It depends on what the machine sells. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) requires a licence only for food vending machines that prepare food inside the machine or serve raw meat or seafood. Machines selling packaged snacks or canned and bottled drinks do not need one. AIVS's two machines sell no food: one prints phone cases, the other cleans helmets.
Which vending machines need an SFA licence?
SFA takes a risk-based approach to food vending machines. A licence is required for machines that prepare food inside the machine (for example adding toppings, cutting, boiling, grinding, juicing, mixing, heating, reheating or cooking) and for machines that serve raw meat or seafood (SFA, requirements for food retail licences, read 18 October 2026).
Which vending machines do not need one?
On the same SFA page, no licence is needed for machines that serve packaged or loose snacks that need no temperature control, canned, packed or bottled drinks, packaged bread, and drinks made only from dry powdered ingredients. Pre-packed cooked meals, ice cream, yoghurt and chilled food such as cut fruit or salads are on that list only when they come from SFA-licensed sources.
How do you apply if your machine needs a licence?
Through GoBusiness. SFA asks for a business proposal that lists the types of machines, the food you will sell and the planned locations. If a licensed machine later moves, the operator submits an amendment application through GoBusiness.
What about non-food machines like phone case printers?
SFA's vending machine licence is about food safety. AI Printbox prints phone cases and Topi Express cleans helmets, so neither sells food. For these machines the agreement that matters is the one with the site owner: rent or a share of sales, the exact spot, a power point and who looks after the space. See how AIVS machine owners judge a location.
What else do you need before you start?
Register a sole proprietorship or company with ACRA, agree the placement with the host in writing, and ask the landlord whether any mall or building approvals apply to the exact spot. If you plan to own an AIVS machine, see how owning a machine works.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an SFA licence for a drinks vending machine?
Not if it sells canned, packed or bottled drinks. Machines that prepare food or drinks inside them, for example by juicing or heating, need an SFA licence. Check SFA's list for your exact machine.
Does a phone case printing or helmet cleaning machine need an SFA licence?
SFA's vending machine licence covers food vending machines, and AI Printbox and Topi Express sell no food. Agree the placement with the site owner, and ask AIVS on WhatsApp 8878 4061 if you have a site in mind.
Where do I apply for an SFA vending machine licence?
Through GoBusiness, with a business proposal listing the machines, the food sold and the planned locations. Later location changes need an amendment application.
The machines
AI PrintboxA self-service machine that prints a customer's own photo or a design onto a phone case in about 3 minutes. 14 machines in Singapore malls and Changi Airport.From S$5,000 · More details →
Topi ExpressA plug-in machine that disinfects, deodorises and sterilises a motorcycle helmet in 5 minutes for S$5. Built for motorcycle shops, petrol kiosks and detailing centres.From S$1,800 · More details →