Fresh fruits and vegetables refer to unprocessed and raw fruits and vegetables. Processed fruits and vegetables (e.g. canned, frozen) are regulated as processed food.
As part of AVA's integrated food safety system, we regulate the import of fruits and vegetables to ensure that they are safe to eat.
The import of fresh fruits and vegetables is regulated under the Control of Plants Act and its subsidiary legislation. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be imported from any country. Imports must meet the following requirements:
- Traders are required to apply for a Licence for Import and Transshipment of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. For online application of the licence, please click here. With effect from 1 October 2006, there will be an application fee of $21.50 (inclusive of 7% GST) for every new application.
- Under the Control of Plants (Import & Transshipment of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables) Rules, fresh fruits and vegetables imported shall not contain any prohibited pesticide, or levels of pesticide residue or toxic chemical residue exceeding the prescribed levels specified in the Ninth Schedule of the Food Regulations or recommended in the Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- An import permit issued by AVA is required for every consignment of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- A phytosanitary certificate is required for consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables imported from countries in the South American tropics.
- The containers (eg cartons, baskets) of fresh fruits and vegetable must be labelled with the following at the time of import:
- Name and address of the producer of the products;
- Product description; and
- Date of export/packing
- Upon import, the fresh fruits and vegetables may be subjected to inspection (document and physical inspection) by AVA. Sampling for laboratory analysis may be required. Some consignments may be placed on "hold and test" pending the outcome of the laboratory analysis.
The import procedures are as follows:
- The applicant must apply for an AVA import permit by declaring the import through TradeNet. For the product codes for the declaration, please click here.
- The applicant must submit supporting documents such as bills of lading, air waybills and invoices to AVA for processing.
- Upon approval, the import permit for the consignment is incorporated into the Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) to be printed at the applicant's terminal.
- Importers must check the approval codes (eg A03) on the CCPs for specific conditions for import. The imported consignment has to be sent for compulsory inspection at the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre (PPWC) if the CCP is approved with A03 condition code. Importers can contact PPWC at the following numbers to arrange for an inspection. (Tel: 67734394, 97541040, 97541041, 90184166 and 90184177)
- During Inspection, the applicant must present the CCP, accompanying invoices and the imported fruits and vegetables for AVA's inspection.
- AVA may collect samples for laboratory analysis. Some consignments may be placed on "hold and test" pending the outcome of the laboratory analysis.
The fee payable for the import of fruits and vegetables is S$3 per consignment. Payment will be deducted through the applicant's GIRO account (for a GIRO application form click here).
Export of fresh fruits and vegetables is not regulated by AVA. However, the applicant will need to obtain an export permit from Singapore Customs. Once this permit is obtained, the export can then proceed.
Fresh fruits and vegetables may be transshipped through Singapore.
Traders are required to apply for a AVA Licence for Import and Transshipment of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. For more information on the licence, please click here.
A transshipment permit is also required from AVA. The applicant can apply for an AVA transshipment permit by declaring the transshipment through Tradenet. For the product codes for the declaration, please click here.
The fee for transshipment of fresh fruits and vegetables is S$3 per consignment. Payment will be deducted through the traders' GIRO account (for a GIRO application form click here).
Import and Export Division
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
5 Maxwell Road, #02-03, Tower Block, MND Complex
Singapore 069110
Fax: 63257648
Operating hours:
| Mon-Thu |
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8.30am - 1.00pm
2.00pm - 6.00pm |
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| Fri |
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8.30am - 1.00pm
2.00pm - 5.30pm |
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| Sat, Sun and Public Holidays |
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Closed |
For enquiries:
Miss Lily Ling
Tel: 63257620
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Miss Teo Yen Ling
Tel: 63257599 |
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