Tobacco Retail Licence
The Tobacco Retail Licence is required by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for businesses intending to sell tobacco products in Singapore. The licence is valid for 12 months, with processing typically completed within 2 weeks.
- Validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- 2 weeks
- Issuing authority
- HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY (HSA)
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Who needs the Tobacco Retail Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 47 — RETAIL TRADE
Includes: 47101 Supermarkets and hypermarkets, 47102 Mini-marts, convenience stores and provision shops, 47103 Department stores, 47109 Retail sale in non-specialised stores n.e.c.
- Required to operateDivision 46 — WHOLESALE TRADE
Includes: 46100 Wholesale on a fee or commission basis, 46211 Wholesale of cut flowers and plants, 46212 Wholesale of aquarium fishes and related accessories/products, 46213 Wholesale of pet birds and animals and related accessories/products
What's involved in getting the Tobacco Retail 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 Tobacco Retail Licence permits businesses to legally sell tobacco products in Singapore, ensuring compliance with local regulations regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the Tobacco Retail Licence can be issued, several conditions must be met. These include having a valid tenancy agreement or proof of property ownership, as well as necessary approvals from the relevant authorities, such as the SFA or NEA if applicable. Additionally, if the outlet is located at a construction site, a site plan and a letter from the construction company allowing the operation must be provided. An authorisation letter is also required if the application is submitted on behalf of a company.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Health Sciences Authority reviews the application to ensure that all required documents are submitted and that the business complies with the relevant regulations. This includes verifying the legitimacy of the premises and ensuring that the applicant meets the necessary criteria for selling tobacco products. The agency may conduct inspections as part of the review process.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Tobacco Retail Licence can face delays for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing tenancy agreements or site plans, and discrepancies between the premises' approved use and the intended tobacco retail use. Additionally, failure to meet health and safety standards can result in application stalls. Engaging with experts familiar with the licensing process can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- NRIC of Applicants
- File format: DOC,DOCX,XLS,XLSX,PPT,PPTX,PDF,JPG,JPEG,BMP,TIF,TIFF
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Tenancy Agreement / Documents on Ownership of Property
- File format: DOC,DOCX,XLS,XLSX,PPT,PPTX,PDF,JPG,JPEG,BMP,TIF,TIFF
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- SFA Hawker Licence
- NEA Hawker Licence
- File format: DOC,DOCX,XLS,XLSX,PPT,PPTX,PDF,JPG,JPEG,BMP,TIF,TIFF
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Site plan for outlets located at construction sites
- File format: DOC,DOCX,XLS,XLSX,PPT,PPTX,PDF,JPG,JPEG,BMP,TIF,TIFF
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Letter from construction company allowing the applicant/company to operate their outlet at the construction site
- For outlets located at Construction Sites
- File format: DOC,DOCX,XLS,XLSX,PPT,PPTX,PDF,JPG,JPEG,BMP,TIF,TIFF
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Authorisation letter (applicants applying on behalf of company)
- File format: DOC,DOCX,XLS,XLSX,PPT,PPTX,PDF,JPG,JPEG,BMP,TIF,TIFF
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Tobacco Retail Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Tobacco Retail Licence is mandatory for any business intending to sell tobacco products in Singapore. Operating without this licence can lead to legal penalties.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally sell tobacco products, ensuring compliance with Singapore's regulations on tobacco sales, which include age restrictions and advertising limitations.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without a Tobacco Retail Licence can result in significant fines and legal repercussions. It is crucial to obtain the licence before commencing any tobacco sales.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all required documents, such as tenancy agreements and necessary approvals, are submitted can help avoid this issue.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Tobacco Retail Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Health Sciences Authority.
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