Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence
The Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence is required by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for businesses storing petroleum or flammable materials. The licence is valid for up to 3 years, depending on risk assessment, with processing typically completed within 19 working days if all submissions and site inspections are in order.
- Validity
- The P&FM storage licence validity is up to 3 years (based on the risk)
- Processing time
- within 19 working days, when submission and site inspection are in order
- Issuing authority
- SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE (SCDF)
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Who needs the Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 19 — MANUFACTURE OF COKE AND REFINED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
Includes: 19100 Manufacture of coke oven products, 19201 Petroleum refineries, 19202 Manufacture of petroleum lubricating oil, 19209 Manufacture of refined petroleum products n.e.c.
- 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
What's involved in getting the Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage 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 Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence permits businesses in Singapore to store petroleum or flammable materials safely and in compliance with local regulations. This is crucial for industries that handle such materials, ensuring safety and legal compliance.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be issued, several conditions must be met. An approved plan detailing the location of the premises and the proposed storage area is essential. Additionally, a Temporary Fire Permit or Fire Safety Certificate from relevant government agencies must be obtained. For businesses using bulk tanks or major piped installations, specific documentation such as manufacturer's reports, pressure test reports, and certifications from a Professional Engineer must be provided. These documents ensure that the storage and handling systems meet safety standards.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) conducts a thorough review of the submitted documentation. This includes arranging a site inspection to verify compliance with safety standards and regulations. The agency assesses the risk associated with the storage of flammable materials, which influences the validity period of the licence.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence can face delays for various reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing approved plans or certifications. Additionally, discrepancies between the proposed storage methods and safety regulations can lead to complications. Ensuring that all required documents are accurate and complete before submission can help avoid these pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Approved plan
- One certified true copy (or original approved plan) showing the location of the premises and proposed storage area
- File format: doc,docx,pdf,jpg,rtf,htm,bmp,xls,xlsx,dwg
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Temporary Fire Permit / Fire Safety Certificate issued by other government agency
- One certified true (or original) copy of Temporary Fire Permit or Fire Safety Certificate of the premise if it is issued by other government agencies (e.g. JTC, HDB or LTA)
- File format: doc,docx, pdf, jpg, rtf, htm, bmp, xls,xlsx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Documents for Bulk Tanks and Major Piped Installations
- Manufacturer's reports on designed code of tank
- PE endorsed Hydrostatic and Radiographic or any equivalent for both test report for tanks on site
- PE endorsed Pressure test report for piping and fittings for bulk tanks to the points of consumptions
- File format: doc,docx,pdf,jpg,rtf,htm,bmp,xls,xlsx,dwg
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Professional Engineer's Certification documents for the Piped system
- Certification of supervision of piped gas system
- Certification of equipment installed for system
- Pressure test report for the piping and fittings from the installation to the point of consumption
- File format: doc,docx, pdf, jpg, rtf, htm, bmp, xls,xlsx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, obtaining the Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence is mandatory for any business in Singapore that intends to store petroleum or flammable materials. Operating without this licence can lead to legal penalties and safety hazards.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally store petroleum or flammable materials in accordance with safety regulations set by the Singapore Civil Defence Force. This allows for safe operations in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence can result in significant legal repercussions, including fines and shutdown orders. Additionally, it poses serious safety risks to employees and the surrounding community.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection of applications for this licence is incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Missing approved plans, certifications, or discrepancies in safety compliance can lead to delays or outright denial of the licence.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Petroleum or Flammable Materials Storage Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all regulatory requirements and have the necessary documentation in place.
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Other SCDF licences
Petroleum & Flammable Material Import Licence
The Petroleum & Flammable Material Import Licence is required by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for any entity importing regulated petroleum and flammable materials above specified exemption quantities. The licence is valid for 12, 24, or 36 months, with processing typically completed within the same day upon successful payment and proper submission.
Petroleum & Flammable Material Pipeline Licence
The Petroleum & Flammable Material Pipeline Licence is required by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for the conveyance of petroleum and flammable materials in pipelines running outside premises boundaries. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed within 19 working days upon successful payment and site inspection.
Petroleum & Flammable Materials Transportation Licence
The Petroleum & Flammable Materials Transportation Licence is required by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for businesses involved in the transportation of petroleum and flammable materials. The licence is valid for 12 or 24 months, with processing typically completed within 3 working days upon successful payment and submission of all required documents.