Importing biological control agents

Biological control agents (BCAs) are organisms used to control weeds and plant pest populations. They are commonly integrated into pest management strategies.

These can include:

• Predators: species that attack and kill their prey.
• Parasitoids: insects which are parasitic only in their immature stages, killing their host in the process of its development, and free living as an adult.
• Pathogens: micro-organisms that either kill or weaken the host. This includes protozoan, fungus, bacterium, virus or other microscopic self-replicating biotic entities.
• Competitors: plants or other organisms that compete with pests for resources.
• Herbivory: Biocontrol agents that suppress unwanted vegetation growth by eating them.
• Antibiosis: micro-organisms, insects or plants that produce chemicals which have inhibitory or toxic effects on weeds and unwanted pests.
• Semiochemicals released by living agents: specific biological agents naturally emit semiochemicals into their surroundings, influencing pest behaviour.
  
  These compounds may repel pests, discourage egg-laying, or reduce crop appeal to herbivorous pests. Ultimately, this leads to a decline in pest numbers or a reduction in crop damage.
  

About Import Risk Assessments (IRA)

BCAs 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 BCA you intend to import belongs 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 living organism/microorganism into Singapore form 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 BCAs based on the IRA.

You will also be directed to join a Biosecurity Assurance Arrangement (BSAA) if you intend to import these articles regularly.

After receiving your in-principle approval

After receiving your in-principle approval, you will have to apply for an import permit before you can bring your BCAs into Singapore.