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Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS)

Importing other animal products

How to import other animal products

Last updated 22 April 2026

Other animal products include:  

  • Animal blood products, e.g. animal serums, plasma, and albumin. 

  • Animal organs, tissues and cells. 

  • Animal products used for research. 

These animal products are not veterinary biologics. The latter refers to viruses, serums, toxins, and analogous products of natural or synthetic origin intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases of animals and birds, or for purposes of research in animals or birds. 

Follow the steps below to import animal products such as animal serums, plasma, albumin, animal organs/tissues/cells or any other animal products used for research. 

1. Apply for in-principle approval from us.

Prior to obtaining an AVS-issued import licence, you must first apply for in-principle approval from us via avs.gov.sg/feedback (opens in new tab). This preliminary approval confirms that your proposed import meets our regulatory requirements before you proceed with the formal licence application.  

Submit the following details to us to apply for an in-principle approval of your intended import: 

  •  Information on the item to be imported, which must include:  

    • Species name

    • Product source (animal type, establishment/company, country)

    • Preparation method

    • Treatment process

    • Packaging details

  • Details of end user and intended use 

  • Details of laboratory facilities and procedures needed for handling and disposal of the item by end user 

  • Supporting documents including but not limited to the following: 

    • A quality control certificate or a certificate of analysis for each lot or batch to be imported

    • A health certificate issued by the exporting country. This certificate must include shipment details (e.g. consignor, consignee, product description, lot/batch number, quantity, etc.) and certify that the item: 

      • was taken from animals which were healthy and free from contagious disease, and that these animals have not been exposed to any other matter of animal origin. 

      • is non-hazardous and does not contain any live pathogen. 

      • has been packaged in new or sterilised packaging and properly stored, and precautions have been taken to prevent contamination prior to export.

  • A letter from the end user (on company letterhead, dated and signed) stating the item details, quantity, purpose of import and site of operation, and undertaking that: 

    • all procedures involving the item will strictly follow the end user’s bio-safety procedures/work instructions and approved protocols. 

    • all materials will be treated as bio-hazardous waste and disposed of appropriately. 

    • the import will not be for use in animal research involving inoculation to animals, human consumption, as clinical specimens, or in the clinical management of human patients. 

2. Apply for an AVS-issued import licence.

You can apply for an AVS-issued import permit only after receiving the in-principle approval from us.

The AVS import licence can be applied at GoBusiness Licensing (opens in new tab).

Licence cost and validity

Type of licence  

Cost and validity  

  • S$22 for normal service. Licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. 

  • S$44 for express service. Licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents. 

This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Each licence is valid for export of one consignment only. 

Exception for CITES-listed products 

If you are bringing in CITES-listed products, follow the steps below to apply for CITES permits instead. To find out which animal species are listed by CITES, refer to the CITES appendices. (opens in new tab)  

1. Obtain a CITES export or re-export permit from the country of export.  

Obtain a CITES export or re-export permit from the relevant CITES management authority or the relevant authority of the exporting country. This permit is needed to apply for an AVS-issued CITES import permit.   

The list of CITES member countries and their contact details is available here.  

2. Obtain an AVS-issued CITES import permit.  

Apply for and obtain an NParks-issued CITES import permit via GoBusiness Licensing Portal (opens in new tab).   

This CITES import permit is valid for 180 days only. 

3. Apply for Cargo Clearence Permit (CCP) via TradeNet.

Upon the approval of the AVS-issued import license, please apply for a Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) through TradeNet (opens in new tab). A declaring agent may be appointed to make the declaration on your behalf. The following supporting documents to be attached in the declaration are as follows: 

  1. NParks/AVS import licence 

  1. Invoice 

  1. Packing list 

  1. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill (where applicable)

4. Make appointment for border control inspection.

If border control inspection is required, you can book an inspection appointment via this link (opens in new tab). Please submit your appointment request at least five days before your consignment’s arrival.  

Bringing animals for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof.