Company fined $18,500 for illegally importing meat and seafood products from Philippines

A logistics company was fined $18,500 for illegally importing meat and seafood products from the Philippines.

On Sep 10, 2021, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Changi Airfreight Centre detected a consignment of assorted meat products declared as 'assorted foodstuff' by ACD Logistics from the Philippines without a valid import permit.

The case was referred to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for investigation.

SFA found about 500kg of meat and seafood products illegally imported from the Philippines.

The company is also licensed only for the import of processed food and food appliances.

The illegal food items were seized.

Food imports must meet SFA's requirements in Singapore.

"Illegally imported food products of unknown sources can pose a food safety risk," SFA said.

"Food can only be imported by licensed importers and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit.

"In addition, meat and its products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with our food safety standards and requirements."

Offenders who import meat products illegally from unapproved sources or are found in possession of meat products for the purpose of selling, which were imported without a valid import permit shall be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to two years' jail.

Repeat offenders shall face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to three years' jail.