Licence to Operate a Coldstore
The Licence to Operate a Coldstore is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for all cold stores handling meat and seafood products intended for wholesale distribution. The licence is valid for 12 months, with processing typically taking around 25 working days, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents.
- Validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- An estimated 25 working days to process an application depending on the completeness of documents submitted in order to issue in principle approval (I
- Issuing authority
- SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY (SFA)
Need help applying for this licence?
We handle the full application — document prep, agency liaison, follow-up — alongside your incorporation.
Who needs the Licence to Operate a Coldstore
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 10 — MANUFACTURE OF FOOD PRODUCTS
Includes: 10101 Slaughtering of livestock and poultry, 10102 Manufacture of sausage, 10103 Preparing, canning and preserving of livestock and livestock products, 10104 Preparing, canning and preserving of poultry and poultry products
- Required to operateDivision 11 — MANUFACTURE OF BEVERAGES
Includes: 11010 Distilling, rectifying and blending of spirits; ethyl alcohol production from fermented materials, 11020 Manufacture of wines, 11030 Manufacture of malt liquors and malt, 11041 Manufacture of soft drinks and mineral waters
- Required to operateDivision 46 — WHOLESALE TRADE
Includes: 46100 Wholesale on a fee or commission basis, 46211 Wholesale of cut flowers and plants, 46212 Wholesale of aquarium fishes and related accessories/products, 46213 Wholesale of pet birds and animals and related accessories/products
What's involved in getting the Licence to Operate a Coldstore
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
The Licence to Operate a Coldstore permits businesses in Singapore to store meat and seafood products for wholesale distribution. This is essential for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and maintaining the integrity of the cold storage process.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. These include having an architectural layout plan that details the cold storage facility, specifics about the products to be stored, and a process flow chart illustrating the operations within the coldstore. Additionally, any other supporting documents that may be relevant to the operation must also be prepared. The documentation must adhere to specified file formats and size limits.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Singapore Food Agency conducts a thorough review of the application, which includes an assessment of the submitted architectural layout plan and process flow chart. The agency may also arrange for an inspection of the cold storage facility to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards before granting approval.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Licence to Operate a Coldstore can face delays for various reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing details about the products or inadequate architectural plans. Additionally, discrepancies between the proposed operations and the requirements set by the SFA can lead to complications. Ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurately reflects the intended use of the facility is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Architectural Layout Plan
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PDF,PPT,PPTX,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Particulars of Products
- Details of the Products
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PDF,PPT,PPTX,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Process Flow Chart
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PDF,PPT,PPTX,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Others
- Additional Supporting Documents.
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PDF,PPT,PPTX,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
Licence to Operate a Coldstore FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Licence to Operate a Coldstore is mandatory for any business in Singapore that intends to store meat and seafood products for wholesale distribution. Operating without this licence can lead to legal penalties and operational disruptions.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally store meat and seafood products in a coldstore facility for wholesale distribution. This licence ensures that your operations comply with Singapore's food safety regulations, allowing you to engage in the wholesale market.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating a coldstore without the required licence can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential closure of the facility. It is crucial to obtain the licence to ensure compliance with food safety laws and to avoid legal repercussions.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection of applications for the Licence to Operate a Coldstore is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Ensuring that all required documents, such as the architectural layout plan and process flow chart, are properly prepared and submitted is essential for a successful application.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Licence to Operate a Coldstore in Singapore, provided they meet all regulatory requirements set by the Singapore Food Agency. It is advisable to consult with local experts to navigate the application process effectively.
Get a quote — incorporation + this licence
We package this with your company setup so you launch with the licence already approved.
Other SFA licences
Catering Service Licence
The Catering Service Licence is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses that prepare and deliver food from a central kitchen for events, offices, or institutional feeding. The licence is valid for 1 or 2 years, with processing typically completed in 14 working days from a complete submission.
Food Shop Licence
The Food Shop Licence is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for any retail food establishment selling prepared food and drinks for immediate consumption, including restaurants, cafes, and hawker stalls. Validity is 1 or 2 years, with processing typically completed in 14 working days from a complete submission.
Free Sale Certificate (Animal Feed) for Food Producing Animals
The Free Sale Certificate (Animal Feed) for Food Producing Animals is issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for exporters of animal feed products intended for export. The certificate is valid for 12 months, with processing typically completed in 3 working days for normal requests and 1 working day for express requests.
Free Sale Certificate (Food)
The Free Sale Certificate (Food) is issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for food products intended for export, confirming that they are freely sold in Singapore. The certificate is valid for 12 months, with processing typically completed in 3 working days.
Health Certificate for Export of Live Foodfish for Breeding
The Health Certificate for Export of Live Foodfish for Breeding is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses exporting live foodfish intended for breeding purposes. The certificate is valid for 10 days, with processing typically completed in 3 working days.
Licence for Import/Export/Transhipment of Meat and Fish Products
The Licence for Import/Export/Transhipment of Meat and Fish Products is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses involved in the trade of meat and fish products. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 1 working day.