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What is the purpose of the Food Cargo IBR Programme?
SFA developed the Food Cargo IBR Programme to establish a network of accredited third-party inspection bodies capable of supporting the industry’s food trading needs.
The programme also enables SFA to have oversight of the capability and capacity of food cargo inspection services provided by recognised inspection bodies.
Who can apply for the Food Cargo IBR Programme?
All applicants that wish to apply as an SFA-recognised inspection body must meet the requirements of the Food Cargo IBR Programme Terms and Conditions. A summary of the key criteria is listed below:
- They must have local inspection capabilities to support the programme. They must demonstrate they can carry out inspections of food cargo effectively in Singapore.
- They must be accredited to the ISO/IEC 17020 standard and Technical Note CI 01 by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) or any accreditation body under the mutual recognition arrangement (MRA). This shows that they have met international standards for their inspection work.
- They must pass on-site verification checks conducted by SFA’s officers to ensure they comply with the requirements of the programme and accept SFA’s formal appointment.
- They must complete mandatory training courses on inspection competency to ensure that all inspectors have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform inspections systematically and accurately.
Why should your inspection body be recognised under the Food Cargo IBR Programme?
Food cargo inspection bodies officially recognised under SFA’s Food Cargo IBR programme is a validation of your inspection body’s competency in food cargo inspection.
With the recognition, you can offer your services to food companies seeking recognised inspection bodies for in-house quality inspections and inspections for export certificates. It also enables you to offer inspection services to support the regulatory inspection requirements for NZ-SG-EU fresh meat transhipments.
How to apply for the Food Cargo IBR Programme?
Refer to the following steps for the new and/or renewal application process:
Step 1: Understand the IBR Terms and Conditions
Step 2: Submit the application
Step 3: SFA reviews the application
Step 4: Pass the on-site verification
Step 5: Receive official recognition
In general, the entire process takes about 4 months from the receipt of the application. The time frame for processing an application may vary depending on factors such as:
1. The level of compliance by the applicant to SFA’s requirements listed in the Terms and Conditions
2. The scope of recognition submitted by the applicant
3. Further clarifications by SFA on the application where necessary
List of Recognised Food Cargo Inspection Bodies
| Inspection Body Name | Contact Details | Recognition Status |
|---|---|---|
| CCIC Singapore Pte Ltd | 81 Science Park Drive #03-02 | Valid |
| Inspectorate (S) Pte Ltd | 28 Ayer Rajah Crescent #04-01 Singapore 139959 | Valid |
For more information
Recognised inspection bodies may contact SFA via the SFA Online Feedback Form to seek further clarification on the Food Cargo IBR Programme.
When submitting your feedback, select ‘Category: SFA Recognition Programmes’ and ‘Sub-Category: Clarification on Food Cargo Inspection Body Recognition Programme’.
Last Updated 14 Jan 2025
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