NEW ONLINE FOOD IMPORT REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCTS
The Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA) is introducing a new online system for registration of imported processed food products that is known as Processed Food Import Registration (PFIR) system. This new system will replace the current Food Import Registration system at eDarussalam portal and can be accessed starting from Thursday, 23rd November 2023.
Food Import Registration (FIR) has been an existing requirement under the sanction of the Public Health (Food) Act (Chapter 182) and its Regulations with the sole purpose of ensuring that food imported into Brunei Darussalam is safe for human consumption and complies to the conditions set within the Regulations.
The new system allows food importers to register their products at their convenient time with a better and improved features which were not available in the current system. Among the main improvements are commercial importers can register up to 3 individuals for each company which allows access to overall applications under the company’s name, applications can be easily duplicated to be submitted together (bundle applications) and amendment for registered food products can be done from the system as well.
The new online system is part of BDFA’s efforts to ease and optimize the efficiency and effectivity of the processed food import application. Approved food registration will be given a reference number which will be required for the declaration of the food products via the Brunei Darussalam National Single Window (BDNSW) under the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Importers will be able to access the system via BDFA’s website: www.bdfa.gov.bn (under Services > Import & Export of Food > Food Import Registration System).
With this new PFIR system, the general public also can apply for their personal import of processed food products. Personal import could be defined as when an individual brings in processed food products that are for personal consumption and is not intended to be sold or distributed for sale. The personal import approval is required when one or more of the following conditions is encountered;
i) the number of food items imported is more than 5 pieces each;
ii) the total net weight of the food items is more than 5 Kg and
iii) the total declared value of the food items is more than B$100
BDFA also would like to remind the general public to download the guideline for personal import approval from BDFA’s website before applying for personal import.
For further information, importers and general public can contact the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA) at 2237417 or e-mail:
import@bdfa.gov.bn or info@bdfa.gov.bn.
The press release can be downloaded here.