Singapore (SG)

The following should be considered prior to updating establishment details:

  • When an establishment notifies the Department of an administrative change (that is, a change of occupier, company name, address, or in some instances product specific changes), the Department will amend the establishment record in the system.
  • The establishment's amended details will appear on applicable export documentation including health certification from the date that the Department amends the establishment record
  • When relevant changes are made to an establishment's details, the Department will advise trading partners that maintain establishment lists of the change of details; however, the Department is unable to guarantee a timeframe as to when trading partners will update the establishment's overseas listing details they maintain. This means that there may be a period in which export certification issued by the Department does not match the trading partner's official published listing, which may result in clearance issues at the port of entry.
  • Establishments should be aware that their ability to export to some countries may be impacted during this transition period and may include issues with goods in transit.
  • Exporters and manufacturers are encouraged to check that their establishment's details are recorded accurately where they appear on trading partners' lists and to contact the Department if errors are found.

1.1 Establishment registration

Export registration with the Department

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.

All premises involved in the production of bovine milk and milk products for export must be registered with the Department. Premises involved in the production of non-bovine products may also need to be registered, however this is only when required by an importing country, please see product information here. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the Department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au. We also encourage you to work with your importer to clarify any specific import conditions for the products you are exporting.

For more information on export registration, contact the Dairy Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@agriculture.gov.au

Exceptions to establishment registration and export certification

Export registration and export certification is generally not required if you are manufacturing and exporting the following products, which are deemed as goods that are not prescribed under the Export Control (Milk and Milk products) Rules 2021:

  1. (a) ice cream;
  2. (b) cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts;
  3. (c) colostrum;
  4. (d) milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product;
  5. (e) milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component;
  6. (f) milk or milk products that are derived from the lacteal secretion obtained from an animal other than a bovine animal;
  7. (g) milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
  8. (h) any other milk or milk products that are not covered by subsection (1) of this section;
  9. (i) liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
  10. (j) milk or milk products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (i) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
  11. (k) milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule.
  12. (l) milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.
Note
If Singapore requires government to government certification for the entry of the above goods, then this can only be provided by the department when the goods have been approved to be prepared in an export registered establishment.
In some circumstances a non-prescribed good certificate can be issued. There is no requirement for export registration in these circumstances, please contact npgexports@aff.gov.au for further information.
Exceptions (ships stores)

Export certification is not issued for ships stores as the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 do not apply. Ships stores are milk and milk products on ships or aircraft for the use of passengers and crew or for the service of the ships or aircraft on a voyage from Australia.

1.2 Overseas listing

Initial listing procedure
Required?
Establishment listing required for SingaporeYes*
  1. Listing is only required for establishments that manufacture infant formula for consumption by infants in the 0-to-12-months age bracket. To be registered, submit the Singapore - Application form - infant milk 0-to-12 months (DOCX 120 KB) to the Dairy Eggs and Fish Program (dairyeggsfish@agriculture.gov.au) for review.
  2. Establishments that manufacture infant formula for the consumption of infants older than 12 months are not required to be listed with Singapore.
  3. Establishments that manufacture general dairy products are not required to be listed with Singapore.

1.3 Prohibited products

Infant formula brands (intended for consumption by infants in the 0-to-12-months age bracket) which have not been registered with Singapore are not eligible for export to Singapore. This applies to both liquid and powdered infant formula products.

1.4 General information

Refer to:

2.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products of bovine origin are defined as prescribed goods under the Export Control Act. Production of these products for export is regulated under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and milk products manufactured from non-bovine species, for example buffalo, goat and sheep, may also need to be regulated through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, though this is only required when export registration and health certification from the Department is required by Singapore.

Singapore has known requirements for export certification for milk and milk products of non-bovine species (refer to section 5.1.2) other than camel milk.

Infant formula

Establishments that manufacture infant formula for consumption by infants in the 0-to-12-months age bracket must register their infant formula brand with Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) before the brand will be eligible for import.

Refer to Singapore's guide to importing infant formula (PDF 70 KB).

2.2 Compositional requirements

2.3 Further information

3.1 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

Dairy based technical grade products exported for trial or testing purposes (not for human consumption) are non-prescribed goods.

Find out about exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia.

When a dairy based technical grade product is prepared in an export registered establishment, it must meet the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021. Technical grade products must be:

  • clearly identified as technical grade product and where applicable, labelled as 'for trial/ testing purposes only – not for human consumption'
  • segregated from, and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption.

The production of technical grade products in an export registered establishment must be included in the company's approved arrangement (AA).

3.2 Animal feed

Dairy based animal food products are non-prescribed goods. Find out about exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia.

