Singapore Factory License

Singapore Factory License | Bestar

Singapore Factory License Explained

In Singapore, what is commonly referred to as a "factory license" is primarily managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act. Depending on the nature and risk level of the activities, factories are required to either notify or register their premises with MOM before commencing operations.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Who Needs a Factory Notification or Registration?

• Any workplace defined as a "factory" under the WSH Act. This can include manufacturing plants, car servicing workshops, shipyards, petrochemical refineries, etc.

• High-risk activities: Require a Certificate of Registration (CR). Examples include shipyards, wafer fabrication factories, pharmaceutical factories, metalworking factories employing more than 100 people, refineries, petrochemical plants, and bulk storage terminals with large capacities of toxic or flammable liquids.

• Low-risk activities: Require a one-time Notification.

• Major Hazard Installations (MHIs): Factories that process, manufacture, or store large quantities of dangerous substances. These have specific, more stringent registration requirements, including submitting a safety case.

• Exceptions: Certain workplaces, such as construction worksites (under specific conditions) and very low-risk workplaces, may not require notification or registration.

2. Key Agencies and Related Licenses:

While MOM handles the WSH aspect, other agencies might require licenses depending on your factory's specific activities:

• Singapore Food Agency (SFA): If your factory is involved in manufacturing, processing, preparing, packaging, or storing food for distribution, you will need a license from the SFA (e.g., Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment, Licence to Operate a Coldstore).

• Singapore Customs: If you manufacture or store dutiable goods (like liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles), you might need to register under the Excise Factory Scheme (EFS).

• Energy Market Authority (EMA): For any electrical work on site or operation of electrical installations, you must engage a licensed electrical worker and obtain a license from EMA.

• National Environment Agency (NEA): For pollution control, you might need to submit an Industrial Siting Consultation (ISC).

• Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA): Your business must be registered with ACRA and have a Unique Entity Number (UEN) issued by ACRA.

3. Application Process (MOM Factory Notification/Registration):

The application process is typically done online via the GoBusiness portal.

• Determine your factory type: Identify if your factory engages in high-risk activities (requiring CR) or low-risk activities (requiring Notification) or if it's an MHI.

• Gather required documents:

  • For CR (renewable): Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) document, Workplace Safety & Health Management System (SHMS) Audit/Internal Review documents (to be submitted within 2 months of receiving CR).

  • For MHI registration: MHI assessment form, safety case (at least 6 months before operations).

  • For combustible dust: Combustible dust form and details.

  • Other supporting documents as requested.

• Apply on GoBusiness:

  • Log in using CorpPass.

  • Fill out the application form, selecting the appropriate Industry Category and providing details about your work activities, occupier information, and combustible dust (if applicable).

  • Upload required documents.

  • Pay the fee (if applicable). Fees vary depending on the nature of work, number of workers, and MHI class/quantity of dangerous substances.

• Processing time:

  • Factory Notification: Immediate acknowledgement.

  • One-time Factory Registration: Up to 7 working days.

  • Renewable Factory Registration & MHI registration: Up to 30 working days.

• Approval: You will be notified of the application status via email. For notifications, you'll receive an acknowledgement letter. For registrations, a certificate will be issued.

4. Key Responsibilities of a Factory Occupier:

• Ensure the safety and health of all persons at work.

• Comply with the WSH Act and its subsidiary legislations.

• Maintain proper inventory records (especially for dutiable goods or dangerous substances).

• Implement adequate physical security measures.

• Inform MOM of any changes in the nature of work, structural changes, or other relevant particulars.

• Conduct regular reviews or audits of the Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) for registered factories.

Obtaining a factory notification or registration from MOM does not automatically mean compliance with licensing requirements from other agencies. You must ensure you meet all other relevant agency requirements for your specific business activities.

Visit the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) websites, as well as the GoBusiness Singapore portal, for the most up-to-date and detailed information on factory notification, registration, and other relevant licenses.

