Singapore: The Singapore Food Authority (SFA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stated on Wednesday (October 27) that a company was fined S$20,000 for illegally importing various foods from Indonesia.
Hardinizam Khairuddin Muhammad, head of Reliable Transport & Logistic Services, was also fined S$15,000 for failing to conduct due diligence to prevent crime.
On October 21st, ICA officials discovered the cargo of “unidentified meat products” imported by the company at the Changi Air Cargo Center. They did not have a valid import license.
SFA found that the company illegally imported about 735 kilograms of meat and seafood products, 10 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables, and 503 kilograms of processed food from Indonesia.
Illegal goods seized.
The authorities stated that Singapore’s food imports must meet SFA requirements. Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and each batch of goods must be declared and accompanied by a valid import license.
“The source of illegally imported food is unknown and may pose a food safety risk. In addition, meat and meat products can only be imported from approved sources in approved countries that meet Singapore’s food safety standards and requirements,” they added.
Those who illegally import meat products from unapproved sources face fines of up to S$50,000, up to two years in prison, or both.
People who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables without permission can be fined up to S$10,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both.
The offence of illegally importing processed food can be fined up to S$1,000.
ICA stated that it will continue to conduct security inspections to detect and prevent smuggling attempts, because terrorists may also use similar concealment methods to smuggle safe items into the country.
SFA added that it will continue to work closely with border control agencies to prevent illegal imports from crossing the Singapore border.
