Matrix Freight Forwarders Pte Ltd and its director fined $17,500 each for illegally importing more than 350kg of meat and seafood products.
On 28 Sep 2021, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Changi Airfreight Centre, Air Cargo Command, detected consignments of “meat and meat products” imported by Matrix Freight Forwarders Pte Ltd from Indonesia without a valid import permit.
The case was referred to SFA for investigation.
SFA’s investigation found more than 350kg of meat and seafood products illegally imported from Indonesia. The illegal food items were seized and destroyed.
In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements. Illegally imported food products of unknown sources can pose a food safety risk. Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. In addition, meat and its products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with our food safety standards and requirements.
Offenders who import meat products illegally from unapproved sources or found in possession of meat products for the purpose of selling, which were imported without a valid import permit shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not exceeding $50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years. In the case of a subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three years