Food Shop Licence

Please use desktop / laptop to apply for this licence.
You can only view application details and make payment via mobile. Please use GoBusiness Licensing on desktop to use all features.

Application Details

For the operation of a food shop where there is retail sale of food and/or beverage. You will need to apply for a Food Shop Licence if you intend to operate a retail food outlet where food and/or drink are sold wholly by retail. The purpose of licensing is to ensure cleanliness and food safety in food retail outlets and to prevent food-borne diseases.

Selected retail foodshops are required to implement the mandatory ES regime and submit the Environmental Sanitation Programme (ESP) within 1 month to NEA.
You may refer below on the steps for application of Food Shop Licence.

Overview of Licence Application:

Step 1: Obtain In-Principle Approval

• To apply for a Food Shop or Supermarket licence, applicants must submit an application in GoBusiness. Applicants are required to obtain In-Principle Approval (IPA) before renovation works can commence.
• Please refer to the details below to ensure a complete application is submitted:
• Complete all fields on the application form
• Submit the layout plan with:
• Provision of a metric scale within the layout (that has dimensions indicated) and the scale ratio used (1:X)
• Indication of kitchen equipment and infrastructure within the layout (e.g., kitchen appliances such as exhaust, sink and wash basin)
• Indication of boundaries of refreshment area within the layout
• If the application is complete and in order , an In-Principle Approval (IPA) will be issued. Successful applicants will be notified within 7 working days via email. Applicants may also refer to their GoBusiness for updates.
• If the application submitted needs rectification (e.g. layout plan has missing elements), SFA will reach out within 7 working days. In this instance, applicants should note that the application duration could take longer. Hence to minimise delays, please ensure all documents are submitted correctly.
• If the application is incomplete , it will be rejected. Applicants will need to submit a new application.
• Service standard: Up to 7 working days

Step 2: Commence Renovation & Set-up

• With the IPA, applicants may proceed with the renovation and set up the premises according to the submitted layout.
• Service standard: Exact time taken is dependent on the applicant

Step 3: Request for Inspection

• Upon completion of renovation and set-up, applicants may need to request for an inspection of the premise. This can be a virtual inspection conducted via Zoom or a submission of photos. Please refer to the IPA for details of the inspection regime applicable to the application.

• Applicants that have been notified that a virtual pre-licensing inspection is required should book a slot at least 5 working days in advance via https://ifast.sfa.gov.sg/eserviceweb (Select SFA Pre-licensing Inspection Appointment to access available slots). Alternatively, you can also access SFA website > e-Services > inspection & Laboratory e-Services to reach the portal. Should you require assistance in using the portal, you can refer to the user guide here.

Submission of Photos for Inspection

• Applicants that have been notified that a photo-submission is required should submit the completed photo template to SFA via email.
• Applicants may also be required to submit any outstanding documents, as stated on the IPA. If applicable, please prepare the documents stated and upload them via GoBusiness under the “submitted documents” tab of the application prior to the virtual / photo-submission inspection. The application duration could take longer if the required documents are not submitted ahead of the virtual / photo-submission inspection. To minimise delays, please ensure all documents are submitted promptly and correctly.
• Service standard: At least 5 working days

Step 4: Complete Payment for Licence

• Upon compliance with all pre-licensing requirements, applicants will receive a payment notification via email / in GoBusiness. The applicant may proceed to make payment for the licence within 28 days. Otherwise, the application will lapse and be considered null and void. A new application will be needed if the applicant still intends to operate the food business.
  - For applicants with an existing GIRO arrangement with SFA, the applicant may start operations after receiving SFA's approval email.
  - For applicants without GIRO arrangements, the applicant may only commence operations after payment has been made via AXS or GoBusiness.
• Applicants are encouraged to sign up for GIRO payment as a convenient way to pay the fees for the renewal of their licence. Renewal of licence takes place two months before the licence expires.
• Licences paid for on or after 1 Jan 2022 must be self-printed directly via GoBusiness. The applicant may refer to the self-printing guide. The list of Community Centres with Citizen Connect Centres, including those with printing facilities can be access here.
• Service standard: Exact time taken is dependent on the applicant

FAQs

1. How soon can I hear from SFA after I submit my application?
   Refer to Step 1.
   Please also check the email account (including junk / spam mail box) that you have used for licence application to ensure that you have responded to any request for action (RFA) from our officers. SFA will not be able to approve your application until you have responded to our RFAs. If we have not heard back from you after seven days despite reminders, we will take that you are no longer interested in the application and will proceed to take the case as closed.
   For company filer who is unsure if any prior application has been submitted for the same premises, you are advised to write to SFA at online feedback form for assistance to check. Please refrain from submitting duplicate applications.