Regulatory requirements imposed by importing countries vary from country to country. In the area of food, regulatory requirements will encompass compliance to products standards or in some countries called as standards of composition, e.g. for certain food commodities of popular interest, labeling requirements, additive standards (permitted use of food additives, maximum levels of use, conditions of use), microbiological standards, maximum level of contaminants and others, as well as legislation for specific foods. This specific legislations may usually be categorized according to product group, they are namely :
- Cereals
- Meat, Eggs and Fish
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Edible Oils
- Dairy Products
- Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Sugars and Honey
- Special Purpose Foods
Hence food companies would need to classify their products under the given categories and comply with the stipulated regulation for that product group.
To comply with such requirements as above-mentioned, some tests are required to be performed by an
accredited laboratory or recognized laboratories for compliance with the importing countries.
Included in the regulatory requirements are export documentation requirements which may change from time to time. Exporters are advised to confirm with their importers if any other additional documents are needed.
In general the following documents would be required for food companies wishing to export :
- Licence for import/export/transshipment of meat, meat products and fish products (if applicable)
- An export permit (this can be applied through AVA)
- A health certificate (subject to requirement from the importing country and product type)
- A free sale certificate (subject to requirement from the importing country and product type)
Some countries like the EU and the US require the processing establishment to be registered or pre-approved with their authorities prior to export commencement.
For more information on the different types of the certificates required for export, which Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore will be able to assist, please
click here.
More information on regulations and requirements for each country in summarized form can be
found here.
In cases where products of animal or plant origins are exported, a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) certificate is also required. This document certifies that the animal or plant produce and their related products have been officially inspected in the country of origin and comply with the requirements of importing country.