When traveling abroad, one common concern is about the rules for bringing in food items. The regulations for vegetables, fruits, and meat can vary greatly from country to country.

In this context, there's good news for those traveling to Singapore from Japan: the import of Japanese meat is now allowed. This change aims to increase the number of tourists from Japan and to spread the allure of Wagyu beef in Singapore. So, bringing meat into Singapore is now permissible, but only under certain conditions.

For more details, check out: Bringing Meat from Japan to Singapore - a Simple Method Without Need for Quarantine.

We recently had a customer who used GOZZO to bring Hida beef to Singapore (with their permission, we're sharing their story).

Customer's Feedback: Mr. K (Residing in Singapore)

GOZZO's Service

At GOZZO, we prioritize smooth transportation and maintaining the quality of Hida beef, from packaging to delivery.

We take care of all necessary documentation and customs clearance support, so there's no need for additional procedures at customs. The Hida beef delivered to your location in Japan can be directly carried onto the plane.

Export Quarantine Certificate Obtained for GOZZO's Hida Beef

Proper management is essential to maintain the freshness of Wagyu beef. Our carefully vacuum-packed Hida beef can stay fresh during long flights, allowing you to enjoy high-quality beef in Singapore.

Many are unaware that meat can be brought into Singapore, so Wagyu beef, especially the rare Hida beef handled by GOZZO, makes for an exceptionally surprising and unique gift. This brand of beef is rare even in Japan and is a novel find in Singapore.

Why not consider Hida beef as a special gift for your next trip to Singapore?

One common dilemma for those traveling to Singapore is selecting the perfect souvenir. While you can easily grab some Japanese snacks from the airport with a budget of 1,000 to 2,000 yen, choosing a premium gift for someone more familiar with Japan or when you have a more generous budget can be challenging.

With the global market's evolution, most Japanese products are now available in Singapore. However, items exclusive to Japan are particularly cherished.

Did You Know Dining Tops the List for Singaporeans Visiting Japan?

The number one activity Singaporeans love to do in Japan is indulging in Japanese cuisine, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization's survey.

While there are numerous Japanese restaurants in Singapore, the authentic taste of Japan remains unparalleled. Two highly recommended souvenirs for the discerning are Japan's seasonal fruits and, of course, Wagyu beef.

Japanese fruits are world-renowned for their exceptional quality. Whether it's peaches in the summer or pears and persimmons in the fall, these seasonal delights are always a hit. Another must-mention is Wagyu beef.

Wagyu is a Favorite in Singapore

Given Singaporeans' love for Japanese cuisine, it's no surprise that Wagyu beef is a hit. However, there are mainly two types of Wagyu available in Singapore: Japanese Wagyu and Australian Wagyu.

It may surprise many Japanese, but there's a significant amount of foreign-produced "Wagyu" circulating abroad. Naturally, the taste is worlds apart from genuine Japanese Wagyu. While authentic Japanese Wagyu is available in Singapore, it's in limited quantities, and the quality often falls short of what's available in Japan. Coupled with the high cost of living in Singapore, it tends to be pricey.

Gift a meat enthusiast with premium Japanese Wagyu, and you're guaranteed to delight them.

A highly recommended option is to bring Wagyu beef as a souvenir. While there are people who might avoid beef due to religious reasons or personal preferences, those who receive Wagyu as a gift are invariably thrilled.

For more details on bringing Wagyu, check out this article.

Many aren't even aware that they can bring meat, adding to the surprise factor. Moreover, the Hida beef offered by GOZZO is a rare brand even within Japan, making it a unique find in Singapore.

Being sourced directly from the producers, the beef is of the highest quality and offered at local prices. When brought as hand luggage, you save on shipping costs too.

However, please note that there's a limit of 5 kg per person for personal consumption.

When travelling abroad, one of the concerns many have is about the regulations surrounding bringing food items into another country. Especially when it comes to items like vegetables, fruits, and meats, the rules can be quite strict and vary from country to country.

Now, for those heading to Singapore, there's good news: you can bring Japanese meat! With an aim to boost Japanese tourism and spread the allure of Wagyu beef in Singapore, meat imports to the island nation have been approved, but only from Japan.

Did You Know You Can Bring Japanese Meat to Singapore?

According to the Animal Quarantine Service, a division within Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, travellers can bring Japanese beef and pork for personal consumption (like souvenirs) to Singapore. Here's the relevant page from the Animal Quarantine Service.

However, there are specific rules you must follow

Conditions for Exporting/Bringing Meat:

• Limit to 5kg per person (this includes beef, beef products, pork, and pork products).
• It must be a product available for sale in Japan.
• Must be of Japanese origin (even if the product says “domestically produced,” if foreign meat was used, you cannot export it).
• Meat must be directly brought from Japan to Singapore for personal consumption (this includes transport via international mail or international parcel delivery).

While there are a few conditions, the most crucial points are that the quantity must be under 5kg, and it's meant for personal consumption.

How to Bring the Meat:

To bring the meat, you will need an export quarantine certificate. There are two main ways to get this:

1. Obtain the certificate at the animal quarantine office at the airport.
2. Purchase products that already have the certificate attached.

Given the hustle and bustle at airports and the unpredictability of queues, the Animal Quarantine Service recommends the second option.

With the certificate in hand, you can bring the meat as either checked luggage or hand luggage on your flight to Singapore. No additional fees are required, other than potential fees for extra checked luggage.

Where to Purchase Meat with an Export Certificate:

Given that not many butchers have the permit for export, and that not many are aware of the permission to bring meat into Singapore, it's hard to find shops offering such certified products.

Here at GOZZO, we sell Hida beef from Yamatake Shouten, a store with extensive experience from rearing to selling, complete with the required export certification.

Our beef is vacuum-packed and remains fresh, ensuring you get the highest quality when bringing it into Singapore.

What to Do & Watch Out For at the Airport:

If you've purchased meat with an export certificate, there's very little you need to do at the airport. You can check it in like any other luggage. If security checks your baggage, showing them the certificate should suffice.

However, one thing to note is that you cannot bring cooling agents as hand luggage. They might be removed during security checks. So, if you can't keep the meat cool after arriving, it's best to check it in.

So, what do you think? While bringing Wagyu from Japan to Singapore is allowed, the practice isn't widespread, possibly due to the effects of the pandemic. Why not consider Japanese Wagyu as a unique souvenir for your next trip to Singapore?