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ARMS & EXPLOSIVES LICENCE

Under the Arms and Explosives (A&E) Act, you have to apply for a licence if you:

  1. Have in your possession or under your control any gun, arms, explosives, explosive precursors, poisonous or noxious gas or noxious substance;

  2. Import any gun, arms, explosives, explosive precursors, poisonous or noxious gas or noxious substance;

  3. Export any gun, arms, explosives, explosive precursors, naval or military stores, poisonous or noxious gas or noxious substance; or

  4. Manufacture or deal in guns, arms, explosives, explosive precursors, poisonous or noxious gas or noxious substance.

You will also be required to apply for a strategic goods permit, on top of a licence, if you are transhipping or transiting items listed in the Fourth and Fifth Schedule of the Strategic Goods (Control) Regulations respectively.

Please click here to visit the Singapore Custom’s website for more information.

 


 

 

Cessation of Hard Copy Arms and Explosives Licences


               The Police Licensing and Regulatory Department has ceased issuing hardcopy licences for Arms and Explosives with effect from 1 June 2021. Licences in PDF format will be emailed to Licensees instead.

 

 

CHANGES TO THE ARMS & EXPLOSIVES ACT

1. This notification seeks to update on the following changes made to the Arms & Explosives Act 1913, which came into effect on 21 Sep 2020:

 

  1. Amendments to Subsidiary Legislation (SL):

    1. Arms and Explosives (Arms) Rules (“Arms Rules”);

    2. Arms and Explosives (Explosives) Rules (“Explosives Rules”);

    3. Arms and Explosives (Explosive Precursors (“EPs”)) Rules (“EP Rules”);

 

b. New Exemption orders (EOs) for:

 

c. Gazette for dangerous bow and arrow as ‘arms’.

2. The main changes to the Rules and new EOs are summarised in the table below. 

 

No.

Title of Subsidiary Legislation


Summary of Updates


1

Arms and Explosives
(Arms) (Amendment)
Rules 2020

  • Introduced shorter tenure arms possession licence with lowered fees

  • Extended the validity of licence to import, export or purchase arms from 14 to 30 days

  • Amended the term of licence to possess arms in some cases. If a person already owns any arms, the term of licence to possess any subsequent arms has to follow the term of licence of the first arms, if they are of the same type (e.g. both firearms)


2

Arms and Explosives
(Explosives) (Amendment No. 2)
Rules 2020

  • Introduced explosive possession licence to regulate users who need to use explosives

  • Extended the validity of licence to import. export, purchase or remove explosives from 14 to 30 days


3

Arms and Explosives
(Explosive Precursors)
(Amendment) Rules 2020

  • Extended the validity of licence to import or export explosives precursors from 14 to 30 days


4

Arms and Explosives
(Arms Exhibition —Exemption)
Order 2020

  • Introduced exemption from licensing requirements for participants of trade fairs, as long as adequate security and safety measures are in place

5

Arms and Explosives
(Theatrical and Sporting Use —
Exemption) Order 2020

  • Introduced exemption from the need for licences for certain arms and weapons, in certain settings which are low risk, e.g. deactivated arms in theatrical context, blunted weapons in sporting context, etc.

6

Arms and Explosives
(Arms) Notification 2020

  • Gazette dangerous bows & arrows such as crossbows and high-poundage bows, non-sporting use arrows as arms.


3. For more details on the above changes, kindly refer to the relevant legislation at Here.




Please click here for the list of controlled and prohibited items and common non-regulated weapons.


NON-REGULATED WEAPONS

CONTROLLED ITEM

PROHIBITED ITEM

Import

Allowed

Subjected to assessment

Not allowed

Export

Allowed

Possess

Allowed

Manufacture

Not applicable

Requirements

Do not require licence or approval


Licence, approval or authorisation is required

Not applicable

Offence

Unlawful possession of such non-regulated weapons in any public place without any lawful purpose may constitute to an offence of Possession of Offensive Weapon or Scheduled Weapon under the Corrosive and Explosives Substances and Offensive Weapons Act.

Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such controlled items without any licence, approval or authorisation may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under.

Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such prohibited items may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under.


Example of Offence

A person is found in a public place with a knife and is unable to provide a lawful purpose for the possession.

He may be liable for an offence under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act.

A person was detected at the checkpoint trying to import an airsoft gun. He does not have a licence to import the airsoft gun which is a controlled item.

He may be liable for an offence under the Arms and Explosives Act.

A person was found with firecrackers which are prohibited under the Dangerous Fireworks Act.

He may be liable for an offence under the Dangerous Fireworks Act.



Types of Arms Licence

Nature

Licence Name

Licensing Conditions

Criteria and Documents Required

Base Licence

Possession of Arm(s)

or

Possession and Purchase of Arm(s) by an Individual/ Schools/ Government Clubs

Click here

Click here

Dealing in Arms (including swords, spearheads, bayonet & daggers)

Click here

Click here

 

 

Manufacturing of Arms

Click here

Repair of Arms (including swords, spearheads, bayonet & daggers)

Click here

Ad-hoc Licence

Import or Export Arms

Click here

Click here

 

Purchase of Arms

Not applicable

 

Fees

Nature

Licence Name

Fees

Base Licence

Possession of Arms or Possession and Purchase of Arms by an Individual/ Schools/ Government Clubs

Firearm

$440 for a period of not more than 2 years

 

Blank-firing Firearm or Deactivated firearm

$205 for a period of not more than 2 years

 

Air gun or pistol or any arms that can propel, or is designed to propel, a projectile by means other than an explosive

$220 for a period of not more than 2 years

 

Any arm in respect of which a licence under rule 26(1)(a) or (b) is in force

(Possess Arms Class Licence)

$80 for a period of not more than 1 year

 

Dealing in Arms (including swords, spearheads, bayonet & daggers) or Explosives.

Dealing in arms

$550 for a period of not more than 2 years

Dealing in Swords, Spears, Spearheads, Bayonets and Daggers

$405 for a period of not more than 2 years

Manufacturing of Arms

$550 for a period of not more than 2 years

Repair of Arms (including swords, spearheads, bayonet & daggers)

$405 for a period of not more than 2 years

Ad-hoc Licence

 

Import or Export Arms

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per consignment

Purchase of Arms

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per purchase

To Deal in Arms

$115 for 60 days validity

To Possess Arms

$40 for 60 days validity

 

Processing Time

About 14 working days from the receipt of the application, processing fee and the necessary documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to GoBusiness to view your application status.

 

Apply

You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click 'Here' To Apply.

 

 


Introduction

You can make the following amendments to your existing Arms licence:

  1. Add or Dispose of Arms*

  2. Submit details of Arms*

  3. Add Particulars of New Employees Handling Arms

  4. Delete or Replace Employees Handling Arms

  5. Change of Licensee

  6. Change of Director

  7. Change Name or Address of Company/Business

  8. Change Contact Details of Company/Licensee

     

    *For schools only

Documents Required

You are required to obtain the following documents before amending your existing Arms licence.

Information to be amended

Documents Required

1) Add or Dispose of Arms

2) Submit details of Arms

  • Reason to add or dispose Arms
  • Details and specification of Arms to be added/updated

3) Add Particulars of New Employees Handling Arms

  • Competency certificate or training records of new employees
4) Delete or Replace Employees Handling Arms
  • No document is required
5) Change of Licensee

 

6) Change of Director

 

  • Reason for change of licensee
  • Company’s business profile from ACRA listing the new licensee or Director

7) Change Name or Address of Company/Business

  • Latest company business profile from ACRA
8) Change Contact Details of Company/Licensee
  • No document is required

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 14 working days from the receipt of the submission and the necessary documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Amend

You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click 'Here' To Apply



Introduction

You are permitted to terminate your existing Arms Licence any time before its expiration.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon termination of the existing Arms licence.

 

Documents Required

If your licence has any approved storage premises and there is balance of any stock of arms, you will need to dispose or export the stock before the licence can be terminated.

You will need to provide confirmation that you do not have any stock balance of arms in the storage premises by submitting the following documents:

  1. Company letter to declare no stock balance; and

  2. Updated inventory record.

PLRD may inspect the storage premises to confirm that there is no stock balance before the termination of licence is approved.

 

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 7 working days from the submission of your Termination Request together with all supporting documents.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Terminate

You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click 'Here' to Apply

 


Introduction

You can withdraw your applications for any Arms licence any time before licence approval.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon withdrawal of application.

If licence has been approved and issued, you will have to submit a request to terminate licence.

 

Documents Required

No document is required.

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 7 working days from the receipt of your Withdrawal Request.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Withdraw

You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click 'Here' To Apply



Types of Explosives Licence

Nature

Licence Name

Licensing Conditions

Criteria and Documents Required

Base Licence

Dealing in Explosives

Click here

Click here

 

Manufacturing of Explosives

Click here

Storage of Explosives

Click here

Click here

Possession of Explosives  Click here  Click here 

Carrying out Blasting

Click here

Click here

Disosal of Explosives

Click here

Ad-hoc Licence

Importation, Exportation or Purchase of Explosives

Click here

 

Click here

 

Removal of Explosives

Click here

Click here

Fees

Nature

Licence Name

Fees

Base Licence

Dealing in Explosives

Explosives for non-blasting Purpose

$405 for a period of not more than 2 years

Explosives for Blasting Purpose

$1850 for a period of not more than 2 years

Manufacturing of Explosives

$1050 for a period of not more than 2 years

Possession of Explosives

$145 for a period of not more than 12 months

Storage of Explosives

$650 for a period of not more than 2 years

Carrying out Blasting

$405 for a period of not more than 2 years

Ad-hoc Licence

Importation or Exportation of Explosives

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per consignment

Purchase of Explosives

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per consignment

Removal of Explosives

For Blasting Work

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per consignment

For Pyrotechnic Effects

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per consignment

 

Processing Time

About 14 working days from the receipt of the application, processing fee and the necessary supporting documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to GoBusiness to view your application status.

 

Click Here to Apply

You will be directed to GoBusiness webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 


Introduction

You can make the following amendments to your existing Explosives Licence:

  1. Add Particulars of New Employees Handling Explosives

  2. Delete or Replace Employees Handling Explosives

  3. Change of Licensee

  4. Change of Director

  5. Change Name or Address of Company/Business

  6. Change Contact Details of Company/Licensee

Documents Required

You are required to obtain the following documents before amending your existing Explosives licence.

Information to be amended

Documents Required

1) Add Particulars of New Employees Handling Explosives

  • Competency certificate or training records of new employees
2) Delete or Replace Employees Handling Explosives

 

  • Competency certificate or training records of new employees
  • No document is required for deletion of employees
3) Change of Licensee

4) Change of Director

  • Reason for change of licensee
  • Company’s business profile from ACRA listing the new licensee or Director

5) Change Name or Address of Company/Business

  • Latest company business profile from ACRA

6) Change Contact Details of Company/Licensee

  • No document is required

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 14 working days from the receipt of the submission and the necessary documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Amend

You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process will take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

 Click here to 'Amend Existing Licence'



Introduction

You are permitted to terminate your existing Explosives Licence any time before its expiration.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon termination of the existing Explosives licence.

 

Documents Required

If your licence has any approved storage premises and there is balance of any stock of explosives, you will need to dispose or export the stock before the licence can be terminated.

You will need to provide confirmation that you do not have any stock balance of explosives in the storage premises by submitting the following documents:

  1. Company letter to declare no stock balance; and

  2. Updated inventory record.

PLRD may inspect the storage premises to confirm that there is no stock balance before the termination of licence is approved.

