Steps to apply Food Shop / Supermarket Licence
You may refer below on the steps for application of Food Shop and Supermarket licence.
| STEP | DESCRIPTION | SERVICE STANDARD |
| Step 1 | Submit complete application in GoBusinessFor complete application with layout plan, SFA will issue the In-Principle Approval (IPA) via email and GoBusiness (under “submitted documents” tab of your application) With the IPA, applicants may proceed with the renovation. To avoid delays, please prepare the documents stated in the IPA and upload them in GoBusiness under “submitted documents” tab of your application. Incomplete application will be rejected. | 5 working days if application is complete and in order |
| Step 2 | Book pre-licensing inspection upon completion of renovationMake an appointment for inspection 7 days in advance via SFA’s online feedback form To avoid delays, applicants should ensure that all the items listed in the IPA have been complied with. | 2 workings days to confirm inspection date |
| Step 3 | Make payment after licence approvalUpon full compliance to licensing requirements and submission of required documents, SFA will approve the application. You will receive a notification via email and GoBusiness within 3 working days.For applicants with existing GIRO arrangement with SFA, you may start business after receiving SFA’s email approval.For applicants not on GIRO, you may start your business after you have made payment via AXS or GoBusiness. SFA will post out the hardcopy licences within 7 working days upon successful payment. You should receive the hardcopy licence via post within 2 weeks after successful payment. If you do not receive the hardcopy licence after 2 weeks, please write in to SFA via our online feedback form to request for a replacement copy. | 3 working days upon full compliance 7 working days to post out hardcopy licenses |
FAQs (Food Shop / Supermarket Licence)
1. How soon can I hear from SFA after I submit my application?
Refer to Step 1. If you have submitted your complete application with all required supporting documents in GoBusiness, SFA will respond to you within 5 working days.
Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.
2. When can I start my renovation?
Refer to 1 Step. Upon receipt of a complete application (see Step 1), SFA will process and issue an IPA via email within 5 working days. You can also download the IPA at GoBusiness portal under https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/licences “Submitted documents” tab of your application.
Upon receipt of the IPA, you may proceed with the renovation. Please refer to the IPA for the licensing requirements that you will need to comply with. You may also refer to Licensing Requirements on SFA website.
To avoid delays, you must prepare the documents stated in the IPA and upload them in GoBusiness. The documents include URA’s Change of Use or HDB’s approval, tenancy agreement, cleaning program and pest control contract. It is also important that you plan the renovation and equipment set up schedule ahead of time so as to minimise the time taken for renovation.
3. When is the earliest I can book a pre-licensing inspection for my food shop? How can I book an inspection?
Refer to Step 2. Please book the pre-licensing inspection at least 7 days in advance. You can log a request via https://csp.sfa.gov.sg/feedback for the pre-licensing inspection. Please provide the relevant information (premises address, application number/licence number, name and contact number) in your request. SFA will confirmed your pre-licensing inspection date within 2 working days.
4. What will be inspected during the pre-licensing inspection?
During the inspection, SFA will verify if the setup of the premises is in accordance to the layout plan submitted and whether all the items listed in the IPA have been complied with. For example, SFA will check if exhaust is fitted with an air-cleaner, floor trap for the discharge of wastewater to sewer, adequate washing facilities, storage facilities and etc. At the end of the pre-licensing inspection, the officer will issue you with an inspection report
If there are no outstanding issues, the officer will recommend the application for approval.
However, if there are outstanding items that required to be rectified/complied at the end of the pre-licensing inspection, the officer will indicate in the inspection report. Please comply with these outstanding items and inform the inspection officer.
When you have complied with the outstanding items, the officer will recommend the application for approval as per Step 3.
5. When do I submit the documents to SFA?
You should prepare the documents stated in the IPA as soon as possible and upload the documents in GoBusiness portal. The documents include URA’s Change of Use or HDB approval, tenancy agreement, cleaning program and pest control contract.
6. How soon will my application be approved after inspection?
Refer to Step 3. SFA will approve the application within 3 working days upon applicant’s full compliance to licensing requirements and submission of required documents.
7. When can I commence business? Do I need to wait for the hardcopy licence before I start operations? What do I do if I do not receive the hardcopy licence?
Refer to Step 3 on when you may commence business.
SFA will post out the hardcopy licences within 7 working days upon successful payment.
You should receive the hardcopy licence via post within 2 weeks after successful payment. If you do not receive the hardcopy licence after 2 weeks, please write in to SFA at https://csp.sfa.gov.sg/feedback to request for a replacement copy.
8. Can an individual hold a SFA food shop licence if foreign workers are employed in the shop?
Only company entities are allowed to employ foreign workers in accordance with MOM policy. Companies that do so must register the food shop licence in the name of the company. Licence issued in an individual e.g. Director will not be acceptable for the purpose of work pass application.
For more information on work pass related matters, please refer to MOM webpage or call MOM Contact Centre at 64385122.
9. How much does the food shop licence cost and how long is the validity?
The Food Shop Licence including entertainment outlets serving food e.g. pub, bar, discotheque, and night club, costs $195.00 and is valid for one year. Please click here for online services for food shop licence.
Should you have further enquiries please submit your enquiries via the Online Feedback Form. To help us assist you in the enquiry, please provide details of your intended food business including information on the food items being sold, how the items are processed, and type of equipment used.