Market
Raw walnuts in shell in Singapore are an import-dependent product category, supplied through commercial imports rather than domestic cultivation. For regulatory purposes, nuts are classified under SFA’s “Processed Food” category, so importers typically operate under SFA processed-food registration and Singapore Customs permitting via TradeNet. Demand is primarily retail (snacking) and ingredient use in baking/confectionery, with additional wholesale flow to foodservice. In Singapore’s hot and humid environment, storage and handling discipline (dry, pest-controlled warehousing) is a practical quality requirement to reduce mold/mycotoxin risk and protect kernel freshness.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleRetail snack and baking/confectionery ingredient; wholesale supply to food manufacturing and foodservice
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a critical market-access risk for nuts; SFA sets maximum levels and conducts sampling/testing, and non-compliant products are not allowed for sale in Singapore.Use accredited laboratory testing/COAs for aflatoxins on risk-based lots, enforce dry storage and moisture control, and maintain supplier controls across harvest, transport, and warehousing.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisclassification (e.g., failing to treat nuts as “Processed Food”) or missing SFA registration details in trade declarations can cause permit delays, conditional holds, or clearance disruption.Confirm classification using SFA references/tools and ensure SFA registration (processed food) and TradeNet permit declarations align with product code/HS details.
Logistics MediumSingapore’s hot and humid climate raises storage-risk sensitivity; moisture ingress during warehousing can increase mold risk and quality deterioration.Use moisture-resistant packaging/liners, control warehouse humidity, implement pest control, and apply FEFO inventory practices.
Labeling LowIf repacked or sold as prepacked retail units, non-compliance with SFA labelling requirements can lead to enforcement actions and recalls.Validate labels against SFA labelling guidance and ensure importer/distributor details and country-of-origin statements are correct for imported prepacked food.
Sustainability- Food loss and waste prevention through proper warehousing (dry, pest-controlled storage) to reduce spoilage in tropical conditions
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
Is an SFA licence required to import raw walnuts in shell into Singapore for commercial sale?Walnuts (nuts) are classified by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) under “Processed Food”, so importers generally need to be registered with SFA for processed food before importing for sale. The exact requirements depend on the SFA classification and any permit conditions applied to the specific shipment.
How do I obtain the import permit for walnuts in Singapore?Singapore Customs requires an import permit to be submitted through TradeNet. Traders typically activate their Customs account (UEN), then submit a Customs Import Permit application via TradeNet (directly or through a declaring agent), complying with any conditions stated on the approved permit.
What is the most critical food-safety risk for importing nuts like walnuts into Singapore?Aflatoxins are a key risk for nuts. SFA sets maximum levels and samples/tests for mycotoxins, and products that do not comply with SFA food safety standards are not allowed for sale in Singapore.