DIY or Hire a Consultant? The Smarter Way to Get Your Food Licence in Singapore

Getting a food licence Singapore is one of the first steps to run your food business legally.  The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issues different licences for food stalls, food shops, mobile food vendors, and temporary fair food stalls. You’ll need to apply for a food licence depending on what food items you sell and where you operate. Each licence type has its own requirements and fees. You’ll also need to make a payment for the licence within 28 days after approval. Understanding this process helps you plan ahead.

Going the DIY Route — What It Takes

You can apply for a food shop or food stall licence through the GoBusiness portal, which facilitates the process for food handlers. The process involves completing forms, preparing layout plans, and meeting SFA requirements for licence approval. You must also pay fees for licence applications through AXS or GoBusiness. However, the process requires time and effort, especially if you’re new to the food retail industry. Many struggle with unclear requirements or missing documents. Handling your own licence application means staying organised and knowing exactly what SFA expects from your stall or food shop.

Hiring a Consultant — Why It May Be the Smarter Choice

Working with a consultant can make the food licence process easier and faster. Consultants understand SFA rules, licence types, and how to meet all licensing requirements. They handle communication with SFA on your behalf. This saves you from mistakes that could delay approval. At CMM Food Consultancy, we leverage our 20 years of experience to guide food businesses through every step, from planning layouts to coordinating with SFA for a seamless and stress-free application process.

DIY vs. Consultant — Which Is Better for You?

A DIY solution can work, provided that you have time to do paperwork for a small hawker stall or temporary fair food stall that requires an SFA licence. However, when you are starting a larger food shop, supermarket, or food court stand, you can engage the assistance of a consultant to make the process shorter.

Consultants understand how to handle complex requirements and ensure your application complies with SFA food retail standards. They also act as messengers for stallholders to save time and ensure food safety. The decision to take the appropriate option will be based on your budget, time, and ability to deal with regulations.

How CMM Food Consultancy Can Help You Get Licensed Fast

At CMM Food Consultancy, we understand the challenges of applying for a food licence in Singapore. Our team has years of hands-on experience in various sectors of the food industry and government work. We know exactly what SFA looks for when approving a licence application. We plan the best layout and process flow for your food business, ensuring your application meets all requirements. From submitting documents to liaising with SFA, we make sure your licence is approved smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

Your food licence in Singapore does not need to be a complex procedure. You can do it yourself when you are sure to meet the SFA requirements, or you can get the help of a consultant to be on the safe side. In any case, knowing what to do will save you from mistakes and the wastage of time. In case you would like your application to be completed fast and correctly, allow professionals to do it. A food licence is not just a piece of paper, but your key to having a safe, compliant, and successful business in food.

Ready to get your food licence Singapore approved without the stress?

Contact CMM Food Consultancy today — we’ll handle your SFA licence application so you can focus on preparing great food and running your business.