Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What is the environmental sanitation regime?

The environmental sanitation regime will introduce mandatory cleaning standards for higher-risk premises, which will require a regime for proactive routine and thorough periodic cleaning and disinfection. It will require the specified premises to appoint a Premises Manager (PM) and a registered Environmental Control Coordinator (ECC) or Environmental Control Officer (Specified Premises) [ECO(SP)] to develop and implement an environmental sanitation programme, which includes, but is not limited to, baseline standards such as minimum cleaning frequencies for daily and thorough periodic cleaning and disinfection, a pest management plan, a cleaning and disinfection methodology/protocol to handle bodily discharge incidents, to achieve stipulated cleanliness outcomes after cleaning operations, and to ensure that workers are sufficiently trained and provided with the necessary cleaning equipment, detergents and disinfectants.

2.    Why is it important to implement the environmental sanitation regime?

The spate of gastroenteritis outbreaks in late 2018 to 2019 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation to safeguard our environmental public health.

The environmental sanitation regime will be made mandatory for various types of premises, starting with higher-risk premises with vulnerable occupants and/or high footfall such as eldercare, youth and social service facilities, preschools, schools, food centres and markets (FCMs), and coffeehouse, foodcourts, canteens and large shopping malls. It clarifies the lines of accountability for maintaining clean premises, and setting clear standards and outcomes expected of premises owners. It builds on existing hygiene and sanitation measures already in place in the various sectors and premises, and goes further by moving towards a co-regulation approach where stakeholders take accountability and ownership of the environmental sanitation standards within their respective premises.

3. How did the authorities decide on the types of high-risk premises for this new regime? Will all premises eventually be covered under the environmental sanitation regime?

In consultation with various sector leads, MSE/NEA will focus on higher-risk premises with vulnerable occupants and/or high footfall such as eldercare, youth and social service facilities, preschools, schools, food centres and markets, coffeeshops, foodcourts, canteens and large shopping malls.

NEA will continue to review the need to include other sectors or premises and conduct the necessary consultations with key stakeholders before designating more specified premises under the environmental sanitation regime.

The list of specified premises required to implement the ES regime  can be found in the appended links below:

4.    How much more in terms of cleaning costs can premises expect with the implementation of this new environmental sanitation regime?

NEA worked closely with sector leads to ensure that the new standards are calibrated to balance between cost considerations and expected outcomes. Improving cleanliness and hygiene standards upstream can minimise downstream business costs resulting from environmental lapses, such as closure of premises, remediation costs, or impact from reputational damage. It may also potentially benefit premises through a cleaner environment and increased business due to greater consumer confidence, as consumers become increasingly aware of the importance of cleanliness arising from outbreaks such as COVID-19.

1.    Is it necessary for specified premises to revise their existing cleaning and/or pest control contract(s) for the ES regime?

Premises should review their existing cleaning and/or pest control contract(s) to ensure that they meet the mandatory ES standards stipulated by the regime. For example, the premises should ensure that their current routine and periodic cleaning and disinfection frequencies meet the minimum requirements for the specified premises type. The ES programme should be reviewed from time to time and the frequency of cleaning and disinfection should be stepped up if it does not meet the cleanliness outcome. The PM should resubmit the revised ES programme after endorsing it.

2.    To comply with the ES standards, what are the requirements for cleaners (either outsourced or in-house) to be considered properly trained for their areas of work?

As part of NEA’s cleaning business licensing scheme, licensed cleaning businesses are to ensure their cleaning workforce are trained in at least 1 Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Environmental Cleaning module. 

By 31 December 2022, the training requirement will be enhanced to 2 modules; with at least 1 module in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) module and at least 1 Core WSQ module* from the endorsed modules by the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC).  Please click here for more details of the enhanced training requirement.

[* Cleaning businesses applying for Class 1 Licence will need to ensure their workforce have attained at least 3 modules, of which at least 2 are Core modules.]

The PMs are also encouraged to send their in-house cleaners for WSQ trainings on cleaning. Alternatively, the ECCs/ECO(SP)s should impart their knowledge from their ECC/ECO(SP) training and ensure that in-house cleaners are educated or trained to carry out proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces.

3.    Under the ES regime, what kind of cleanliness-related inspections are required to be carried out within the specified premises?

Minimally 10% of the inventory of areas within the premises need to be visually inspected daily and after each periodic operation. The areas inspected must be rotated daily to ensure total coverage within 2 weeks. The ECC/ECO(SP) must ensure these areas are thoroughly inspected and sufficiently cleaned to meet the desired ES outcomes.

4. What is the scope of the 6-monthly comprehensive pest management survey?

PM will have to hire a registered Vector Control Operator (VCO) to carry out the 6-monthly comprehensive pest management survey of the premises to identify any potential pest issues, flag up potential pest harbourage areas and entry points within the specified premises (including the compound), flag out the root causes of pest infestation such as identifying structural defects to be repaired promptly to remove pest entry and harbourage points. This also includes identifying any gaps in refuse management and housekeeping, mitigating measures to avoid pest infestation/re-infestation and alternative/better treatment methods. Key areas include (but not limited to) the common areas, bin centres entry/exit points, waste conveyance systems, dry riser, external perimeter and landscaping area and the loading and unloading bays, as well as false ceilings/walls (if applicable).  For specified premises that already have regular pest management services carried out in their premises, they would just need to ensure that the VCO carries out a thorough check and put up a detailed report of the premises once every 6 months.

A service report that only states no major pest issues observed and/or treatment carried out at a particular area within the specified premises will not suffice. The report should include information such as whether refuse management and housekeeping are in order or whether they should be improved, in addition to the pest control works (if any). The VCO should also flag out any damaged structure that requires repair to prevent pests from entering or harbouring etc. Please refer to the ES regime website under Code of Practice for Environmental Control Coordinators and the Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers (Specified Premises) section for the comprehensive pest management survey template.

