Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh raspberry in Singapore is an import-dependent fresh fruit category, supplied through international cold chains and sold primarily as chilled, prepacked berries. Trade data for HS 081020 (which groups fresh raspberries with blackberries, mulberries and loganberries) indicates Singapore imports are concentrated in a small set of origin countries, led by the United States and Mexico. Market access risk is driven less by domestic production factors and more by border compliance (import licensing/permits, labelling) and pesticide-residue conformity under Singapore’s fresh fruit and vegetable rules. As a small, high-income city market, Singapore’s procurement is sensitive to consistent quality on arrival and fast clearance to protect shelf life.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleImported fresh berry category for domestic consumption (retail and foodservice), with minimal domestic production relevance
Market GrowthStable (2022–2023)HS 081020 import value remained in a similar USD ~7–8 million range across 2022–2023.
SeasonalityAvailability is driven by import sourcing; retail availability can be year-round with origin shifts rather than local harvest seasons.
Specification
Physical Attributes- High susceptibility to bruising and mold; importer acceptance typically depends on firmness, dryness, and absence of visible decay at arrival.
Packaging- Consumer retail packs typically use ventilated clamshell/punnets with protective outer cartons for import consignments.
- Outer cartons/containers for fresh fruits and vegetables must carry required labels (producer name/address, product description, export/packing date) under SFA import requirements.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin packing/precooling → international transport under refrigeration → Singapore import permit declaration via TradeNet → possible inspection/holds → cold distribution to retail/foodservice.
Temperature- Continuous refrigeration and rapid handover at arrival are critical due to very short shelf-life sensitivity.
Shelf Life- Short shelf life means clearance delays or temperature excursions can quickly translate into shrink and rejection risk.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeAir
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighConsignments can be detained, rejected, or require corrective action if pesticide residues (or toxic chemical residues) exceed prescribed levels or involve prohibited pesticides under Singapore’s fresh fruits and vegetables import rules.Obtain supplier residue-test evidence and confirm compliance against Singapore Food Regulations Ninth Schedule and applicable Codex MRL references before shipment; maintain supplier approval controls for pesticide-use programs.
Documentation Gap MediumMissing or incorrect container labelling (producer name/address, product description, export/packing date) can create clearance delays and traceability risk for fresh fruit consignments.Add a pre-shipment photo check of outer carton labels against SFA requirements and include label requirements in supplier SOPs.
Logistics MediumFresh raspberries are highly perishable; clearance delays or cold-chain breaks can rapidly lead to mold/softening and commercial rejection even if regulatory requirements are met.Use time-definite cold logistics, temperature monitoring, and pre-clearance planning to minimize dwell time from arrival to cold storage.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImporters must hold the appropriate SFA licence and obtain the customs permit via TradeNet before arrival; permit declaration errors can cause delay and compliance exposure.Ensure the TradeNet declaration includes the correct SFA licence number and complete product information; use standardized internal checklists for each shipment.
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) — voluntary farm assurance standard used in fruit and vegetable supply chains (food safety, environment, worker welfare themes)
FAQ
What permissions or permits are needed to import fresh raspberries into Singapore for commercial sale?Commercial imports of fresh fruits and vegetables require the importer to hold the SFA licence for fresh fruits and vegetables and to obtain a customs import permit through TradeNet before the goods arrive in Singapore.
What label information must be on cartons or containers of imported fresh raspberries in Singapore?For fresh fruits and vegetables consignments, every container (such as a carton or basket) must be labelled with the producer’s name and address, a product description, and the date of export or packing.
How does Singapore define acceptable pesticide-residue levels for imported fresh berries?Under Singapore’s Control of Plants import rules for fresh fruits and vegetables, prescribed pesticide-residue levels refer to the levels in Singapore’s Food Regulations (Ninth Schedule). If a level is not specified there, the rules reference levels recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.