Pet Transport from China to Singapore: Schedule III Requirements and AQC Quarantine
Moving a pet from China to Singapore is a manageable but carefully timed process. Singapore's AVS (Animal and Veterinary Service) classifies China as a Schedule III country for pet imports, which …
Get your free quoteThe China to Singapore import process
Responsible: Vet in China
Responsible: Vet and approved laboratory
Responsible: Owner to track
Responsible: AVS-recognised pet agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: GACC-authorised official vet
Responsible: Airline, AVS, AVS-recognised pet agent
Singapore entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
What this route typically costs
Critical points
China is Schedule III for Singapore. Mandatory 30-day quarantine at AQC applies to all pets from China regardless of vaccination status. This is non-negotiable.
The titre test blood draw must occur at least 90 days before the departure date from China. This means you need to draw blood and wait 3 months before flying. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
From 1 April 2026, only AVS-recognised pet agents may handle import clearance procedures at CAPQ (Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station). Pet owners cannot manage this step themselves. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
If you are using Singapore as a stepping-stone to Australia: the 30-day quarantine counts toward Singapore residency, and you should time the DAFF titre test blood draw (which is a separate requirement from the Singapore titre test) to start as early as possible.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Air China | Direct cargo services Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG) to Singapore Changi (SIN). Cargo only on international routes. Full documentation review before acceptance at cargo desk. | Cargo Only |
| Singapore Airlines | Operates cargo services from PEK and PVG to SIN via SQ Cargo. Well-established process for live animal imports into Singapore. Advance booking required. | Cargo Only |
| China Southern Airlines | Direct services from Guangzhou (CAN) and other Chinese cities to Singapore. Cargo division handles live animals. Confirm documentation requirements with CZ Cargo before booking. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Via Hong Kong (HKG) hub to Singapore. AFCD transit rules apply during HKG connection. An option for southern China departures. | Cargo Only |
Singapore's Schedule III classification: what it means for China pets
Singapore’s AVS divides countries of origin into three schedules based on rabies risk. Schedule I (four countries including Australia, New Zealand, UK, and Ireland) allows entry with minimal additional requirements. Schedule II (around 30 countries including Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, USA, and most of Europe) has requirements but no mandatory quarantine. Schedule III covers all other countries including China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and most of Asia and Africa. China is Schedule III.
For Schedule III arrivals, two specific requirements apply beyond the standard documentation: mandatory 30-day quarantine at AQC on arrival in Singapore (where pets are also vaccinated against rabies on arrival), and a rabies titre test where the blood draw occurred at least 90 days before the export date. The titre test must be done at a WOAH reference laboratory or an AVS-approved laboratory in a Schedule I or II country. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
The practical implication of the 90-day pre-export window is that you must draw blood in China at least 90 days before you intend to fly. This is different from the EU process (which requires a 90-day post-titre wait before entry) but has a similar practical effect: you need to plan at least 3 months ahead of the departure date.
From 1 April 2026: AVS-recognised pet agents only at CAPQ
A significant procedural change took effect on 1 April 2026. From this date, only AVS-recognised pet agents are permitted to handle import clearance procedures at CAPQ (Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station). Pet owners can no longer enter the Changi Airfreight Centre where CAPQ is located. This means you must engage an AVS-recognised agent to manage the Singapore arrival process. The agent will represent your pet through CAPQ clearance and arrange transfer to the AQC facility for the 30-day quarantine.
Choosing an AVS-recognised agent with experience on the China-to-Singapore route is worthwhile. The GACC documentation format must match Singapore’s requirements, and any discrepancy can cause delays at CAPQ. An agent who handles this route regularly will know the correct format and will have direct contact with AVS if issues arise. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
China-to-Singapore versus China-to-Hong Kong: a route comparison
For owners moving from mainland China, Singapore and Hong Kong are the two most practical regional destinations. The requirements differ significantly. Hong Kong (AFCD administration): Mainland China pets entering Hong Kong are subject to AFCD’s own rules, which include a mandatory 120-day AFCD quarantine for pets from high-risk rabies countries, including mainland China. Singapore (AVS administration): 30-day quarantine at AQC. On quarantine duration alone, Singapore is considerably shorter.
The Singapore titre test requirement (blood draw 90 days before export) does add pre-departure preparation time that the Hong Kong AFCD process may not require in the same way. However, the 30-day Singapore quarantine versus the 120-day Hong Kong AFCD quarantine is a significant difference in terms of disruption and cost. For most owners, Singapore is the more practical choice for regional relocation from mainland China.
Common questions about this route
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