The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recently announced that,effectiveNovember 1,2023,it will abolish the melamine-related testing requirements for imported milk and dairy products from China.This decision is based on the continuous improvements made by Chinas dairy industry in quality control and safety standards in recent years.

Looking back to 2008,Chinas melamine milk incident drew international attention when melamine was detected in some infant formula.This incident prompted China to strengthen quality monitoring and management measures for dairy products.Since then,the Chinese government has implemented a series of strict policies and procedures,conducting comprehensive monitoring from cattle breeding to the production,transportation,and sale of dairy products to ensure product quality and safety.Violating dairy product manufacturers will face severe legal penalties.

In light of these measures,after thorough review and evaluation,the Singapore Food Agency has determined that milk and dairy products imported from China now meet safety standards equivalent to those of other countries.Therefore,the SFA has decided to abolish melamine-related testing requirements effective November 1,2023.

However,it is important to emphasize that although specific melamine testing requirements have been abolished,all milk and dairy products imported from China must still comply with other SFA inspection requirements (Sections A,B,and C) and meet relevant import standards and regulations.

Sections A,B,and C are summarized as follows:

The import requirements for dairy products (pasteurized liquid milk,cheese,butter,ice cream,yogurt,milk powder) from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease are as follows:

(1) Provide documentary proof that the dairy products were produced in establishments supervised by competent authorities (e.g.a certified copy of the manufacturers license).

(2) Submit a health certificate proving that the dairy raw materials have undergone one of the following processes:

(a) A sterilization process at a minimum temperature of 132°C for at least one second (ultra-high temperature [UHT])

(b) If the pH of the milk is below 7.0,use a sterilization process at a minimum temperature of 72°C for at least 15 seconds (High Temperature – Short Time Pasteurization [HTST]).

(c) If the milks pH is 7.0 or above,apply two HTST processes.

(3) The health certificate must include the following information: Product description,quantity,batch identification,name and address of the manufacturer or processing plant,name and address of the importer or consignee,name and address of the exporter or shipper,country of origin and destination country.

Please note that raw liquid milk is not permitted for import into Singapore.

The import requirements for pasteurized liquid milk from countries free of foot-and-mouth disease are as follows:

(1) Provide documentary proof that the products were produced in establishments supervised by competent authorities.

(2) Submit a health certificate proving that:

(a) Produced using milk ingredients from countries free from foot-and-mouth disease.

(b) Pasteurized by heating to a minimum temperature of 72°C for at least 15 seconds or equivalent process.

The health certificate shall include information similar to that mentioned above.

Import requirements for infant formula and follow-up formula (0-12 months) are as follows:

(1) Provide documentary proof that the imported infant formula is produced in facilities supervised by competent authorities.

(2) For countries free from foot-and-mouth disease,Submit a health certificate that must contain the following: The product is produced using milk ingredients from countries free from foot-and-mouth disease,and the liquid milk has been pasteurized.

(3) For countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease,submit a health certificate proving that the specified sterilization process mentioned above has been carried out.

(4) The health certificate shall include information similar to that mentioned above.

In addition,a health certificate or the manufacturers chemical and microbiological test quality control report must be submitted every six months.

Cancellation notice: