Last updated: 25 Jan 2023

FOOD IMPORT REGISTRATION SYSTEM

How much is the fee for Food Import Registration?

Each submission is subject to a fee of BND30.

What do you mean by processed pre-packed food?

Processed pre-packed food are any food that has been cooked, canned, frozen, packaged or changed nutritionally by adding beneficial nutrients, preserving or preparing in different ways. This includes soft drinks, frozen packed pastes and sauces, frozen vegetables in bags and sausages.

Should my product be registered under BDFA?

Before you proceed with the registration, it is important to determine which government agency is responsible for the product to avoid any issues with your application. If it doesn’t fall under processed pre-packed food, you are advised to contact the relevant government agency for further information on their importation process.

Do I need to send a physical sample?

Unless requested by the Authorized Officer, you do not need to send a physical sample. A full color picture of sample should be uploaded into the Food Import Registration (FIR) system.

What does the BDFA check for during Registration?

The applications will be assessed by Authorized Food Officers who will ensure that the food is safe, and the ingredients complies with our Food Laws and Policies.

How do I know if my application is approved?

A notification will be sent through the online system and to your personal email (i.e. the email used to register for the online PFIR System) on the status of the application.

What other documents do I need?

Documents required with this application are:

• Full colour, soft-copies of the product packaging artwork or pictures of all sides of the food packaging
• Declaration letters (if applicable) about the source of edible fat / shortening / oil and/or any Food additives
• Evidence or documentation which verifies the location of manufacture
• Evidence of pre-production inspection or any documentation that verifies that the products are manufactured in hygienic and sanitary conditions (e.g. Manufacturing License, GMP, HACCP, ISO22000 etc.).

Do I need to apply Artificial Sweetening Substance License?

If your product contains artificial sweetening substances such as Sucralose, Aspartame, Sodium Saccharine, Saccharine, Acesulfame-K, application for the license can be made by writing an application letter to BDFA. The license cost BND100.00 and has a validity of one (1) year.

What is the format that can be uploadable into the system?

The documents should either be in PDF, .JPG, PNG file formats and not greater than 5 MB.

What does it mean by “Evidence of pre-production inspection…”?

This mean any document or copy of certificate that shows that the food premise has been inspected foy hygiene under the appropriate national authority (e.g. manufacturing licenses from a Food Safety Authority, Municipal Board, Ministry of Health etc.) or has been audited and has a valid GMP, HACCP or ISO 22000 certificate.

The certificate I was provided with expires soon, can I still use it?

We can still accept hygiene certificates within 1 month from the date of expiry however it is highly preferable that the product submit the renewed certificate instead.

Can I use Halal Certification in place of my hygiene document?

No as the scope for hygiene inspection under Halal Certification is different.However, you may submit the copy as an additional document for our information and records.

Can I use my Free Sale / Health / Export Certificate in place of my hygiene document?

No as the scope for Free Sale / Health / Export Certificate may only check the safety of the Food Product (e.g. Microbiological or heavy metal analysis of the food item) and may not include hygiene inspection of the manufacturer.

I am importing cakes / biscuits / food products from a home-based seller that does not have a manufacturing license or any certification, how do I go about this?

Depending on the exporting country, please ask your exporter for valid certification from the local authority for hygiene inspection under home-based or cottage industry based programmes e.g. MESTI Certificate from Malaysia OR if unavailable, to show evidence that any and all person(s) making the food has attended a Food Handlers Course, have been medically exanimated and is up-to-date with their Typhoid Vaccination.

Can I pay with cash?

BDFA does not take cash payments for PFIR applications. All payments are made online before submitting the application for processing using your Debit card / Master card / Visa card / American express.

IMPORTING FOOD FOR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION

What is meant by personal import of processed food?

Personal import refers to the importation of any processed food for personal consumption ONLY and not intended for sale or distribution in Brunei Darussalam.

Where can I find the Guidelines for application of personal import approval for processed food products?

The Guideline can be found under the Publications section of this website or can be downloaded here.

If I import food for personal consumption, will it be subject to a personal import approval?

a) Yes. A personal import approval is necessary if the imported food product does not meet the conditions and requirements of personal import set out by BDFA.

b) No. A personal import approval is NOT necessary if:

• The type and nature of food products are allowed to be imported for personal consumption (Refer to Section 1.1 of the Guideline)
• The amount is within the maximum allowance (Refer to Section 1.2 of the Guideline)
• The food products will not be sold commercially

In which situations will personal concession be exempted from requiring a personal import approval?

Exemptions apply if food products meet the following requirement:

• Quantity of the food product is less than or equal to 5 pieces per item, according to the list of categories of food products as stated in ANNEX 1 of the Guideline;
• The total weight of the whole consignment is less than or equal to 5kg ;
• The total declared value of the whole consignment is less than or equal to $100.

Who is required to apply for personal import approval?

Any individual(s) OR courier service and forwarding companies who is declaring the imported food products on behalf of customers, will need to apply for a personal import approval if the imported processed food products does not meet the conditions and requirements set by the BDFA.

Do I have to apply for a personal import approval if I am using a forwarding agent / registered runner to bring in my food products?

Yes, a personal import approval will be required, which needs to be applied through the online PFIR System.

However, before this application, the forwarding agent/registered runner will need to provide the customs declaration before application through the online PFIR System can be made.

How do I make an application for personal import approval?

Applications for personal import approval can be made through the online PFIR System with all relevant documentation.

Only applications with complete information and documentation will be processed.

How long does the approval process of the personal import approval take?

The approval process will take seven (07) working days from the day the application is received, provided the application is completed with all required information or documentation.

What food products are NOT ALLOWED to be imported for personal consumption?

Generally, any food which are temperature sensitive (e.g. raw meat and meat products, raw fish and fish products) are NOT ALLOWED to be imported for personal consumption. (Refer to Section 1.1 of the Guideline)

My food products comply to all the conditions and requirements for personal import, but why is it still being held by RCED?

The food product(s) might not be released due to BDFA having received notification or alert of food safety concerns and/or issues on the food you are importing.

Your application of personal import might not be released due to the unreasonable declaration presented to BDFA and is beyond the possible use for personal import according to the assessment made by BDFA.

Please contact the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA) for further enquiries on this matter.

Where do I go to enquire for personal import approval?

For any enquiries, the public can contact, email or visit the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority at :

Brunei Darussalam Food Authority
Address: Unit 2G:2:01, Level 2, Block 2G, Ong Sum Ping Condominium, Bandar Seri Begawan BA1311, Brunei Darussalam
Tel No : +673 223 7403/5/9 (Operator) or +673 223 7417 (Direct No)
Fax No : +673 2237467
Email : import@bdfa.gov.bn