Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence
The Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for businesses handling hazardous substances in Singapore. The licence is valid for five years, with processing typically completed in 30 working days upon receipt of complete documentation.
- Validity
- Hazardous Substances Licence $700 valid for five years
- Processing time
- 30 working days upon receipt of complete and accurate submission of all required documents
- Issuing authority
- NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (NEA)
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Who needs the Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 20 — MANUFACTURE OF CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS
Includes: 20111 Manufacture of industrial gases and dry ice, 20112 Manufacture of basic industrial acids and alkalis, 20113 Manufacture of basic chemicals (except fertilisers and nitrogen), 20114 Manufacture of solvents
- Required to operateDivision 21 — MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS
Includes: 21011 Manufacture of pharmaceutical intermediates and fine chemicals for human use, 21012 Manufacture of pharmaceutical products and preparations for human use, 21013 Manufacture of pharmaceutical products for veterinary use, 21021 Manufacture of vaccines for human use
- Required to operateDivision 22 — MANUFACTURE OF RUBBER AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS
Includes: 22111 Processing, grading and packing of rubber; processing of rubber latex, 22119 Processing of natural gums n.e.c., 22121 Manufacture of tyres and tubes, 22122 Retreading and vulcanising of tyres
- Required to operateDivision 32 — OTHER MANUFACTURING
Includes: 32111 Manufacture of jewellery (except costume jewellery), 32119 Manufacture of jewellery and related articles n.e.c. (except costume jewellery), 32120 Manufacture of costume jewellery and related articles, 32200 Manufacture of musical instruments
- Required to operateDivision 38 — WASTE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES; MATERIALS RECOVERY
Includes: 38100 Collection of waste, 38200 Treatment and disposal of waste, 38301 Recycling of metal waste and scrap, 38309 Recycling of non-metal waste n.e.c.
What's involved in getting the Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence
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 Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence permits businesses in Singapore to handle and store hazardous substances safely and legally. This includes the ability to operate in compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring the safety of employees and the surrounding community.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several prerequisites must be fulfilled. These include obtaining Industrial Allocation Approval and clearance for the use of industrial premises from NEA’s Development Control Department. If hazardous substances are to be stored at a third-party warehouse, a No-Objection Letter and a letter of consent from the warehouse operator are required. This consent must detail the substance name, purity, and maximum quantity allowed for storage. Additionally, an Emergency Response Plan must be established, outlining procedures for spills and emergencies, including emergency contacts and clean-up procedures. A Certificate for the 'Manage Hazardous Substances' Course must also be obtained, demonstrating that relevant personnel are trained in handling hazardous materials. Lastly, a current ACRA business profile is necessary.
How the agency reviews and decides
The NEA reviews applications for the Hazardous Substances Licence by assessing the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documentation. This includes verifying that all prerequisites are met and that the Emergency Response Plan is adequate. The agency may conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards before granting the licence.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Hazardous Substances Licence can stall for various reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing letters of consent or inadequate Emergency Response Plans. Additionally, discrepancies between the intended use of the premises and the approved use can lead to delays. Ensuring that all prerequisites are thoroughly addressed before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Industrial Allocation Approval
- Clearance for use of industrial premises from NEA’s Development Control Department.
- No-Objection Letter (for storage at a 3rd party warehouse)
- Letter of consent (on letterhead) from 3rd party warehouse if hazardous substances will be stored at the 3rd party warehouse’s premises.
- The letter must state the substance name, purity and maximum quantity allowed to be stored at the stated premises.
- The warehouse must have the necessary NEA Hazardous Substances Licence/Permit to store your company’s hazardous substances.
- Emergency Response Plan
- Emergency action plan detailing the company’s response to hazardous substance spills/releases, including:
- emergency contacts,
- clean-up procedure and equipment,
- containment measures,
- engaged TIWCs,
- recovery process,
- and site layout/floor plan indicating the storage location(s) of the hazardous substances.
- It is not mandatory when it involves only ozone-depleting substances.
- Certificate for 'Manage Hazardous Substances' Course
- Certificate showing completion and passing of 'Manage Hazardous Substances' course (a module under the WSQ Specialist Diploma in Occupational Hygiene) conducted by accredited training providers.
- If the applicant has not taken and pass the course, please provide Letter of Undertaking to complete and pass the course within 3 months of Licence start date.
- ACRA Business Profile
- Current ACRA business profile of company.
Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence is essential for any business in Singapore that intends to handle or store hazardous substances. Operating without this licence can lead to legal penalties and safety risks.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally handle and store hazardous substances in accordance with Singapore's environmental regulations. This allows for safe operations while minimizing risks to employees and the environment.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Hazardous Substances Licence can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and potential shutdown of operations. It also poses safety risks to employees and the surrounding community.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. This can include missing letters of consent, inadequate Emergency Response Plans, or failure to meet training requirements for handling hazardous substances.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Hazardous Substances (HS) Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary prerequisites and comply with local regulations.
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Other NEA licences
Aquatic Facility Licence
The Aquatic Facility Licence is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for any business operating an aquatic facility in Singapore. The licence is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years, with processing typically taking 30 working days.
Cleaning Business Licence
The Cleaning Business Licence is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for businesses engaged in cleaning services in Singapore. The licence is valid for 2 years, with processing typically completed within 14 working days.
Funeral Parlour Licence
The Funeral Parlour Licence is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore for businesses operating funeral parlours with embalming facilities and crematoria. The validity period is agency-confirmed, and processing time details can be found on the agency's website.
General Waste Collector Licence
The General Waste Collector Licence is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for businesses involved in waste collection in Singapore. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 7 working days upon receipt of all required documents.
General Waste Disposal Facility Licence
The General Waste Disposal Facility Licence is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for businesses operating waste disposal facilities in Singapore. The validity varies based on the specific licence type, and processing typically takes up to 30 working days upon receipt of the complete documentation.
Hazardous Substances (HS) Permit
The Hazardous Substances (HS) Permit is required by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for any entity wishing to purchase, store, or use hazardous substances regulated under Singapore's Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. The permit is valid for 5 years, with processing typically taking 30 working days upon receipt of a complete submission.