Importing animal feed and pet food into Singapore: what is required?
Yes — feed and pet food are regulated, with requirements varying by ingredient origin.
The short answer
| Short answer | Yes — feed and pet food are regulated, with requirements varying by ingredient origin. |
|---|---|
| Competent Authority | Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), depending on the product |
| Type of requirement | Licence or approval, source conditions, and consignment permits |
Importing animal feed and pet food into Singapore
Pet food and animal feed sit between the food and animal health regimes, and which applies depends on the animal it is intended for and what is in it. Products containing animal-derived ingredients attract the most attention, because they carry the same disease-transmission concerns as meat imports do.
What is typically involved
Requirements depend on the specific product, so treat this as the shape of the process rather than a checklist for your particular case. Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), depending on the product is the authority on the detail.
- Approval or licensing appropriate to the product type and target animal.
- Source conditions for animal-derived ingredients, which may require accredited establishments.
- Health certification from the exporting country for products of animal origin.
- A permit per consignment.
- Labelling appropriate to the product category.
What catches importers out
These are the recurring surprises in this category — the points where an assumption carried over from another market causes a problem here.
- Ingredient composition drives the requirements — a grain-based product and a meat-based one are treated differently.
- Raw and freeze-dried pet foods containing animal protein attract closer scrutiny than processed kibble.
- Treats and supplements are frequently overlooked but are regulated alongside the main product.
- Requirements differ for feed intended for food-producing animals versus companion animals.
Official sources
Control status depends on the specific product, and requirements change. These are the authorities that decide — confirm your particular goods with them before shipping.
Last reviewed August 2026. This page describes the general framework for this category of goods. It does not determine whether your specific product is controlled — only the relevant Competent Authority can do that.
Questions we get asked about this
Is pet food regulated the same way as human food?
Not identically, but it is regulated. Products containing animal-derived ingredients face conditions comparable in spirit to meat imports, because the underlying concern is disease transmission. The specific regime depends on the product and target animal.
Are pet treats included?
Yes — treats, chews, and supplements are part of the same picture and are commonly overlooked when importers list their product range. Include them in the assessment from the start.
Does raw pet food have extra requirements?
Raw and minimally processed products containing animal protein generally attract stricter conditions than heat-treated products. Confirm the position for your specific formulation before committing to stock.
More in Do you need an import permit?
Food & Beverages
Yes — the importer generally needs an SFA licence, and product requirements vary sharply by category.
Meat & Seafood
Yes — and additionally, the overseas producing establishment usually has to be accredited.
Plants & Seeds
Yes — plant material generally needs an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate from origin.
Pets & Live Animals
Yes — a licence, vaccination and testing schedule, and usually quarantine on arrival.
Rice
Yes — rice is a controlled item under a stockpile scheme, with its own licence.
E-Waste & Used Electronics
Yes — waste electronics are controlled, and hazardous waste movement is tightly restricted.
Related pages
Meat & Seafood
Yes — and additionally, the overseas producing establishment usually has to be accredited.
Pets & Live Animals
Yes — a licence, vaccination and testing schedule, and usually quarantine on arrival.
Customs and import coordination
Help understanding what a shipment needs before it clears — permits, declarations, and the information a Declaring Agent will ask for.
TradeNet permit guidance
Plain-language guidance on the TradeNet permit process — what a UEN and Customs Account are for, and how a Declaring Agent fits in.
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.