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.
- Validity
- 5 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) Permit
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
What's involved in getting the Hazardous Substances (HS) Permit
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) Permit enables businesses in Singapore to legally purchase, store, and use hazardous substances that are regulated under the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. This is crucial for companies involved in industries that handle chemicals, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the Hazardous Substances Permit can be issued, several conditions must be met. 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 from the warehouse is required, along with a letter of consent from the warehouse detailing the substance name, purity, and maximum quantity allowed. Additionally, an Emergency Response Plan must be in place, outlining procedures for spills and detailing emergency contacts, clean-up procedures, and containment measures. An ACRA Business Profile and certification for bulk or fixed storage tanks are also necessary.
How the agency reviews and decides
The NEA reviews applications for the Hazardous Substances Permit by assessing the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documentation. This includes verifying that all prerequisites are satisfied and that the proposed storage and usage plans comply with environmental regulations. The agency may conduct site inspections to ensure that the premises meet safety standards before granting the permit.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Hazardous Substances Permit can face delays for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing letters of consent or inadequate Emergency Response Plans. Additionally, discrepancies between the proposed use and the approved industrial allocation can lead to complications. 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, maximum quantity allowed to be stored at the stated premises.
- The warehouse must have the necessary NEA Hazardous Substances Permit / Licence 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.
- ACRA Business Profile
- Current ACRA business profile of company.
- CSC/PE Certification for bulk/fixed storage tanks
- Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) or Professional Engineer's (PE) endorsement for bulk/fixed storage tanks.
Hazardous Substances (HS) Permit FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Hazardous Substances Permit is essential for any business in Singapore that intends to purchase, store, or use hazardous substances. Without this permit, operations involving such substances would be illegal and could lead to significant penalties.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once the Hazardous Substances Permit is granted, your business can legally handle hazardous substances as specified in the permit. This includes purchasing, storing, and using these substances in compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring safety for employees and the surrounding community.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without a Hazardous Substances Permit in Singapore can result in severe penalties, including fines and legal action. Additionally, it poses significant risks to safety and environmental health, which can lead to reputational damage and operational shutdowns.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Hazardous Substances Permit is a separate process from incorporating your company. While incorporation is the first step in establishing a business, securing the necessary permits, including the HS Permit, is crucial for compliance and operational readiness, especially for businesses dealing with hazardous substances.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reasons for rejection of Hazardous Substances Permit applications include incomplete documentation and failure to meet the necessary safety and environmental standards. Ensuring that all prerequisites are fully addressed and that the proposed plans comply with NEA regulations can help avoid these pitfalls.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Hazardous Substances Permit in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the NEA. This includes having the appropriate approvals and safety measures in place.
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Other NEA licences
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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
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General Waste Collector Licence
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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) 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.