Licence for Animal Research Facility
The Licence for Animal Research Facility is required by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore for facilities conducting research involving animals. It is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 21 working days.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing time
- 21 working days
- Issuing authority
- ANIMAL & VETERINARY SERVICE (AVS)
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Who needs the Licence for Animal Research Facility
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 75 — VETERINARY ACTIVITIES
Includes: 75000 Veterinary activities
- Required to operateDivision 72 — SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Includes: 72101 Research and experimental development on biotechnology (except medical and veterinary science), 72102 Research and experimental development on electronics (except medical and veterinary science), 72103 Research and experimental development on chemicals (except medical and veterinary science), 72104 Research and experimental development on engineering
What's involved in getting the Licence for Animal Research Facility
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Licence for Animal Research Facility permits the operation of a facility dedicated to conducting research involving animals in Singapore. This includes various types of animal studies and experiments that adhere to ethical and regulatory standards.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. These include having a comprehensive floor plan or layout of the facility, detailing the areas designated for keeping and using animals. An organizational chart must also be in place, illustrating the reporting structure among the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), management, veterinarians, staff, and researchers. Additionally, approval from relevant authorities regarding the use of land or premises for the facility is necessary, along with a Free Safety Certificate from the Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). An IACUC appointment letter and an accreditation certificate are also required.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) conducts a thorough review of the application, which includes evaluating the submitted documentation and potentially arranging for an inspection of the facility to ensure compliance with all regulations and standards. The agency assesses whether the facility meets the necessary criteria for animal welfare and research ethics.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Licence for Animal Research Facility can face delays for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing floor plans or organizational charts, or failure to secure the necessary approvals from relevant authorities. Additionally, discrepancies in the facility's layout or inadequate safety measures can lead to application stalls. Ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Floor plan/layout of facility
- Layout of the area used for keeping and use of animals
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Facility Organizational Chart
- Indicating reporting channel between the IO, applicant, management, IACUC, veterinarian, staff and researchers
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Approval from other relevant authorities for the facility
- Free Safety Certificate from FSSD, SCDF, Use of land/premises for the activity (e.g. URA, HDB, JTC or LTA)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- IACUC Appointment Letter
- Scanned copy of the IACUC appointment letter
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Accreditation Certificate
- Scanned copy of the accreditation certificate
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
Licence for Animal Research Facility FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating an animal research facility?
Yes, the Licence for Animal Research Facility is mandatory for any facility in Singapore that conducts research involving animals. Operating without this licence can lead to legal repercussions and penalties.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your facility can legally conduct animal research, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulations set by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). This allows for a range of research activities involving animals.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating an animal research facility without the required licence can result in significant legal consequences, including fines, closure of the facility, and potential criminal charges against responsible individuals.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Licence for Animal Research Facility is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to secure the necessary licences after incorporation to ensure compliance with local regulations.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, such as missing safety certificates or organizational charts, and failure to meet the facility's layout requirements as per regulatory standards.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Licence for Animal Research Facility in Singapore, provided it meets all regulatory requirements and has the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
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