 

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 7 working days from the submission of your Termination Request together with all supporting documents.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Terminate

You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

 

Click here to 'Terminate Existing Licence'


Introduction

You can withdraw your applications for any Explosives licence any time before licence approval.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon withdrawal of application.

If licence has been approved and issued, you will have to submit a request to terminate licence.

 

Documents Required

No document is required.

 

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 7 working days from the receipt of your Withdrawal Request.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Withdraw

You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click here to 'Withdraw'


List of Licensed Firework Companies 

 

(a)Explomo Corporation Pte Ltd;

(b)Glorious (S) Pte Ltd;

(c)Intermay Consultech Pte Ltd;

(d)Knights Synergy (S) Pte Ltd;

(e)Effects Technologies Pte Ltd; and

(f)SpectaWorks Pte Ltd

 

Download List

 

 



Types of Explosives Precursors Licence

Nature

Licence Name

Licensing Conditions

Criteria and Documents Required

Base Licence

Possession or Control of Explosive Precursors

Click here

Click here

 

Dealing in Explosives Precursors

Click here

Manufacturing of Explosives Precursors

Click here

Storage of Explosives Precursors

Click here

Ad-hoc Licence

Importation, Exportation or Purchase of Explosive Precursors

Click here

Click here

 Transportation of Bulk Explosive Precursors   Click here

 

Storage Guidelines

Safety and security guidelines for storage Click Here

 

 

Fees

Nature

Licence Name

Fees

Base Licence

Possession or Control of Explosive Precursors

$44 for a period of not more than 2 years

Dealing in Explosive Precursors

$285 for a period of not more than 2 years

Manufacturing of Explosive Precursors

$140 for a period of not more than 2 years

Storage of Explosive Precursors

$130 for a period of not more than 2 years

Replacement of Explosive Precursors Licence

$11 per replacement

Ad-hoc Licence

Importation, Exportation or Purchase of Explosive Precursors

$22 for a period of not more than 30 days / per consignment

 

Processing Time

About 14 working days from the receipt of the application, processing fee and the necessary documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to GoBusiness to view your application status.

 

Click Here to Apply

You will be directed to GoBusiness webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 


Introduction

You can make the following amendments to your existing Explosives Precursors licence:

  1. Add or Remove Explosive Precursors licence types

  2. Change Quantities of Explosive Precursors

  3. Change of Licensee

  4. Change of Director

  5. Change Name or Address of Company/Business

  6. Change Contact Details of Company/Licensee

Documents Required

You are required to obtain the following documents before amending your existing Explosives Precursors licence.

Information to be amended

Documents Required

1) Add or Remove Explosive Precursors licence types

 

  • Company letter stating the reason and justification to add or remove Explosive Precursors licence type
  • Safety datasheets of new Explosive Precursors type to be added

2) Change Quantities of Explosive Precursors

  • Company letter stating the reason and justification to change quantities of Explosive Precursors type

3) Change of Licensee

4) Change of Director

  • Reason for change of licensee
  • Company business profile from ACRA listing the new licensee or Director
5) Change Name or Address of Company/Business
  • Latest company business profile from ACRA
6) Change Contact Details of Company/Licensee
  • No document is required

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 14 working days from the receipt of the submission and the necessary documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Amend

You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process will take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click here to 'Amend Existing Licence'


Introduction

You are permitted to terminate your existing Explosives Precursors Licence any time before its expiration.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon termination of the existing Explosives Precursors licence.

 

Documents Required

If your licence has any approved storage premises and there is balance of any stock of explosives precursors, you will need to dispose or export the stock before the licence can be terminated.

You will need to provide confirmation that you do not have any stock balance of explosives precursors in the storage premises by submitting the following documents:

  1. Company letter to declare no stock balance; and

  2. Updated inventory record.

PLRD may inspect the storage premises to confirm that there is no stock balance before the termination of licence is approved.

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 7 working days from the submission of your Termination Request together with all supporting documents.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Terminate

You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click here to 'Terminate Existing Licence'


Introduction

You can withdraw your application for any Explosives Precursors licence any time before licence approval.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon withdrawal of application.

