Importing commercial kitchen equipment into Singapore
F&B equipment where gas, electrical, and refrigerant specifications matter before the freight does.
Shipping profile
| Typical shipping profile | Heavy and bulky; specification compatibility is the risk |
|---|---|
| Singapore authority most often involved | Singapore Customs; NEA for refrigerants; SFA requirements apply to the premises |
| Common origins | thailand, italy, china, malaysia |
What makes commercial kitchen equipment different
Commercial kitchen equipment fails on specification far more often than on transport. Gas type, electrical supply, and refrigerant all differ between markets, and equipment that works perfectly in Europe or the United States may be unusable in Singapore without modification. That check belongs before the purchase order, not after the container arrives.
Handling and packing considerations
These are the points that decide whether commercial kitchen equipment arrives in a usable condition rather than merely arriving.
- Confirm electrical rating against Singapore's 230V/50Hz supply before buying.
- Gas equipment must be compatible with the gas type available at the premises.
- Refrigeration units contain refrigerant gases, which affects handling and may bring NEA requirements.
- Stainless steel finishes scratch easily; protective film should stay on until installation.
- Heavy items like combi ovens and cold rooms need lift and access planning.
- Used equipment that has been in food contact may need cleaning certification.
Permits, controls, and the regulatory position
Kitchen equipment itself is generally not controlled, but refrigerants fall under NEA controls on ozone-depleting substances and certain hydrofluorocarbons, and gas appliances must meet installation requirements in Singapore. Equipment used for food preparation in a licensed premises has to satisfy SFA requirements for the premises, which is separate from the import.
What to have ready before you enquire
The more of this you can give us up front, the more useful our first response will be. If you do not have all of it, send what you have — working out the rest is part of what we do.
- Equipment list with models and electrical/gas specifications
- Refrigerant type for any refrigeration equipment
- Premises gas type and electrical supply
- Crated dimensions and weights
- Kitchen access route: lift, door widths, stairs
- New or used, and cleaning status if used
Questions we get asked about this
Will American kitchen equipment work in Singapore?
Often not without modification. US equipment is typically 110V/60Hz and Singapore runs 230V/50Hz. Gas specifications differ too. Check the rating plate before you buy — this is the single most common and most expensive mistake in this category.
Does refrigerant type matter for import?
It can. Certain refrigerants are controlled under NEA rules, and some older refrigerants are restricted. Get the refrigerant type from the specification sheet before shipping.
Can I import used restaurant equipment?
Yes, but expect closer scrutiny on description and valuation, and be aware that used food-contact equipment may need cleaning and, in some cases, certification. Confirm condition and cleaning status with the seller.
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Related pages
From Thailand
3–6 days port to port by sea, 1–2 days by air. ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement).
From Italy
18–28 days port to port by sea, 2–4 days by air. EU–Singapore FTA (EUSFTA).
From China
5–12 days port to port, south to north by sea, 2–3 days by air. China–Singapore FTA (CSFTA).
Controlled goods
Which agency regulates what, and how to find out whether your goods are affected.
Special cargo into Singapore
Coordination for shipments that fall outside standard freight categories — awkward shapes, unusual materials, or one-off commercial goods.
Oversized and awkward shipments
Machinery, structures, and bulky one-off items that need dimension-aware planning and coordinated delivery to site.
Have a shipment that fits this?
Start the guided enquiry and describe it in plain terms. We will tell you what is involved — including if the answer is that you do not need us.