Singapore Manufacturing License Guide

Singapore Manufacturing License Guide | Bestar

Singapore Manufacturing License Guide

Operating a manufacturing business in Singapore involves a comprehensive set of licenses and permits, which vary significantly based on the specific industry, products, and processes. Here's a general guide to help you navigate the requirements:

I. Foundational Steps for All Businesses

Before applying for any specific manufacturing licenses, you must complete these fundamental steps:

1. Business Registration (ACRA): Register your company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and obtain a Unique Entity Number (UEN). This is the very first step for any business in Singapore.

2. Secure a Premise: You need to secure a physical location for your manufacturing operations. This premise must comply with Singapore's industrial zoning regulations, typically falling under Business 1 (B1) for light industries or Business 2 (B2) for heavier industries with potential environmental impact.

   • URA: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) sets the zoning regulations and land use.

   • JTC: If you are looking for industrial land or ready-built facilities, JTC Corporation (Jurong Town Corporation) is a key developer and manager of industrial estates in Singapore.

   • Compliance: Ensure your chosen premise aligns with the URA's 60:40 rule, where at least 60% of the gross floor area must be used for industrial purposes.

II. Key Manufacturing-Specific Licenses and Permits

The specific licenses you need will depend heavily on what you are manufacturing. Here are some common categories and the relevant authorities:

A. General Factory Requirements (Ministry of Manpower - MOM)

Regardless of your product, if your workplace is defined as a "factory" under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, you will need to either notify or register your factory with MOM:

• Factory Notification: For low-risk activities. This is a one-time notification.

• Factory Registration (Certificate of Registration - CR): For high-risk activities or if your factory involves mechanical power, steam boilers, highly flammable/noxious substances, or employs 100 or more people. This registration is typically renewable every 5 years.

• Combustible Dust Notification: If your factory has combustible dust, you'll need to declare this during the application.

• Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Compliance: You must implement risk management measures and may be required to conduct Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) audits.

B. Product-Specific Manufacturing Licenses

Many manufacturing activities require specific licenses from competent authorities (CAs) based on the type of product:

• Food & Food Products (Singapore Food Agency - SFA):

  • Licence to Operate a Food Processing Establishment: Required for all food processing establishments that carry out food processing for wholesale distribution. This includes conditions for premises, food handlers (e.g., WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 certification), and often requires architectural layout plans, product particulars, and process flow charts.

  • Other related licenses may include those for manufacturing animal feed, operating cold stores, or slaughterhouses.

• Health Products (Health Sciences Authority - HSA): If you are manufacturing therapeutic products, Chinese proprietary medicines, controlled drugs, or medical devices, you will need specific licenses from HSA. This often involves complying with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

• Chemicals & Hazardous Substances (National Environment Agency - NEA / Singapore Civil Defence Force - SCDF):

  • Environmental Permits (NEA): If your manufacturing processes generate significant air emissions, wastewater discharge, or hazardous waste, you will need permits from NEA.

  • Hazardous Substances License/Permit (NEA): For the manufacture, storage, or use of hazardous substances.

  • Approval for storage of petroleum and flammable materials (SCDF): If your activities involve such materials exceeding allowed quantities.

C. Import/Export Licenses (Singapore Customs)

If your manufacturing process involves importing raw materials or exporting finished products, you will need to:

• Activate a Customs Account: This is essential for all import and export activities.

• Obtain Import/Export Permits: While not a general "license" for all goods, you will need to obtain permits for each consignment of goods through the TradeNet system.

• Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO): If you wish for your products to benefit from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), you may need to register as a manufacturer with Singapore Customs and apply for PCOs.

D. Building and Environmental Compliance

• Building Plan Approval (Building and Construction Authority - BCA): Before construction or major renovation, structural plans must be approved by BCA.

• Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) (Singapore Civil Defence Force - SCDF): Your premises must comply with fire safety requirements, and an FSC is issued upon satisfactory completion and inspection of fire safety works.

• Pollution Control (NEA): Developments must obtain clearance from NEA to ensure they do not pose unmanageable health and safety hazards or pollution problems. This includes submitting an Industrial Siting Consultation (ISC) via the NEA website for many manufacturing activities.

• Water Services (Public Utilities Board - PUB): You may need to engage a licensed water service worker for water service installation.

• Electrical Installations (Energy Market Authority - EMA): Engage a licensed electrical worker, and obtain a license from EMA before operating electrical installations.

III. General Application Process and Resources

• GoBusiness Singapore: This is the primary online portal where most business licenses and permits can be found and applied for. It's a "Whole-of-Government" initiative to streamline business interactions with government agencies. You can use their "Find Licence (By industry)" or "Licence e-Advisers" tools to get recommendations based on your business sector.

• Documentation: Be prepared to provide detailed information about your company, production processes, machinery, products, safety measures, and environmental impact.

