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The sole proprietor of a company was fined SGD8,000 for the illegal import of seafood, meat products and processed food from China.

In brief

On 6 July 2022, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) published a media release in relation to Lui Fammart’s illegal import of seafood, meat products and processed food from China. The sole proprietor of Lui Fammart was fined SGD 8,000 by the court.  


Recommended actions

It is recommended that food importers pay close attention to the import and export requirements imposed by the SFA.

As part of the SFA’s stance against illegally imported food products of unknown sources which pose food safety risks, there are heavy penalties imposed on offenders who illegally import meat products, seafood or processed food. This media release shows the SFA’s surveillance and enforcement of such cases.

The SFA’s strict stance applies to sole proprietors of such importers, and also to directors of companies for failing to exercise due diligence to prevent the offence from being committed.

In more detail

In November 2021, the SFA seized approximately 21kg of seafood and meat products, along with over 240kg of processed food, from Lui Fammart.

Further investigations revealed that Lui had illegally imported the products from China and was selling such products online.

In Singapore, food imports must comply with the SFA’s requirements. Licences and/or registrations are required to be obtained for food products that will be imported, exported or transshipped. Only licensed importers may import meat products, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. Overseas food establishments are required to apply for accreditation from the SFA before the import of meat and meat products into Singapore.

Offenders who illegally import meat products are liable on conviction to a fine of up to SGD 50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years and, in the case of a subsequent conviction, to a fine of up to SGD 100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

The SFA media release may be accessed here.

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Author

Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

Author

Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

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