Pet Transport from China to Singapore: Schedule III Requirements and AQC Quarantine
Planning a pet relocation from China to Singapore is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. This route takes some organising, and roughly 16-24 weeks of preparation is about right. A 30 …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from China to Singapore
typically takes around 16-24 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The China to Singapore import process
01
First medical steps. Titre test blood draw cannot happen until at least 28 days after vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip and administer rabies vaccination in China.
Responsible: Vet in China
02
At least 28 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before intended departure from China to Singapore.
Rabies serology (titre test) blood draw at a WOAH-approved or AVS-accepted laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and approved laboratory
03
Cannot be shortened. This is the main planning constraint for this route.
90-day pre-export waiting period runs from the blood draw date.
Responsible: Owner to track
04
At least 6-8 weeks before intended arrival in Singapore.
Engage an AVS-recognised pet agent to apply for Singapore import licence.
Responsible: AVS-recognised pet agent
05
4-6 weeks before departure from China.
Apply for GACC export permit.
Responsible: Owner or agent
06
Within 14 days of departure from China.
Obtain AVS-format health certificate from GACC-authorised official vet, countersigned by GACC.
Responsible: GACC-authorised official vet
07
After 90-day pre-export wait has elapsed. AVS-recognised agent handles CAPQ clearance.
Fly to Singapore Changi (SIN). Mandatory 30-day quarantine at AQC on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, AVS, AVS-recognised pet agent
Requirements
Singapore entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required before titre test blood draw.
Rabies titre test
Required. Rabies serology test at a WOAH reference laboratory or an AVS-approved laboratory in a Schedule I or II country. Blood draw at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination. Blood draw must occur at least 90 days before the export date (i.e., at least 90 days before departure from China to Singapore). Blood drawn within the last 12 months of export. Result must meet WOAH minimum standards. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Quarantine
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC), Changi, Singapore. China is Schedule III under AVS classification. Pets are vaccinated against rabies on arrival at AQC. Approximately SGD 1,500-3,000 for 30 days, paid by owner. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Import permit
Singapore Licence to Import required from AVS. Must be obtained through an AVS-recognised pet agent. From 1 April 2026, only AVS-recognised pet agents may handle import clearance at CAPQ. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Health certificate
Official health certificate in AVS-specified format, endorsed by GACC. Must arrive with the pet at Changi.
Leaving China
Export requirements
Export permit
GACC export permit required. Apply to local GACC office. Allow 3-4 weeks. Approved departure airports: Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).
Health certificate
Official health certificate in AVS Singapore-required format, issued by a GACC-authorised vet, countersigned by a GACC official. Issued within 14 days of departure from China. Source: GACC, english.customs.gov.cn.
Costs
What this route typically costs
GACC export permit and health certificate endorsement: approximately CNY 800-2,000
Rabies vaccination and microchip in China: approximately CNY 500-1,500
Titre test at WOAH-approved laboratory: approximately CNY 4,000-10,000
Singapore import licence application fee
Cargo fees China to Singapore Changi: approximately SGD 600-1,500 depending on pet size
30-day AQC quarantine: approximately SGD 1,500-3,000 paid by owner
AVS-recognised pet agent fee: approximately SGD 500-1,500
Realistic total: SGD 4,000-10,000 or more
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.
Airlines
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
The rules for bringing a pet into Singapore
Singapore has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
How to keep this move on track
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. China is Schedule III for Singapore. All pets from China must complete a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) in Changi on arrival. This is non-negotiable and is not affected by the pet’s individual vaccination history.
The titre test blood draw must occur at least 90 days before the departure date from China to Singapore, and within 12 months of that departure date. Blood must be drawn at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
No, not since 1 April 2026. From that date, only AVS-recognised pet agents can handle import clearance at CAPQ. Pet owners cannot enter the Changi Airfreight Centre. You must engage an AVS-recognised agent for this step. Source: AVS, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Singapore imposes a 30-day quarantine at AQC for pets from mainland China (Schedule III). Hong Kong’s AFCD imposes a mandatory 120-day quarantine for pets from high-risk rabies countries including mainland China. Singapore is considerably shorter, making it a more practical destination for most families.
As early as possible. The DAFF titre test for Australian entry (from Singapore as a Group 2 country) requires a separate blood draw from the AVS Singapore titre test. The 180-day post-titre wait for Australia starts from the DAFF blood draw date. Drawing blood before leaving China or as soon as possible after completing AQC quarantine in Singapore will minimise the total timeline.
Airline guides
Air China
Singapore Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.