• Processing Time & Fees: Processing times and fees vary depending on the specific license.

• Ongoing Compliance: Licenses often have limited validity periods and require renewal. You must also ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements, including those related to workplace safety, environmental standards, and quality control.

IV. Professional Assistance

Navigating the licensing landscape in Singapore can be complex. It is highly recommended to seek professional assistance.

By meticulously understanding and fulfilling all the necessary licensing and regulatory requirements, your manufacturing business can operate smoothly and compliantly in Singapore.

How Bestar can Help

Singapore Manufacturing License Guide

Bestar plays a crucial role in assisting businesses, especially those involved in manufacturing, to navigate the complexities of establishing and operating in Singapore. We offer a range of services that can save time, reduce risks, and ensure compliance. Here's how we can help:

Bestar focuses on the foundational and administrative aspects of setting up and maintaining a business in Singapore. Our expertise is broad and covers general corporate governance and compliance. Bestar possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in specific industries, regulatory domains (e.g., environmental, health & safety), or complex licensing processes. We become invaluable when your manufacturing operations involve intricate technical, safety, or product-specific requirements.

1. Company Registration & Setup:

   
   

   • ACRA Registration: We handle the entire process of registering your company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), including name reservation, drafting the company constitution, and filing all necessary documents.

   • Director & Shareholder Services: If you don't have a local director or registered address, Bestar offers nominee director and registered address services to meet regulatory requirements.

   • Bank Account Opening: We can assist in facilitating the opening of corporate bank accounts with local or international banks.

     
     

2. Ongoing Corporate Compliance:

   
   

   • Annual Filings: We manage annual return filings with ACRA, ensuring your company remains compliant with statutory deadlines.

   • Accounting & Tax Services: Bestar offers bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, and corporate tax filing services (with IRAS - Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore).

   • Employment Passes & Visas: We can assist with applications for Employment Passes, S Passes, and other work visas for foreign employees, which is crucial for manufacturing businesses relying on international talent.

   • Payroll Services: Handling monthly payroll, CPF contributions, and other related statutory requirements.

     
     

3. Registered Office Address:

   
   

   • Providing a physical registered office address in Singapore, which is a mandatory requirement for all companies.

     
     

4. Advisory on Basic Legal & Regulatory Framework:

   
   

   • We can offer general advice on Singapore's corporate laws, regulations, and governance best practices, ensuring your business operations adhere to the basic legal framework.

   
   

5. In-Depth License Identification & Application:

   
   

   • Industry-Specific Expertise: We can identify all specific licenses and permits required for your precise manufacturing activity (e.g., food processing, medical devices, chemicals, pharmaceuticals).

   • Regulatory Interpretation: We understand the nuances of regulations from agencies like SFA, HSA, NEA, MOM, SCDF, and how they apply to your unique processes and products.

   • Application Preparation: We assist in preparing detailed documentation, technical specifications, process flow charts, architectural plans, and safety manuals required for complex license applications. This often includes ensuring compliance with standards like Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

     
     

6. Regulatory Compliance & Standards:

   
   

   • GMP Implementation: For industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food, we can guide you through the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

   • Workplace Safety and Health (WSH): We can help develop and implement WSH management systems, conduct risk assessments, provide WSH training, and ensure compliance with MOM requirements (including Factory Registration, WSH audits).

   • Environmental Compliance (NEA/PUB): For manufacturing with environmental impact, we assist with pollution control requirements (air emissions, wastewater discharge, hazardous waste management), environmental impact assessments, and securing permits from NEA and PUB.

   • Fire Safety (SCDF): We can advise on fire safety design, equipment, and procedures to secure the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) from SCDF.

     
     

7. Process Optimization & Technical Advisory:

   
   

   • Facility Layout & Design: We can consult on optimal factory layouts that comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., flow of materials to prevent cross-contamination in food/pharma) and operational efficiency.

   • Equipment Compliance: Ensuring that manufacturing equipment meets local safety and technical standards.

   • Quality Management Systems: Designing and implementing robust quality control and assurance systems tailored to your product and industry.

     
     

8. Liaison with Government Agencies:

   
   

   • We often act as an intermediary, communicating directly with various government agencies on your behalf, clarifying requirements, and addressing queries during the application and inspection processes. This can significantly expedite approvals.

     
     

9. Training & Capacity Building:

   
   

   • Providing training to your staff on regulatory requirements, safety protocols, quality management, and specific operational procedures.

Leverage Bestar:

• Bestar handles the overarching corporate secretarial, accounting, tax, and general HR/payroll functions, ensuring the company's legal and administrative foundation is sound.

• Bestar steps in for the specific, technical, and high-risk regulatory compliance requirements inherent in manufacturing, ensuring your factory and products meet stringent industry standards.

By utilizing Bestar, businesses can focus on their core manufacturing operations, confident that their administrative and regulatory obligations are being professionally managed.

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