Registration of Food Storage Warehouses
The Registration of Food Storage Warehouses licence is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for any facility storing food for wholesale distribution. The licence is valid for 12 months, with processing typically completed in an estimated 25 working days.
- Validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- An estimated 25 working days to process and issue new licence
- Issuing authority
- SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY (SFA)
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Who needs the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- 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
- Required to operateDivision 52 — WAREHOUSING AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES FOR TRANSPORTATION
Includes: 52101 General warehousing, 52102 Refrigerated warehousing and storage, 52103 Storage for dangerous goods, 52109 Specialised storage n.e.c.
What's involved in getting the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses
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 a business to operate a food storage warehouse in Singapore, enabling the storage of food products intended for wholesale distribution. This is essential for businesses involved in the supply chain of food products, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
While no specific supporting documents are required for the application, the warehouse must meet certain conditions to be eligible for licensing. This includes having appropriate facilities that comply with health and safety standards set by the Singapore Food Agency. The warehouse must also be equipped to handle food products safely, ensuring that storage conditions meet regulatory requirements.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Singapore Food Agency conducts a thorough review of the application to ensure that the warehouse meets all necessary standards for food storage. This may include inspections of the facility to verify compliance with food safety regulations. The agency assesses the operational capabilities of the warehouse to ensure it can maintain the integrity and safety of food products during storage.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses can face delays for several reasons. Common issues include inadequate facility conditions that do not meet health and safety standards, or discrepancies in the operational capabilities of the warehouse. Ensuring that the warehouse is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements before applying can help prevent these delays.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- No supporting documents required
Registration of Food Storage Warehouses FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses licence is mandatory for any business intending to store food for wholesale distribution in Singapore. Without this licence, a business cannot legally operate a food storage warehouse.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally store food products intended for wholesale distribution. This allows you to participate in the food supply chain, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and facilitating the distribution of food products.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating a food storage warehouse without the required licence can lead to significant legal penalties, including fines and potential closure of the facility. It is crucial to obtain the licence to avoid these risks and ensure compliance with Singapore's food safety regulations.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. While incorporation establishes your business legally, the licence is specifically required for the operation of a food storage facility. It is advisable to consider both processes concurrently to ensure timely compliance.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is the failure to meet health and safety standards required for food storage facilities. Ensuring that the warehouse is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements before applying can help mitigate this risk.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Registration of Food Storage Warehouses licence in Singapore, provided it meets all the necessary regulatory requirements and standards set by the Singapore Food Agency.
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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.