Navigating Special Purpose Food Registration in Singapore

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Navigating Special Purpose Food Registration in Singapore

Special purpose food plays a vital role in catering to individuals with unique dietary needs. According to the Food Regulations, Section 247 Clause, special purpose food is defined as food named or described as particularly suitable for consumption by persons belonging to a specific class who require a special diet. These foods are composed of modified, prepared, or compounded substances that possess nutritive and assimilative properties, making them suitable for individuals requiring specialized diets.

Examples of special purpose food include:

• Diabetic food
• Food containing added phytosterols, phytosterol esters, phytostanols, or phytostanol esters
• Low sodium food
• Gluten-free food
• Low protein food
• Carbohydrate-modified food
• Low calorie food
• Energy food
• Infant formula food
• Formulated food

Additionally, these products may contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrient supplements to support dietary requirements.

Steps to Import Special Purpose Food into Singapore

If you are planning to import special purpose food into Singapore, here are the essential steps to follow:

1. Classify Your Product
   • Determine if your product falls under the food category or another regulated category.
   • Key considerations:
     • Is the product consumed as part of a daily diet or as a dietary supplement?
     • Does it have defined dosage instructions and usage restrictions?
     • Does it come in conventional food forms such as beverages or powders?

   You can refer to the SFA’s Food Classification Guidelines for more information.

2. Check Registration and Licensing Requirements
   • Processed food typically requires product registration.
   • Certain controlled food items, including meats, seafood, eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables, may require additional licenses.

   More information on registration requirements can be found on the SFA Food Import and Export page.

3. Verify Product Composition
   • Ensure the product formula only contains permitted colorings, food additives, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids as per Singapore’s Food Regulations.
4. Comply with Labelling Requirements
   • The product must include a Nutrition Information Panel in the format specified under the Twelfth Schedule of the Food Regulations.
   • Labelling should indicate the specific dietary purpose and comply with all regulatory requirements.
5. Substantiate Product Claims
   • Product claims must be truthful and not misleading.
   • Avoid statements implying treatment, cure, or prevention of diseases.
   • The product should not claim to replace a specific diet unless backed by scientific evidence.
6. Register Your Product
   • Submit the registration to import processed food products and appliances  to SFA.
   • Activate a Customs account to facilitate importation. Visit the TradeNet System for Customs account registration.
7. Apply for Import Permits
   • Each consignment of special purpose food requires an import permit for customs clearance. This can be applied through the TradeNet System.
8. Customs Clearance and Distribution
   • Once the cargo permit is approved, the consignment can be cleared for customs and distributed locally.

Common Challenges Faced by Importers

Navigating the regulatory landscape can be overwhelming, especially for companies unfamiliar with Singapore’s stringent food regulations. Common challenges include:

• Uncertainty in product classification
• Compliance with labelling and nutrient content requirements
• Delays in product registration
• Rejections due to insufficient documentation

How The Reg Consultants Can Support You

The regulatory landscape for special purpose food can be complex and challenging to navigate. At The Reg Consultants, we provide comprehensive support to help you evaluate your special purpose food products and ensure compliance with Singapore’s regulations.

Our services include:

• Product classification assessment
• Regulatory gap analysis
• Labelling review
• Registration 
• Import permit application

With our expertise in regulatory affairs, we streamline the registration process and help you bring your special purpose food products to the Singapore market efficiently.

Get in Touch with Us Today

Let us take the complexity out of the regulatory process while you focus on growing your business. Contact The Reg Consultants today for personalized guidance and expert support on registering your special purpose food products.

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