Apply for a licence

Importer and wholesaler's licence

Application submission

Documents required

You need to submit the following documents in English:

1. Current layout plan for the premises, specifying the storage areas.
   The layout floor plan will need to have the following information:
   (i) The full address of the warehouse
   (ii) The dimensions (length and width) of the warehouse
   (iii) Indication of various storage areas, e.g. receiving bay, quarantined product area, released product area, rejected product area, returned product area, recalled product area, outgoing staging area, etc.

2. Pharmacist Practising Certificate, if the Responsible Person is a registered pharmacist.

3. Authorisation letter from the product registrant, if your products are not registered under your company (only applicable for importer's licence application).

4. List of products to wholesale (only applicable for wholesaler's licence application).

5. Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standard operating procedures.

6. GDP records or recording templates.

7. Store approval letter.

8. Contract with contract acceptor for outsourced activity which clearly establishes the roles and responsibilities of each party, if applicable.

9. Other supporting documents, if applicable.

Good Distribution Practice audits

Compliance with the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standard is mandatory for all importers and wholesalers of therapeutic products.

When your licence application is received, we will inform you of the date for a GDP audit of your premises, unless your company is only conducting the following restricted activities:

• Importing therapeutic products for supply or ships or aircraft leaving Singapore.

• Importing therapeutic products solely for export only.

• Importing therapeutic products for non-clinical use.

The licence will only be approved and issued 10 working days from the date of audit close out if your company is found to have complied with the required GDP standard.

After licence approval, regular routine audits will be conducted to assess your company's continued compliance. The frequency of the routine audits will depend on risk factors like the activities conducted by your company, and your level of compliance with the regulatory requirements. Unannounced audits may also be conducted.

While your company may only be conducting restricted activities and thus not subjected to routine GDP audits, you are still expected to comply with the legal obligations and duties of maintaining records of receipt and supply or use. Such records must be made available to us when requested.

Manufacturer's licence

Application submission

Documents required

1. Site Master File (a scanned copy of the document can be submitted as an attachment to the application).

   • Note: Site Master File should be prepared in accordance with the Explanatory Notes for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers on the Preparation of a Site Master File (SMF) available from PIC/S Publication website.

2. Certificate of Accreditation of the contract testing laboratory, if any.

3. Letter of approval issued by the agency or institution that approves the use of the premises for the manufacturing and storage of therapeutic products, if applicable.

4. Details of the products and dosage forms manufactured and/or assembled, including the name and strength, as well as product registration number, if applicable. Also indicate if your company is acting as a contractor acceptor (i.e. manufactures partially or wholly for others) for these products.

Good Manufacturing Practice audits

Compliance to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard is mandatory for all manufacturers of therapeutic products, including assemblers.

When your licence application is received, we will contact your company to arrange for a pre-approval audit. A pre-audit letter will be sent to inform you of the date of GMP audit.

Your Site Master File (SMF) should be prepared in accordance with the Explanatory Notes for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers on the Preparation of a Site Master File (SMF) available from PIC/S Publication website. The following topics need to be addressed in your SMF:

1. General information

2. Pharmaceutical quality system

3. Personnel

4. Premises and equipment

5. Documentation

6. Production

7. Quality control

8. Outsourced activities

9. Complaints and product recall

10. Self-inspection

A manufacturer's licence will only be approved and issued 10 working days from the date of audit close out if your company is found to have complied with the required GMP standard.

After licence approval, regular routine audits will be conducted to assess your company's continued compliance. The frequency of the routine audits will depend on risk factors like the activities conducted by your company, and your level of compliance with the regulatory requirements. Unannounced audits may also be conducted.

An Audit Summary of a specific therapeutic products manufacturer may be requested with the manufacturer’s consent, by submitting this Application Form [PDF, 57 KB]. 

Fees and turnaround time 

Refer to therapeutic product fees and turnaround time for more information.

How to apply

Submit your application through PRISM. Ensure you have the following before you access the e-service:

• CRIS company account

• Corppass or HSA PIN

If you encounter technical issues, e-mail the HSA helpdesk or call 6776 0168 (from 7.00 am to midnight daily).