How Bestar can Help

Navigating the various "factory licenses" and regulatory requirements in Singapore can be complex, especially for new businesses or those unfamiliar with the local landscape. This is where professional help becomes invaluable. Here's how Bestar can assist:

1. Business Consulting / Company Registration Services:

• Initial Setup & ACRA Registration: We help you choose the right business structure (Pte Ltd, LLP, etc.), reserve your company name, and handle the entire company registration process with ACRA, ensuring you get your Unique Entity Number (UEN) – a prerequisite for all other license applications.

• Feasibility Assessment: Bestar offers services to assess the feasibility of your factory project, considering market demand, location suitability, and regulatory challenges before you commit significant resources.

• Overall Project Management: For comprehensive factory setups, Bestar can act as project managers, coordinating between different vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

2. Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Consulting:

These are crucial for the MOM factory notification/registration process and ongoing compliance.

• Risk Assessment and Safety Management System (SMS) Development: We help identify potential hazards in your factory, conduct thorough risk assessments, and develop a robust SMS. This is a mandatory requirement for MOM registration, especially for high-risk factories.

• MOM Notification/Registration Application: We can assist in preparing and submitting the necessary documents for your factory notification or Certificate of Registration (CR) application on the GoBusiness portal. This includes ensuring all details are accurate and complete, which can significantly speed up the approval process.

• Compliance with WSH Act: We ensure your factory's operations, equipment, and premises comply with the stringent requirements of the WSH Act and its subsidiary regulations. This includes advising on:

  • Machine safety and guarding.

  • Handling of hazardous substances.

  • Emergency preparedness plans.

  • WSH training for employees.

  • Reporting of accidents and incidents.

• Audits and Inspections: We can conduct internal WSH audits or prepare your factory for external MOM inspections, helping you address any non-conformities.

  
  

3. Food Safety Consulting (for Food Processing Factories):

• SFA License Application: We specialize in helping food processing establishments obtain the necessary licenses from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), such as the Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment or a Coldstore Licence.

• Layout and Workflow Planning: We can advise on facility design and workflow optimization to meet SFA's hygiene, sanitation, and operational requirements. This is critical for approval.

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): Many food factories aim for these certifications. Bestar can guide you through implementing HACCP principles, which often aligns with SFA requirements.

• Hygiene Officer/Food Handler Requirements: We can advise on the appointment of hygiene officers and the training requirements for food handlers.

• Product Particulars and Process Flow: We assist in preparing detailed documentation about your products and manufacturing processes as required by SFA.

4. Customs Consulting / Trade Compliance (for Dutiable Goods):

• Excise Factory Scheme (EFS) Application: If your factory manufactures or stores dutiable goods, Bestar can help you apply for the EFS or Industrial Exemption Factory Scheme with Singapore Customs.

• TradeFIRST Assessment: Singapore Customs uses the TradeFIRST framework to assess companies' compliance and security. Bestar can help you prepare for and achieve a higher band, which grants more trade facilitation benefits.

• Security and Inventory Control: We advise on implementing robust security measures and inventory management systems required by Singapore Customs for licensed premises.

• Customs Procedures and Compliance: We provide guidance on import/export procedures, customs declarations, and ongoing compliance with Customs regulations to avoid penalties.

5. Environmental Consulting (for Pollution Control):

• Industrial Siting Consultation (ISC): We can assist with the NEA's ISC process to ensure your factory's activities are environmentally compatible with the chosen location.

• Pollution Control Requirements: We advise on regulations related to air emissions, wastewater discharge, hazardous waste management, and noise pollution, helping you implement necessary control measures.

Benefits of Engaging Bestar:

• Expert Knowledge: We possess in-depth knowledge of Singapore's complex regulatory landscape, saving you time and preventing costly mistakes.

• Efficiency: We streamline the application process, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete, leading to faster approvals.

• Compliance Assurance: We help you meet all legal obligations, reducing the risk of fines, operational disruptions, or reputational damage.

• Cost Savings: By avoiding errors and delays, and by ensuring proper compliance, we can help you save money in the long run.

• Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing the licensing and compliance aspects allows you to focus on your core manufacturing operations.

• Tailored Solutions: Bestar provides customized advice and solutions based on your specific factory type, industry, and scale of operations.

In essence, engaging Bestar for factory licensing in Singapore is an investment that provides peace of mind, ensures regulatory adherence, and facilitates a smoother, more efficient setup and operation.

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