Chin Sam Chiap Pte Ltd, an importer of food products, was fined $7000 by the Court today for illegally importing fresh fruits and vegetables for sale. Its Director, Chin Kang Chwee, was also fined $5000 for failing to prevent the offence from being committed.

2.          On 25 August 2022, a truck carrying food produce consigned to Chin Sam Chiap Pte Ltd was stopped and referred for checks during a joint operation conducted by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at Woodlands Checkpoint. The truck was then referred to SFA for follow-up inspection.

3.          SFA’s investigation found that Chin Sam Chiap Pte Ltd illegally imported approximately 176 kg fresh fruits and vegetables which were in excess quantities and undeclared. The illegal consignments from Malaysia were seized.

Illegal imports seized from Chin Sam Chiap Pte Ltd (Photo: SFA)

4.          In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements. Fruits and vegetables can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. Illegally imported vegetables are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk (e.g. if unregulated or high level of pesticides are used). The long-term ingestion of excessive pesticide residues through the consumption of vegetables that have been subjected to pesticide abuse could lead to adverse health effects.

5.          Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

6.          Safeguarding Singapore’s borders remains top priority for ICA. ICA will continue to conduct security checks to detect and deter illegal importation attempts so as to keep Singapore safe. SFA will continue to safeguard food safety through our integrated food safety system, which includes strict import regulations and enforcement, and work closely with border control agencies to deter illegal import across our borders.

SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
17 MAY 2023