In accordance with the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, animal food must be clearly identified as animal food and not for human consumption. It must also be segregated from and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption.

When a dairy based animal food product is prepared in an export registered establishment, it must meet the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021. Animal food products must be:

  • Clearly identified as animal food and labelled as 'not for human consumption'
  • Segregated from, and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption

The production of animal food products in an export registered establishment must be included in the company's approved arrangement.

3.3 Manufacturing grade products

Singapore has no known additional requirements for manufacturing grade milk and milk products that differ from the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Manufacturing grade products are defined in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.4 Processing

3.5 Further information

4.1 Microbial and residue sampling

Singapore has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of milk and milk products that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Singapore residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in Singapore or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between Singapore and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

  • These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the Singapore standards and the Australian standards.
  • Any detection of a residue above the Singapore MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.
Note
Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.

4.2 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation

Singapore has no known additional operational or process requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

4.3 Hygiene

Singapore has no known additional hygiene requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

5.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules
Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules are both:
  1. milk or milk products derived from a bovine animal
  2. intended to be exported as food
Milk and milk products that are not prescribed under Australia's export rules

Milk and milk products which do not meet the criteria under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 are classified by Australia as non-prescribed goods. It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with the importing country if there are any specific requirements for the import of these products.

Examples of non-prescribed goods are:

  1. ice cream
  2. cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts
  3. colostrum
  4. milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product
  5. milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component
  6. milk or milk products obtained from a non-bovine animal
  7. milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material
  8. liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres
  9. milk or milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms
  10. milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule
  11. milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.

Further information on exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia is available on the Department's website.

In some cases, an importing country requires specific health certification and government oversight for what would typically be non-prescribed milk and milk products. When required, these products become prescribed under export legislation and must meet all export and importing country requirements. This includes the products being manufactured and stored at an export registered establishment and must have a valid export permit and health certificate for each consignment. Guidance on export registration can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

5.1.1 Health certification for milk and milk products

For milk and milk products produced for human consumption (including milk and milk products classified as a prescribed good by an importing country), use health certificate template ZD035 with default endorsement 3403. The following optional endorsements may also be used – 3404, 3405. Camel milk is considered a prescribed good in Singapore.

ZD035 dairy health certificate

The ZD035 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition.
  2. Fit for human consumption.
  3. Of Australian origin.
Default endorsement 3403 – Singapore dairy free from pesticides and residues and safe for human consumption and animal health.

The above product is from a regulated source, free from pesticides and veterinary drugs residues and is safe for human consumption. Australia was free from Foot and Mouth disease and Rinderpest for twelve months prior to the export of the above product. Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the above product did not originate from a BSE affected country. The above products meet relevant requirements of Singapore.

Optional endorsement 3404 – Singapore dairy free from pesticides and residues and safe for human consumption and animal health and radiation

The above product is from a regulated source, free from pesticides and veterinary drugs residues and is safe for human consumption. Australia was free from Foot and Mouth disease and Rinderpest for twelve months prior to the export of the above product. Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the above product did not originate from a BSE affected country. The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg. The above products meet relevant requirements of Singapore.

Optional endorsement 3405 – DAIRY – Singapore and Malaysia Bovine disease statement - Twelve months and pesticide, residue, safe for human consumption

The above product is from a regulated source, free from pesticides and veterinary drugs residues and is safe for human consumption. Australia was free of Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy for twelve months prior to the export of the above product. Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the above product did not originate from a BSE affected country. The above products meet relevant requirements of Singapore.

5.1.2 Health certification for milk and milk products of non-bovine origin

For non-bovine milk and milk products for human consumption (excluding camel milk and milk products), Singapore does not require health certification or the manufacturer to be export registered. For further information on export registration and exporting non-bovine milk and milk products for human consumption to Singapore please contact the Dairy Eggs and Fish Program at DairyEggsFish.agriculture.gov.au

Product onsold to Malaysia

Dairy products that are to be on sold to Malaysia may also have the following endorsements – 3864, 3865 or 3866.

Default endorsement 3864 – Singapore dairy liquid milk pesticides, diseases and heat treatment

The above product is from a regulated source, free from pesticides and veterinary drugs residues and is safe for human consumption. Australia was free from Foot and Mouth disease and Rinderpest for twelve months prior to the export of the above product. Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the above product did not originate from a BSE affected country. The above product has been pasteurised by heating at min 72 degree C for a min 15 seconds or an equivalent process.

Optional endorsement 3865 – Singapore dairy liquid milk pesticides, diseases, radiation and heat treatment

The above product is from a regulated source, free from pesticides and veterinary drugs residues and is safe for human consumption. Australia was free from Foot and Mouth disease and Rinderpest for twelve months prior to the export of the above product. Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the above product did not originate from a BSE affected country.

