A Security Service Provider licence is required if you carry out any of the following activities:
a. Install, maintain, repair or service, by physical or electronic means:
i. any security equipment in any premises or any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other means of conveyance; or
ii. any mechanical, electronic, acoustic or other equipment that the person installing, maintaining, repairing or servicing the equipment purports to be equipment that is designed or adapted to provide or enhance security or for the protection or watching of any property;
b. Design, sell, import or export:
i. any security equipment (other than basic household or automotive security items at approved classes of retail outlets or intruder alarm systems); or
ii. any mechanical, electronic, acoustic or other equipment that the person installing, maintaining, repairing or servicing the equipment purports to be equipment that is designed or adapted to provide or enhance security or for the protection or watching of any property;
c. Provide advice in relation to security equipment (other than basic household or automotive security items at approved classes of retail outlets), including:
i. providing product advice in relation to security equipment; and;
ii. identifying and analysing security risks and providing solutions or management strategies to minimise security risks;
d. Provide advice in relation to any other mechanical, electronic, acoustic or other equipment (other than basic household or automotive security items at approved classes of retail outlets) that the person providing the advice purports to be equipment that is designed or adapted to provide or enhance security or for the protection or watching of any property;
e. Sell security methods or principles;
i. selling any intelligent banknote neutralisation system;
ii. employing an intelligent banknote neutralisation system in carrying out cash-in-transit services;
f. Provide alarm surveillance services, or other surveillance, tracking or monitoring services using security equipment;
g. Provide training or instruction in relation to any activity referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f), including assessing another person's training, instruction or competencies in relation to any such activity;
h. Provide persons to carry on any activity referred to in paragraphs (a) to (g);
i. Any other activity, or class of activities, that is connected with security or the protection of persons or property, whether by physical or electronic means, and that is declared by the Minister by notification published in the Gazette1 to be a security service for the purposes of this section.
1 Activities that are newly classified as security service will be published in ‘Current Notice’ under the Government Gazette.
A Security Service Provider licence is not required if you sell security systems that can be installed by any ordinary customer. If doubt, please enquire via email to SPF_Licensing_Feedback@spf.gov.sg.
Central Alarm Monitoring Station (CAMS) means a facility which monitors any intruder alarm systems and enables a CAMS Operator* to provide specific responses to any activation of an alarm system+.
All CAMS Operators are required to be licensed as a Security Service Provider and must comply with licensing conditions.
*CAMS Operator refers to anyone who provides the service of monitoring intruder alarm systems linked to a central monitoring station.
+Alarm system means an intruder alarm system, either a device or series of devices including hardwired systems and systems interconnected with a radio frequency method such as cellular or private radio signals, which emits or transmits a remote or local audible, visual or electronic signal indicating an alarm condition, but does not include an alarm installed in a vehicle or an alarm attached to the body of an individual.
To be eligible for an Security Service Provider licence to operate as a CAMS Operator, the Applicant must meet the following criteria:-
- The Applicant must subscribe to and maintain a Leased Line connecting its CAMS with the Police Operations Command Centre’s System.
Note to applicant: Police Operations Command Centre (POCC) needs to perform works on their systems to receive the new CAMS connection and such works may take up to 3 months to be completed. The Applicant should only conduct the SS:558 inspection after the new CAMS connection has been successfully completed so that its status can be reflected correctly in the report. The Applicant may contact POCC for information on the procedure to set up the new CAMS connection.
- The Applicant shall bear all installation charges, subscription fees, and maintenance charges incurred with respect to the subscription and maintenance of the Leased Line.
3. The Applicant shall:
- engage an inspection body that is accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council to perform inspection on all equipment used or installed for the Applicant’s CAMS operations to assess whether they are in compliance with Clause 12 of SS558:2010;
- upon completion of the inspection, submit a full inspection report from the inspection body to the Licensing Officer; and
- ensure the inspection report(s) and any supporting documents submitted to the Licensing Officer are dated within 3 months prior to the date of application for the licence (including applications for the renewal of a licence).
Updated as of 1 September 2020
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Private Security Industry (Central Alarm Monitoring Station Operator) Regulations 2009
Depending on your business model and other specific circumstances, additional licensing conditions may be imposed.
Licensing Conditions for CAMS Operator [with effect from 31 December 2021]
The Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation System (IBNS)1 is a security system designed to deter unauthorised access to currency notes by mutilating, destroying or permanently damaging the currency notes, such as by the application of a staining or degradation agent to the currency notes.
Under the Private Security Industry Act 2007 (PSIA), any person who wishes to sell and/or employ IBNS to carry out Cash-in-transit (CIT) services, for reward, must be licensed as a Security Service Provider (SSP) under the PSIA and may apply for an SSP licence from the Police from 8 February 2024 onwards.
In addition, if the SSP licensee intends to employ or engage the services of any person to be deployed in any IBNS CIT operation, the SSP licensee must also be licensed as a Security Agency (SA) under the PSIA; and any such person deployed, excluding Auxiliary Police Officers, must possess a valid Security Officer licence before he/she may be deployed for any IBNS CIT operations.
1IBNS is defined under Section 18(3) of the PSIA.
An applicant must meet the licensing criteria to be granted a licence under the PSIA. In addition, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria to employ IBNS to carry out CIT services:
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i) The Intelligent Banknotes Neutralisation System (“IBNS”) employed in carrying out cash-in-transit services must meet the following criteria: a. use SICPA Dark Purple Polymer Staining Ink SSGV11 or such other staining ink as approved by the Licensing Officer in writing; b. when the IBNS is activated and the ink discharged, 100% of all the Singapore currency notes present must be stained; and c. 99% of Singapore currency notes stained must have at least 20% of the surface area stained on each side. |
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ii) 100% of Singapore currency notes stained by the IBNS specified in the licensing application must be rejected by the major types of Cash Acceptance Machines / ATM Recyclers in use by banks in Singapore. |
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iii) The applicant shall provide a certified true copy of the IBNS certification issued by the IBNS’s country of manufacture as part of the supporting documents for the application. |
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iv) The applicant shall arrange, at its own costs, for the following trials or demonstrations, if required by the Licensing Officer for the purpose of deciding the application: a. A trial or demonstration before an established standards body approved by the Licensing Officer to certify the IBNS’ capabilities, including the IBNS’ ability to meet the criteria at (i) above. The applicant shall provide to the Licensing Officer the certified true copy of the certification issued by the established standards body; and b. Any other trial or demonstration as may be requested by the Licensing Officer. The trials or demonstrations referred to above must successfully prove that the IBNS meets all the criteria at (i) above. The Licensing Officer may also modify the criteria. |
1This ink dye contains infra-red (IR) absorbent ink and taggant used for the purpose of forensic investigation and identification of the IBNS service provider.
Fee for Refund of Face Value of IBNS-stained currency notes.
If an IBNS licensee seeks a refund of face value of IBNS-stained currency notes, he shall be subject to the conditions set out by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Licensees may enquire with MAS at https://www.mas.gov.sg/feedback/ for assistance.
Explanatory Brief for Currency (Amendment) Bill
https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/speeches/2018/explanatory-brief-for-currency-amendment-bill
1. Do I need a Security Agency licence if I only provide the IBNS to be used by another Security Agency?
Ans: Under the PSIA, any person who sells the IBNS must be licensed as an SSP.
However, you will not need an SA licence under the PSIA, if you do not employ or engage the services of any person to be deployed in any IBNS CIT operation
2. Is it an offence if my IBNS products had activated by accident and stained the banknotes?
Ans: Police will investigate and determine whether the activation was accidental. If so, the matter will be dealt with fairly after the investigation.
3. Is there a requirement on who can procure IBNS services?
Ans: Any person or business may procure IBNS for cash-in-transit services.
4. Do I need to meet the additional IBNS Licensing Criteria and Conditions if I intend to only sell the IBNS without providing CIT services?
Ans: You will need to meet the requirements to be granted an SSP licence, but you will not need to meet the additional regulatory requirements for an SSP employing an IBNS to carry out CIT services.
These additional licensing conditions for an SSP employing IBNS to carry out CIT services are published for general information only, the licensing officer may impose any other condition(s) on the licensee. The licensing officer may at any time add to, vary, or revoke any condition of a licence.
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Types of Applications |
Validity |
Fees (Non-Refundable) |
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New Security Service Provider Licence |
1 Year |
$50 |
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Renewal of Security Service Provider Licence |
1 Year |
$50 |
| Amendment of existing Security Service Provider Licence | NA | NA |
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Cancel of existing Security Service Provider Licence |
NA |
NA |
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Withdrawal of Security Service Provider Licence |
NA |
NA |
New
This is for persons who wish to apply for a Security Service Provider Licence.
You may submit a new Security Service Provider Licence here.
Renew
This is for persons who wish to apply to renew an existing Security Service Provider Licence.
You may submit your renewal of Security Service Provider Licence here.
