ENERGY MARKET AUTHORITY (EMA)Required to operate

Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer

The Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence is issued by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in Singapore for businesses involved in the shipping, retailing, or importing of gas. The licence is valid for up to 10 years, with processing typically taking 8 weeks upon full submission of supporting documents.

Validity
Gas Shippers and Gas Retailers - up to 10 years
Processing time
8 weeks upon full submission of supporting documents and receipt of complete information, unless otherwise informed by Authority
Issuing authority
ENERGY MARKET AUTHORITY (EMA)

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Who needs the Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer

This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:

What's involved in getting the Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer

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 Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence enables businesses to engage in the shipping, retailing, or importing of natural gas in Singapore. This is crucial for companies looking to operate within the gas market, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

What must be in place before the licence can be granted

Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. Businesses must provide comprehensive audited financial statements for the past two years, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. A detailed business plan outlining proposed sources of natural gas and target customers is also required. For importers, anticipated annual import quantities and certified true copies of gas sale agreements with suppliers must be submitted. Additionally, an organisation chart and CVs of key personnel must be included to demonstrate the capability of the management team.

How the agency reviews and decides

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) conducts a thorough review of the submitted documentation. This includes assessing the financial stability of the applicant, the feasibility of the business plan, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The EMA may also request additional information or clarification during the review process.

Common reasons applications stall

Applications for the Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence can stall for various reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing financial statements or business plans. Additionally, discrepancies in the proposed gas quantities or failure to provide adequate evidence of gas supply agreements can lead to delays. Ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete before submission is essential to avoid these pitfalls.

Required documents and prerequisites

Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:

  • Audited statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and credit statement
  • Past 2 years' audited financial statements which could include income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and credit statement or credit rating (if any), including any history of bankruptcy or financial distress.
  • Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
  • Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
  • Description of the business plan, including but not limited to the proposed sources of natural gas and customers
  • Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
  • Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
  • Proposed annual maximum import quantities, in bbtu, for each year of planned import (For Importers Only)
  • Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
  • Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
  • Certified true copy of the applicant's gas sale agreements/gas contracts with its gas suppliers or other supporting documents, including but not limited to quantities of Piped Natural Gas or Liquefied Natural Gas available, or which are anticipated to be available, for import (For Importers Only)
  • Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
  • Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
  • Anticipated annual quantities for retail, for each year of planned retail purposes (For Retailers Only)
  • Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
  • Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
  • Amount of firm capacity rights issued by PowerGas to a Gas Shipper Licensee to ship gas for the applicant (For Retailers Only)
  • Document(s) Format(s): (*.doc, *.docx, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.pdf, *.png, *.xls, *.xlsx)
  • Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
  • Organisation chart including resume and curriculum vitae (CV) of key appointment holders

Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer FAQ

Do I need this licence to start operating?

Yes, obtaining the Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence is essential for any business intending to operate in the gas shipping, retailing, or importing sectors in Singapore. Without this licence, businesses cannot legally engage in these activities.

What can my business do once licensed?

Once licensed, your business can legally ship, retail, or import natural gas in Singapore. This opens up opportunities to serve various customers and engage in the gas market, contributing to the energy supply chain.

What happens if I operate without it?

Operating without the Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and potential shutdown of operations. Compliance with licensing regulations is crucial to avoid these risks.

What's the most common reason applications get rejected?

The most common reason for application rejection is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. This includes missing financial statements, inadequate business plans, or discrepancies in proposed gas quantities. Ensuring thorough and accurate submissions can help mitigate this risk.

Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?

Yes, foreign-owned companies can hold the Gas Shipper, Retailer or Importer licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Energy Market Authority.

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