Supermarket Licence
The Supermarket Licence is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses operating supermarkets in Singapore. It is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 7 working days if the application is complete and in order.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing time
- 7 working days if application is complete and in order
- Issuing authority
- SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY (SFA)
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Who needs the Supermarket Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Supermarket Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Supermarket Licence permits businesses to operate a supermarket in Singapore, enabling them to sell a variety of food and non-food items to consumers.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. These include obtaining Planning Permission or Change of Use approval, as well as securing approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or Housing and Development Board (HDB) for the intended use of the premises. Additionally, a layout plan of the premises must be prepared, demonstrating compliance with relevant regulations. A tenancy agreement or letter of consent is also required, along with a pest control contract and a cleaning programme or schedule. Furthermore, the designated food handlers must have completed the Food Safety Course Level 1 or its refresher course.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Singapore Food Agency reviews the application by assessing the submitted documentation and may arrange for a pre-licensing inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. The completeness and accuracy of the documentation play a crucial role in the approval process.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Supermarket Licence can stall for various reasons. Common issues include mismatched premises use, where the approved use does not align with supermarket operations, and incomplete documentation, such as missing layout plans or pest control contracts. Failing to meet pest control standards or not having a comprehensive cleaning schedule can also lead to delays. Ensuring all prerequisites are thoroughly addressed before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Planning Permission/Change of Use approval
- Approval from URA/HDB for the use of the premises
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PNG,PDF
- Maximum upload per application: 5MB
- Layout plan of the premises
- Layout Plan (to scale)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PNG,PDF
- Maximum upload per application: 5MB
- Tenancy Agreement/ Letter of consent
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PNG,PDF
- Maximum upload per application: 5MB
- Pest Control Contract
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PNG,PDF
- Maximum upload per application: 5MB
- Cleaning programme/schedule
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,GIF,JPG,PNG,PDF
- Maximum upload per application: 5MB
- Food Safety Course Level 1 / Refresher Food Safety Course Level 1
- A copy of the food handler's Food Safety Course Level 1 certificate / Refresher Food Safety Course level 1 certificate
- File Format: GIF,JPG,PNG,PDF
Supermarket Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Supermarket Licence is mandatory for any business intending to operate a supermarket in Singapore. Without this licence, the business cannot legally sell food and non-food items to consumers.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your supermarket can operate legally, offering a wide range of products, including groceries, household items, and personal care products. This licence ensures compliance with food safety and health regulations.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating a supermarket without the Supermarket Licence can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential closure of the business. It is crucial to obtain the necessary licence to avoid legal repercussions.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Supermarket Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to secure your business structure first and then apply for the necessary licences to operate legally.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all required documents, such as the layout plan, tenancy agreement, and pest control contract, are submitted accurately can help prevent this issue.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Supermarket Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Singapore Food Agency.
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Other SFA licences
Catering Service Licence
The Catering Service Licence is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses that prepare and deliver food from a central kitchen for events, offices, or institutional feeding. The licence is valid for 1 or 2 years, with processing typically completed in 14 working days from a complete submission.
Food Shop Licence
The Food Shop Licence is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for any retail food establishment selling prepared food and drinks for immediate consumption, including restaurants, cafes, and hawker stalls. Validity is 1 or 2 years, with processing typically completed in 14 working days from a complete submission.
Free Sale Certificate (Animal Feed) for Food Producing Animals
The Free Sale Certificate (Animal Feed) for Food Producing Animals is issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for exporters of animal feed products intended for export. The certificate is valid for 12 months, with processing typically completed in 3 working days for normal requests and 1 working day for express requests.
Free Sale Certificate (Food)
The Free Sale Certificate (Food) is issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for food products intended for export, confirming that they are freely sold in Singapore. The certificate is valid for 12 months, with processing typically completed in 3 working days.
Health Certificate for Export of Live Foodfish for Breeding
The Health Certificate for Export of Live Foodfish for Breeding is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses exporting live foodfish intended for breeding purposes. The certificate is valid for 10 days, with processing typically completed in 3 working days.
Licence for Import/Export/Transhipment of Meat and Fish Products
The Licence for Import/Export/Transhipment of Meat and Fish Products is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for businesses involved in the trade of meat and fish products. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 1 working day.