1. Competent authority

 2. Market access approval

2.1 Pre-market assessment

Alcoholic drinks are regulated as “processed food” and can be imported into Singapore from any country or region, provided that they meet SFA’s conditions. However, absinthe is considered a high-risk alcoholic drink that require pre-market assessment. To import and sell absinthe in Singapore, enterprises need to comply with the following requirements:

1. The alcoholic beverage containing not more than 25% alcohol must not contain more than 5 parts per million (ppm) of thujone (alpha and beta).

2. The alcoholic beverage containing more than 25% alcohol must not contain more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of thujone (alpha and beta).

Importers are required to submit both the laboratory analysis report indicating the level of thujone contained, as well as the documentary proof from the relevant authority in the country of origin confirming that the product is allowed for sale.

2.2 Overseas trader registration

Importers must register with SFA before importing alcoholic drinks to Singapore. Before that, companies shall register with ACRA to get a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and activate their UEN with Singapore Customs through TradeNet. For more details, please refer to Step-by-Step Guide for New Application of Registration to Import Processed Food Products.

2.3 Inspection and sampling

All food consignments are subject to inspection, during which SFA collects samples for laboratory analysis. Inspection items include microbiological, pesticides, drug residues, preservatives, contaminants, and additives.

3. Product compliance

3.1 Product requirements

Alcoholic drinks in Singapore must comply with the product requirements in the Food Regulations. Please refer to the corresponding provisions in the Food Regulations for specific requirements.

 3.2 Label

Alcoholic drinks in Singapore should follow the labeling requirements in the Food Regulations. Importers can also refer to A Guide to Food Labelling and Advertisements.

In Singapore, labels shall be in English and printed in letters not less than 1.5mm in height. Like many other processed foods, imported alcoholic drinks must be labeled with product name, ingredients list, allergen declaration, quantity, country of origin, and name and address of the company as the importer, distributor or agent in Singapore.

The below labeling requirements regarding alcoholic drinks need attention:

• When cereals, whey and nuts are used as distillates for alcoholic beverages, or fish gelatine or isinglass as fining/clarifying agents in beer and wine, these ingredients are not required to be declared on the label.

• The common name of wine shall mean any words indicating the specific type of grapes from which the wine is made from, or the locality where the grapes originated, or the locality where the wine was made.

• Fruit wines cannot be labeled just as "wine" unless the name of the fruit immediately precedes the word "wine". The fruit name must be in letters of equal size and in color as the word "wine".

* Global Food Compliance Service

We provide various market entry services to help stakeholders better understand exporting requirements, establish business and secure a competitive place to facilitate trade development.

 Covered Countries

China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand etc.

Our Services

• Food Ingredient Review

• Label Review

• Product Registration

• Regulatory Consultation

• Monitoring, Training and customized report

Please feel free to contact us via food@chemlinked.com if you need any help.