Printing Press Licence
The Printing Press Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for businesses operating printing presses in Singapore. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 3 working days.
- Validity
- The Licence is valid for 1 year from the date of issue
- Processing time
- 3 working days
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
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Who needs the Printing Press Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Printing Press 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 Printing Press Licence permits a business to operate a printing press in Singapore, enabling the production of printed materials for various purposes, including commercial and promotional use.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several prerequisites must be fulfilled. A letter from the Chief Inspector of Factories is required, ensuring that the printing press meets safety and operational standards. If the printing press is located at a different address from the one registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), a letter from the Ministry of Manpower must also be provided. Additionally, the latest copy of the business profile from ACRA is necessary to confirm the business's registration details.
How the agency reviews and decides
The IMDA reviews the application by verifying the submitted documents and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This process may include inspections or assessments to confirm that the printing press operates within the legal framework established for such businesses.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Printing Press Licence can stall for various reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing letters from the Chief Inspector of Factories or the Ministry of Manpower. Additionally, discrepancies in the business profile or failure to meet safety standards can lead to delays. Ensuring all prerequisites are met and documents are accurate can help prevent these issues.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Letter from Chief Inspector of Factories
- You will need to produce a letter from the Ministry of Manpower if you will be operating your printing press in a different location from the business address registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”).
- Latest copy of business profile (ACRA)
- Latest copy of business profile from the ACRA
Printing Press Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Printing Press Licence is mandatory for any business intending to operate a printing press in Singapore. Without this licence, the business cannot legally conduct printing activities.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally operate a printing press, allowing you to produce printed materials for commercial purposes, including brochures, flyers, and other promotional items.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating a printing press without the required licence can lead to legal repercussions, including fines and potential closure of the business. It is crucial to obtain the licence to avoid these risks.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Printing Press Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to secure the licence after incorporation to ensure that all business details are accurately reflected in the application.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all required letters and the latest business profile from ACRA are submitted can help mitigate this risk.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Printing Press Licence in Singapore, provided it meets all the necessary requirements and regulations set by the IMDA.
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Other IMDA licences
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The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
Computer Online Service Licence
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Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
The Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for specific short range and low power devices in Singapore, including wireless microphones and telecommand systems. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment using radio frequency in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon submission of all required information.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all required information.