The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg. The above product has been pasteurised by heating at min 72 degree C for a min 15 seconds or an equivalent process.

Optional endorsement – 3866 – Singapore and Malaysia bovine disease statement – twelve months and pesticide, residue, safe for human consumption, heat treatment

The above product is from a regulated source, free from pesticides and veterinary drugs residues and is safe for human consumption. Australia was free of Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy for twelve months prior to the export of the above product. Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the above product did not originate from a BSE affected country. The above product has been pasteurised by heating at min 72 degree C for a min 15 seconds or an equivalent process.

Exporter declaration

Every application for an export permit must be supported by a manufacturer's declaration of compliance. The exporter must provide a declaration to the Department stating that all information provided in their permit application is true and complete. The exporter must declare that they are in possession of a manufacturer's declaration of compliance, identifying the milk and milk products covered by the shipment with both:

  • the conditions and restrictions specified in the Milk and Milk Products Rules 2021
  • any importing country requirements identified in the approved arrangement.

For all dairy products exported to Singapore, manufacturers must be able to demonstrate at audit that they have kept records for each shipment to substantiate the following declaration which may be required on the export permit application:

  • Gelatine (or any ingredient of beef origin) used in the manufacture of the dairy products in this shipment did not originate from a BSE affected country.
  • The infant formula in this shipment complies with Singapore testing requirements for Cronobacter sakazakii and is supported by NATA certification.

For infant formula exported to Singapore, manufacturers must be able to demonstrate at audit that the infant formula has been tested at a NATA-accredited laboratory for Cronobacter sakazakii (previously known as Enterobacter sakasakii) to substantiate the declaration which is required in the export permit application.

Note
Singapore considers infants to be children aged 0 to 12 months.

5.2 Manufacturing grade products

Manufacturing grade dairy products are products that can be rendered fit for human consumption by further processing. For manufacturing grade milk and milk products, the ZD016 certificate as to condition for manufacturing grade products is the default document provided.

The ZD016 Certificate as to Condition contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian origin.

5.3 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

The ZD001 certificate as to condition for technical grade products is available for exporters where the dairy based products are manufactured in an export registered establishment.

The ZD001 certificate contains the following attestations:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information on this form is true and correct in every particular details and that the product described above is of Australian origin and is acceptable for sale in Australia.

5.4 Animal feed

The ZD015 certificate as to condition for stockfood can be issued for stockfood made from milk and milk products.

The ZD015 certificate as to condition for stockfood is available for exporters, where the dairy based stockfood/animal feed is manufactured in an export registered establishment.

The ZD015 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian origin.
Optional endorsement 3649 - Singapore stockfood

Australia was free of Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy for twelve months prior to the export of the above product.

5.5 Consignments under 10 kilograms and trade samples

It is the responsibility of exporters to determine through their importers if export certification is required for consignments and trade samples that are less than 10 kilograms or 10 litres, as an export permit is not required under Australia's export rules.

5.6 Additional certification/letters

The ZX01 certificate as to dioxin status of Australian dairy products is available on request.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU documentation requirements for edible products for the reference numbers and attestations in these certificates.

6.1 Import permit

Exporters should ensure that their importer complies with any requirements to obtain a permit for imports into Singapore.

6.2 Port-of-entry inspection and testing

7.1 Packaging

Singapore's Food Regulations require all prepacked food products for sale in Singapore to be labelled according to specified requirements.

For additional information, refer to the Singapore Food Agency Guide to Food Labelling and Advertisements (PDF 450 KB).

7.2 Labelling

Singapore's Food Regulations require all prepacked food products for sale in Singapore to be labelled according to specified requirements.

For additional information, refer to the Singapore Food Agency Guide to Food Labelling and Advertisements (PDF 450 KB).

For information on Nutri-grade labelling of milk-based beverages, please see USDA GAINS report (PDF 450 KB)..

7.3 Shelf life

Singapore has no known specific requirements for shelf life restrictions other than those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.4 Shipping marks

Singapore has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).

7.5 Further information

Singapore has no known specific requirements for shipping and airfreight. Milk and milk products must be transported to ensure their condition and integrity is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

8.1 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout

20/06/2025 - Updated labelling information (sections 7.1 and 7.2).
03/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 4.1).
05/04/2022 - Added camel milk information (sections 3.1, 5.1.1 and 5.1.2).
20/02/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Dairy headings.
08/10/2021 - Update to food agency name in infant formula (section 3.2).
07/10/2021 - Removal and replacement of Dairy by Definition wording.
08/06/2021 - References to export legislation have been updated.