Import requirements of specific food products - artificial sweetening agent(s)
Artificial sweetening agents may be used in food products only when there is a technological justification for their use. This is to ensure that artificial sweetening agents are used only in special dietary foods which are formulated for target groups of consumers, to meet their dietary needs.
>Statutory Requirement
>Criteria for Approval of Artificial Sweetening Agent Licence
>Additional Labelling Requirements for Food Containing Artificial Sweetening Agent(s)
>Fees
>Application of Artificial Sweetening Agent Licence
>Updating/Renewal/Termination of Licence
>Our Contact
Statutory Requirement
Under regulation 18 of the Singapore Food Regulations , an artificial sweetening agent licence is required for the import, sale, manufacture and/or use of the artificial sweetening agents acesulfame-k, saccharin and sucralose, or food products containing these sweeteners.
Criteria for Approval of Artificial Sweetening Agent Licence
Approval of artificial sweetening agent licence would be granted if the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The reasons for the use of artificial sweetening agent(s) in food are technologically justified. For example, the products are special purpose foods such as low-calorie food or sugar-free food for diabetics.
2. The food containing the artificial sweetening agent(s) comply fully with the standards laid down in the Food Regulations, including the labelling requirements.
Additional Labelling Requirements for Food Containing Artificial Sweetening Agent(s)
In addition to the basic labelling information required under the Food Regulations, food products containing permitted artificial sweetening agent(s) are to be labelled with the following statement:
"This (here state the name of the food) contains the artificial sweetening agent(s) (here state the name of the artificial sweetening agent(s))".
For example: This lemon flavoured candy contains the artificial sweetening agent Acesulfame-K.
Fees
The fee for an Artificial Sweetening Agent Licence is S$115 per annum.
Payment can be made by cheque (crossed) to Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority.
Application of Artificial Sweetening Agent Licence
Application for the artificial sweetening agent licence may be submitted in writing, together with the label of the product(s) containing the artificial sweetening agent(s), either via mail, facsimile or e-mail.
Applicants can also complete the application form for the artificial sweetening agent licence, and submit the form together with the label of the product(s) containing the artificial sweetening agent(s), either via mail, fax or e-mail to AVA. For the Artificial Sweetening Agent Licence Application Form, please click here.
Updating/Renewal/Termination of Licence
Licensees are required to inform AVA of any changes to the licensee and product details, as well as their intention to renew or terminate their artificial sweetening agent licence, through writing.
Our Contact
Food Control Division
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority
5 Maxwell Road #18-00 Tower Block
MND Complex Singapore 069110
Tel: 6325 2579
Fax: 6324 4563
Operating hours:
Mon-Fri :8.00am-1.00pm
2.00pm- 5.30pm
Sat, Sun and Public Holidays: Closed
For enquiries:
Ms Diana Lee
Tel: 6325 8552
E-mail: diana_lee@ava.gov.sg
Ms Tan Yi Ling
Tel: 6325 8556
Email: tan_yi_ling@ava.gov.sg
Import requirements of specific food products - rice
Under the Price Control (Rice) Order 1990, all rice traders (importers and exporters) and wholesalers must be licensed holders.
For more information on the licences for rice, please refer to:
Rice Control Unit
230 Victoria Street #09-00
Bugis Junction Office Tower
Singapore 188024
Tel: 6433 4792/6433 4793
Fax: 6337 6898