Amend Licence Details
You can amend the following information of your existing Security Service Provider's licence:
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Name of Company, Business, LP, LLP or Organisation
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Business operating address or details of branch office
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Name of licensee (for transfer of licence to new partners in partnership)
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Details of Director, Partner, LP General Partner or Limited Partner, LLP Manager or Partner, or Officer Bearer
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Contact Details
When there is a change in the constitution of the agency from sole-proprietorship to partnership or vice versa, you are required to submit a fresh application for a new licence as the transfer of licence is not applicable.
Cancel Licence
You are permitted to cancel your existing Security Service Provider's licence any time before its expiration.
Please be informed that there will be no refund upon cancelling the existing Security Service Provider's licence.
Withdrawal
You are permitted to cancel your existing Security Service Provider's licence any time before its expiration.
Please be informed that there will be no refund upon cancelling the existing Security Service Provider's licence.
To be eligible for a Security Service Provider's licence, you must fulfil the following criteria:
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Be a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Singapore
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Be one of the Director(s)/Partner(s) or business owners of the company
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Register a non-residential address if involved in the business of selling and repairing of physical equipment
New
You are required to obtain the following documents before applying for a Security Service Provider's licence.
- Identity Card*
- Passport*; and
- Employment Pass*
*For directors or partners (other than the applicant), who are foreigners and based in Singapore.
Renew
A letter of notice to renew the Security Service Provider licence will be mailed to the company’s Director, approximately two months before the expiry of the existing licence.
You have 14 days to submit the completed application form for licence renewal if you wish to renew your existing licence.
You must submit all documents, within 14 days from the date of the renewal notification, via post to:
OC Licensing
Security Industry Division
Police Licensing & Regulatory Department
391 New Bridge Road #02-701
Police Cantonment Complex
Singapore 088762
Amend Licence Details
You are required to obtain the following documents before amending your existing Security Agency licence.
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For amendment of: |
Documents required: |
Fees |
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Name of Company/Business/LLP/Organisation |
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$20 to change business name
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Business operating address or details of branch office |
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No fees required |
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Name of licensee (for transfer of licence to new partners in partnership) |
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$40 to transfer licence to new partners in partnership
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Details of Director/Partner/LP General Partner or Limited Partner/LLP Manager or Partner/ Officer Bearer |
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No fees required |
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Contact details
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No fees required |
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Employment ortermination of Security Officer
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Security Officer's employmentgrade
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Deployment site
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Cancel Licence
No document is required.
Withdrawal
No document is required.
New
About 4 to 6 weeks from the receipt of the application and the necessary supporting documents. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.
You may also be required to attend an interview with the Licensing Officer.
You will be notified of the outcome via post. Alternatively, you can login to GoBusiness Licensing to view your application status.
Renew
About 4 to 6 weeks from the receipt of the application and the necessary supporting documents. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.
You will be notified of the outcome via post.
Amend Licence Details
About 14 working days (except for change of business address1) 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 post. Alternatively, you can login to GoBusiness Licensing to view your application status.
1 Change of business address will be updated within 7 working days.
Cancel Licence
Immediate upon receipt of your Cancellation Request.
Withdrawal
Immediate upon receipt of your Cancellation Request.
New
You can download the step-by-step guide to assist you in your application at GoBusiness Licensing.
You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage, which will require you to sign in using your CorpPass
If you require assistance or guidance on the GoBusiness portal, please contact their helpdesk at (+65) 6774 1430 or email licences-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com.sg
The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.
SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDER EQUIPMENT
1. Optical surveillance device capable of being used to record visually or observe an activity, including night vision equipment, but does not include spectacle, contact lenses or a similar device used by a person with impaired sight to overcome that impairment.
2. Audio device capable of being used to overhear, record, monitor or listen to a conversation or words spoken to or by a person in conversation, but does not include a hearing aid or similar device used by a person with impaired hearing to overcome the impairment and permit the person to hear sound ordinarily audible to the human ear.
3. Data surveillance device or program capable of being used to record or monitor the input of information into, or output of information from, a computer, but does not include an optical surveillance device
4. Tracking device capable of being used to determine or monitor electronically the location of a person or an object or the status of an object.
5. Other surveillance device that is a combination of 2 or more of the devices referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4.
6. Technical surveillance counter measure equipment capable of detecting or rendering ineffective other surveillance devices.
7. Intruder alarm systems.
8. Electronic access control systems including card and biometric access control systems.
9. Explosive and narcotic sniffers.
10. Devices capable of being used to detect deception such as the polygraph equipment.
11. Currency or document screening equipment.
12. X-ray security screening machines.
13. Walk-through metal detectors.
14. Radio frequency scanners.
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.
If you are familiar with the application requirements and wish to apply now, please click here to proceed to GoBusiness Licensing. CorpPass is required for login to GoBusiness Licensing.