Around 153 kilograms of undeclared meat products, including pork sausages and frozen chicken, were allegedly imported by a Chinese national from China without a valid import licence on 27 January 2021.

2          The products were detected in a luggage belonging to the Chinese national by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers on 27 January 2021, while screening passenger luggage at Changi Airport Terminal 1. The case was referred to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for subsequent investigation.

3          SFA will be prosecuting the Chinese national in Court for illegal import of meat products without a valid import licence.


Around 153 kilograms of meat products were detected. (Photo: SFA)

4          In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements. Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. Illegally imported food products are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk. In addition, meat and meat products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with Singapore’s food safety standards and requirements.

Bringing food for personal use

5          Travelers and consumers, including those bringing in food for personal consumption by parcel post (e.g. via e-commerce platforms), should refer to SFA’s website for the full list of food items (types and amounts) allowed (https://www.sfa.gov.sg/food-import-export/bringing-food-for-personal-use).

6          Offenders who import meat products illegally are liable to a fine of $50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years and, in the case of a subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or to imprisonment of up to three years.

7          Safeguarding Singapore’s borders remains ICA’s top priority. ICA will continue to conduct security checks on passengers, goods and vehicles so as to safeguard Singapore’s security. SFA will also continue to safeguard food safety through our integrated food safety system, which includes strict import regulations and enforcement, and work closely with border control agencies to deter illegal import across our borders.

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
Singapore Food Agency
9 February 2021