The implementation of the new Tar and Nicotine limits of 10mg and 1.0mg per stick, which were due to take effect in November 2011, will be deferred and implemented together with changes to the tobacco packaging health warnings. All tobacco importer/wholesale licensees will be informed on the new effective date in due course.

Please note that for this deferment of implementation for the new Tar and Nicotine Limits, does not, in any way, set a precedent for the timing of implementation of future regulations. We look forward to your cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of these new Regulations.

Dear Licence applicants

        With effect from 16 May 2011 (Monday), the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) PC kiosk outside the office of Tobacco Regulation Branch (TRB) will no longer be in service.

For the submission of the tobacco retail licence applications to TRB office, you are encouraged to submit the application online via the Online Business Licensing Services (OBLS) website: https://licences.business.gov.sg

Similarly, for the submission of the tobacco import/wholesale licence applications to TRB office, you are encouraged to submit the application online through the PRISM system at HSA website: http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/services/prism/tobacco.html

A Singpass is required for both submissions at the websites. For applicants without their Singpass, please proceed to the Singpass website https://www.singpass.gov.sg for more information.

For more information on PC kiosks and internet access at Community Clubs and National Libraries, please call 6344 8222/6332 3255 respectively.

A professional licence application agency (DP Bureau Pte. Ltd., http://www.dpbureau.sg/ ) is also available to assist you in the application of the licence for a fee. Please call 6829 9800 for more information.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

With effect from 15 April 2011, in line with the National Tobacco Control Programme and in consultation with the Health Promotion Board, the criteria for tobacco retail licences have been revised to disallow sales of tobacco products at outlets whose primary business involve the sale of health related products or youth centric products such as the sale of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health/herbal supplements, toys, confectionery, tidbits, candies, etc.

The Health Sciences Authority will review new applications and existing licences that may fall within these categories, in consultation with the Tobacco Licensing Consultative Panel. Current licensees that fall within the reviewed criteria will be allowed to continue their sales of tobacco products until their licence expiry. Renewal of such licences will not be allowed.

Please note the above revised criteria before submitting an application for any new tobacco retail licence. Kindly note that all rejected/withdrawn applications will be charged an administrative fee of $60.00.

All tobacco retailers are reminded that any person who directly or indirectly, sells any tobacco product to a person below the age of 18 years, is liable on the 1st conviction, to a maximum fine of $5,000, and in the case of a subsequent conviction, to a maximum fine of $10,000.

With effect from 1 December 2010, the following additional administrative measures will be taken on errant licensees who sell or whose employees sell tobacco products to underage youth:

                          i. 1st offence - 6 months suspension of tobacco retail licence*

                          ii. 2nd offence - revocation of tobacco retail licence

*Should any outlet be found to have sold tobacco products to underage youth in school uniform or those below 12 years of age, the tobacco retail licence will be immediately revoked, even at the 1st offence.

With effect from 1 September 2010, the charges to the fees for new applications, renewals and amendments of Tobacco Retail Licences will be amended as follows:

For licences expiring on 31 August 2010, the renewed licence will take effect from 1 September 2010, thus the renewal will be charged a fee of $300.

Please be advised to renew your licence before the expiry date. If your licence has expired, a new application must be made for a new tobacco retail licence if you wish to continue retailing tobacco products at your outlet.