 working days (normal), 1 working days (express)
- Issuing authority
- ANIMAL & VETERINARY SERVICE (AVS)
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Who needs the Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 01 — AGRICULTURE AND RELATED SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Includes: 01111 Growing of leafy and fruit vegetables (non-hydroponics), 01112 Growing of mushrooms (non-hydroponics), 01119 Growing of food crops (non-hydroponics) n.e.c., 01120 Growing of leafy and fruit vegetables (hydroponics)
- Required to operateDivision 75 — VETERINARY ACTIVITIES
Includes: 75000 Veterinary activities
What's involved in getting the Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
This licence permits businesses in Singapore to import, export, or transship non-food animals, birds, eggs, and biologics. This is crucial for companies involved in veterinary services, breeding, or trading of these animals and their products.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be issued, specific conditions must be met. For instance, a valid rabies vaccination record and serology test report are required for the import of dogs and cats from certain countries. Additionally, businesses must provide documentary proof for specific breeds, such as Bengal or Savannah cats, and a health certificate from the exporting country is necessary for transshipment. The application must also include a dog licence if applicable.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) conducts a thorough review of the application, which includes verifying the documentation provided. The agency assesses the health and vaccination records of the animals involved, ensuring compliance with Singapore’s import regulations. The processing time can vary based on the type of product being imported or exported.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications may face delays for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing health certificates or vaccination records. Additionally, discrepancies in the breed documentation or failure to meet the specific requirements for certain animals can lead to rejections. Ensuring all documents are accurate and complete before submission is essential to avoid these pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Valid rabies vaccination record/certificate, including details of animal and microchip number (applicable only for Import of Dogs & Cats from Schedule II)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Valid rabies serology test report (applicable only for Import of Dogs & Cats from Schedule II)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Documentary proof to show its 5th generation and above from the ancestral stock of Prionailurus bengalensis/Leptailurus serval (mandatory only for Bengal/Savannah cat crosses) (applicable only for Import of Cats from Schedule I and II countries/regions)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Photo showing clearly the face and body of the dog (mandatory only for mixed/ cross breed) (applicable only for Import of Dogs from Schedule I and II countries/regions)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Import permit of importing country/region (applicable only for Transhipment of Cats & Dogs)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Valid Health Certificate from exporting country/region (applicable only for Transhipment of Cats & Dogs)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Dog Licence
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, this licence is essential for any business in Singapore that intends to import, export, or transship non-food animals, birds, eggs, and biologics. Operating without it can lead to legal penalties.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally import, export, or transship non-food animals, birds, eggs, and biologics, allowing you to engage in trade and services related to these products.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the necessary licence can result in significant penalties, including fines and the potential seizure of the animals or products involved. It is crucial to obtain the licence to ensure compliance with Singapore's regulations.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reasons for application rejections include incomplete documentation, such as missing health certificates or vaccination records, and discrepancies in breed documentation. Ensuring all required documents are accurate and complete is vital.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for this licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
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Other AVS licences
Certificate of Freedom From Disease Within Singapore
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Free Sale Certificate (Non Food Producing Animal Feed)
The Free Sale Certificate (Non Food Producing Animal Feed) is issued by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore for exporters of animal feed products intended for non-food producing animals. The certificate is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 2 working days.
Free Sale Certificate (Vaccine)
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Licence for Animal Exhibition
The Licence for Animal Exhibition is required by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore for businesses that wish to conduct animal exhibitions. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 4 working days after all documents are submitted and a site inspection is passed.
Licence for Animal Research Facility
The Licence for Animal Research Facility is required by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore for facilities conducting research involving animals. It is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 21 working days.