If licence has been approved and issued, you will have to submit a request to terminate licence.

 

Documents Required

No document is required.

 

 

Fees

No fee is required.

 

Processing Time

About 7 working days from the receipt of your Withdrawal Request.

You will be notified of the outcome via email or post. Alternatively, you can login to LicenceOne to view your application status.

 

Withdraw

You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Click here to 'Withdraw' 



Criteria for Grant of Licence 

To be eligible for a licence, you must meet the following criteria:  

For applicant 

•   Be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident of Singapore

•   Be at least 21 years old at the time of application

•   One of the following business stakeholders as registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority:

i.   A Director - For Companies

ii. A Partner - For Partnerships, Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships

iii.  The Sole Proprietor - For Sole Proprietorships

For licence applicant, directors/ partners and staff

•  Be a fit and proper person.

The criteria and requirements for a person to be considered fit and proper to hold a licence are (but not limited to) whether the relevant person has honesty, integrity, a good reputation, competence and capability. For more details on the Fit and Proper Criteria for Arms and Explosives Act, Click Here.

Possess relevant experience and knowledge in handling of explosives.

 

For company

Registered with the Registry of Companies and Businesses

  




Dear Customers,

 

With effect from 1 Aug 2021, the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department will further restrict over-the-counter services at the Police Cantonment Complex, 391 New Bridge Road, to attend to services with pre-approved appointments only, including making payments at counter for services that cannot be done online. This move supports the Multi-Ministry Taskforce’s implementation of elevated safe distancing measures.

 

2        To make an appointment, please use the following link or QR code: www.picktime.com/policelicensing

 

3        We will attend to cases of persons who turn up without an appointment on a case by case basis, only if they have valid reasons. For collection of controlled item(s), please pay the license fee for the item(s) (if any) online, and email us at SPF_Licensing_Feedback@spf.gov.sg to arrange for collection.

 

4        For enquiries, please use our online services on www.police.gov.sg/licence or email us at SPF_Licensing_Feedback@spf.gov.sg.

         

5        We seek your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

 

6        Thank you.

 


The information on this page shows additional information related to Arms & Explosives licence.


If you are familiar with the application requirements and wish to apply now, please click here to proceed to GoBusiness Licensing. SingPass or CorpPass is required for login.

 





 

NEW Advisory 

 

 

 

Information on Controlled and Prohibited Items 

Please click here for the list of controlled and prohibited items and common non-regulated weapons.


NON-REGULATED WEAPONS

CONTROLLED ITEM

PROHIBITED ITEM

Import

Allowed

Subjected to assessment

Not allowed

Export

Allowed

Possess

Allowed

Manufacture

Not applicable

Requirements

Do not require licence or approval


Licence, approval or authorisation is required

Not applicable

Offence

Unlawful possession of such non-regulated weapons in any public place without any lawful purpose may constitute to an offence of Possession of Offensive Weapon or Scheduled Weapon under the Corrosive and Explosives Substances and Offensive Weapons Act.

Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such controlled items without any licence, approval or authorisation may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under.

Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such prohibited items may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under.


Example of Offence

A person is found in a public place with a knife and is unable to provide a lawful purpose for the possession.

He may be liable for an offence under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act.

A person was detected at the checkpoint trying to import an airsoft gun. He does not have a licence to import the airsoft gun which is a controlled item.

He may be liable for an offence under the Arms and Explosives Act.

A person was found with firecrackers which are prohibited under the Dangerous Fireworks Act.

He may be liable for an offence under the Dangerous Fireworks Act.

 



You will be directed to LicenceOne webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass or CorpPass.

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

Arms Matters   Explosives Precursors Matters
 • Check Status and Make Payments  • Notifications for Explosives Precursors Licence
 • Enquiry of Licence and Active Staff Information  • View Explosives Precursor Licence Information
 • Application for Submission of Particulars of Arm  • Enquiry of Licence and Active Staff Information

 





 




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