Importing beneficial organisms or beneficial organism products

Beneficial organisms and microorganisms include those that:

• Create symbiotic associations with plant roots
• Promote nutrient mineralisation and availability
• Produce plant growth hormones
• Competes with plant pests, parasites or diseases (biocontrol agents).

Products with beneficial organisms can be referred to as bio-fertilisers, bio-enhancers, and plant or soil enhancers..

About Import Risk Assessments (IRA)

Beneficial organisms and products with beneficial organisms are regulated under the Control of Plants (Plant Importation) Rules, Second Schedule. They require an Import Risk Assessment (IRA) to assess the phytosanitary risks associated with their import.

An IRA includes identifying the best ways to minimise biosecurity risks for regulated articles. They are approved on a case-by-case basis to balance the need for import, our international obligations to the International Plant Protection Convention and our responsibility to protect plant health in our City in Nature.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Check against approved list

Check if the beneficial organisms and products with beneficial organisms you intend to import belong to the list below

2. Submit the application

If your intended import is:

• On the approved list: submit your request for an IRA via the Application for import of approved organism/microorganism into Singapore form.
• Not on the approved list: submit your request via the Application for the import of compost/plant-based fertilisers/planting media instead.

3. Receive outcome of application

We may need a minimum of at least 3 months for an IRA. During the process, we may get in touch with you to request more details if necessary.

The processing time will also be longer if there is a need to consult other government agencies on your request.

If your application is successful, we will send you an in-principle approval with the import conditions for the beneficial organisms or products with beneficial organisms based on the IRA.

The risk assessment outcome will also establish whether the import of the beneficial organism requires your participation in the Biosecurity Assurance Arrangement (BSAA).

After receiving the in-principle approval

After receiving NParks' in-principle approval, you will have to apply for an import permit before you can bring your beneficial organisms or products with beneficial organisms into Singapore.