With effect from 1 November 2011, all warehouses storing food items that are currently not regulated by any government agency are required to be registered by AVA.
A circular had been issued and circulated to the local food processing establishments, the food traders and warehouse operators to notify them on the new requirement. To view the circular, please click here.
AVA had also held few briefing discussions on the 7 & 10 October 2011 respectively to the industry members to explain about the requirement and provide guidance on the registration process. The presentation slide is available for download here.
A “food storage warehouse” will be defined as any building, facility, structure, or premise, where food is stored for the sale or distribution to other processors, wholesalers or any other business selling or distributing to the ultimate consumer. A “warehouse operator” will be defined as a person engaged in the business of operating or controlling a food storage warehouse.
Before an applicant can be registered with AVA, he is required to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (or ACRA) under the Business Registration Act (Cap. 32); or in the case of a company, incorporated or registered under the Companies Act (Cap. 50).
The below illustrates whether an existing food storage warehouse required to be registered with AVA:
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Scenario |
Registration Required ( Yes/ No) |
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(a) All existing AVA licensed cold stores storing only frozen meat and seafood that are already licensed under the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act |
No |
|
(b) Warehouses that are currently under the purview of other government agencies such National Environment Agency |
No |
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(c) Warehouses that are situated at AVA licensed food processing establishment |
No |
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(d) All cold stores storing other processed food products without an AVA food processing establishment licence |
Yes |
|
(e) All other food storage warehouses ( none of above) including third party/service warehouses located outside the premises or seperate from AVA licensed food establishment |
Yes |
An applicant should submit a duly completed application form for the Registration to operate a food storage warehouse on-line, via, the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) together with the supporting documents such as layout plan, pest control contract and tenancy/purchase agreement/ letter of declaration.
A step by step guide on the registration procedure can be downloaded here.
All food storage warehouses are advised to align their practices to AVA’s recommended Good Warehousing Practices.
The registration of the food storage warehouse will start with effect from 1 November 2011 and be carried out in phases based on the risk of the food products.
|
Categories |
Example of Products in this category |
Registration Period |
|
I
(High Risk Products) |
Cheese, butter, ice cream and infant/baby food |
November 2011 to January 2012 |
|
II
(Chilled & Frozen Food) |
Juices, pastries, desserts and soups |
February 2012 to April 2012 |
|
III
(Food requiring cool storage environment) |
Spices, dried goods, chocolates, chocolate confectionery, sauces, cereals, jams, spreads, coffee beans, tea leaves, shelled eggs, egg products and alcoholic beverages.
|
May 2012 to July 2012 |
|
IV
(Food usually stored at ambient temperature) |
Instant noodles, snacks, nuts, canned food products, rice, edible fats and oils, food ingredients and bakery products |
August 2012 to October 2012 |
The application fee is a one-off payment of $ 21.50 (inclusive of 7% GST) and is non-refundable. There are currently no additional charges for the registration of food storage warehouse.
The Warehouse Registration Number will be issued within seven working days from the date of the application. The approval letter will be sent to the applicants via email or post.
All registered food storage warehouses would be subjected to regular inspections by AVA to ensure that they are operated under recommended Good Warehousing Practices.
Currently, the food storage warehouse Registration Number is not subjected to renewal. However, if there are changes made to your organisation’s profile or you intend to discontinue the services/ business, you are required to write in to AVA at AVA_Warehouse@ava.gov.sg to UPDATE your organisation’s profile or to TERMINATE your food storage warehouse registration.
For Further Enquiries on Registration of Food Storage Warehouse:
Food Establishment Regulation Department
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
5 Maxwell Road, #18-00 Tower Block, MND Complex
Singapore 069110
Tel: 6325 7135
Fax: 6324 4563
E-mail : AVA_Warehouse@ava.gov.sg
Operating Hours:
| Mon- Fri |
: |
8.30 am - 1.00 pm |
|
: |
2.00 pm - 5.30 pm |
| Sat, Sun and Public Holidays |
: |
Closed
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Frequently Asked Questions
For the list of frequently asked questions, please click here
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