5.  What areas of the shopping mall will need to comply with the ES standards?

The common areas and back-of-house areas that support the operations of the shopping mall will need to comply with the ES standards. The Premises Manager (PM) of the shopping mall is overall responsible for compliance to the ES standards and may have to work with other stakeholders to achieve this. Please refer to the ES programme for specified shopping malls for more information.

Other areas within the building such as office spaces and tenanted spaces are excluded from the ES regime. However, tenanted premises within the shopping malls that fall under specified premises under the ES regime, (e.g. food court,  preschool and student care centre) will need to comply with the ES regime. The premises manager of the tenanted premises is responsible for the ES standards within their own premises.

Notwithstanding, as a good practice, the ECO(SP) should work with and coordinate efforts with the ECCs and other stakeholders of the tenanted premises to ensure the shopping mall meets the desired ES outcomes.

1.    The Code of Practice for ECC indicates that good indoor air quality (IAQ) practices are mandatory for youth facilities only. Why is that so?

Indoor air quality affects the comfort and well-being of those who occupy indoor spaces. The occupants of youth facilities, including youths (i.e., person who are 18 years of age or younger) belong to the vulnerable group and hence, it is important for Premises Managers (PM) and Environmental Control Coordinators (ECCs) to put in place measures to ensure good indoor air quality in these specified premises.

PMs and ECCs can take reference from the Code of Practice for Indoor Quality for Air-Conditioned Premises (SS 554: 2016+A1:2021), which specifies good practices in managing indoor air quality as well as standards and limits of indoor air quality parameters.

Specified youth facilities include: 

• Early intervention centres
• Preschools (childcare centres and kindergartens)
• Private education institutions (pre-tertiary)
• Schools
• Social service facilities for youths
• Student care centres

2.    What are the mandated IAQ requirements that youth facilities need to comply with?

Renovation requirements

·       Specify the use of low or zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde materials in the renovation contracts for all renovation works in indoor spaces.

Post-renovation IAQ audit

·       Engage an SAC-SINGLAS accredited laboratory to conduct post-renovation IAQ audit prior to re-occupancy (or at earliest possible time if limited by operational constraints) after any renovation done within the indoor areas of the premises. This audit shall cover all indoor spaces where renovation was done. 

• This is due to the introduction of airborne contaminants during renovation and emissions/off-gassing from the building materials used.

·       Submit the post-renovation IAQ audit report via FormSG within 7 calendar days of receiving it from the engaged laboratory and ensure that a copy is accessible on site for 1 calendar year.

·       The post-renovation IAQ audit test shall test for the following airborne contaminants:

• Formaldehyde
• Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)
• PM 2.5
• Respirable suspended particles (RSP)
• Asbestos - only for buildings bult before 1 Jan 1991 where asbestos may be present

3.    Are premises and indoor spaces that are naturally ventilated (e.g., windows are opened, fans are used; air-conditioning is not used) throughout operating hours subject to the requirements?

Yes, both requirements stated in question 2 shall apply to all youth premises under the ES regime, regardless of whether the premises and its indoor spaces are naturally ventilated throughout operating hours.

The requirements also apply to indoor spaces which are not primarily used by youths (e.g., staff and principle offices, meeting rooms, kitchens, storerooms, etc.).

4.    How to search for the list of SAC-SINGLAS accredited laboratories to engage for IAQ audits?

1)  Follow this link to Search Accredited Organisations

2) Click on ‘Advanced Search’

3)  Under ‘Scheme’, choose ‘Laboratories’

4)  Under ‘Field/Programme’, choose ‘Environmental Testing’

5)  Under ‘Area’, choose ‘Indoor Air Quality’

6) Leave other fields blank

7) Complete the reCaptcha

8)  Click ‘Search’

5.    Are premises still required to conduct the periodic IAQ audit every 3 years?

No, the 3-yearly 10-parameter IAQ audit requirement has been discontinued for all youth premises under the ES regime. This change follows the limit on formaldehyde content in interior paint products from 1 January 2026, which is a more effective approach to safeguard public health by reducing the public's overall exposure to the compound.

Youth facility operators may conduct IAQ audits at their discretion based on operational conditions, such as potential sick building syndrome and stakeholder feedback. Submission of these IAQ reports to NEA is not required. 

The 10 IAQ parameters recommended in SS 554:2016 + A1: 2021 are as follows:

i. Thermal comfort parameters

• Air temperature
• Relative humidity
• Air movement

ii. Chemical parameters

• Carbon dioxide
• Carbon monoxide
• Formaldehyde
• Total volatile organic compounds

iii. Particulate matter

• Respirable suspended particles
• PM 2.5

iv. Biological parameters

• Total viable bacterial count

6.    Are re-tests of the post renovation IAQ audit mandatory if measurements fell outside of acceptable limits?

No, re-testing of the post renovation IAQ audit is not mandated under the ES regime.

However, specified youth facilities shall take responsibility to address the IAQ issues identified by implementing rectification measures and keeping a record of the measures taken.

Please refer to the next question for the suggested rectification measures.

7.    What can I do if IAQ measurements fell outside of the acceptable limits? 

Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC)

• Maximise outdoor air supply or exhaust fan speeds to purge chemical pollutants from the space.
• Ensure adequate ventilation to dilute chemical pollutants generated form indoor activities or sources.
• Use formaldehyde-free and low-VOC emission materials, paints and adhesives in future renovations or refurbishments. Consider green-labelled products e.g., via schemes administered by the Singapore Environment Council and the Singapore Green Building Council. 
• Manage the use of cleaning or pest control chemicals. Increase ventilation during their applications. 
• manage the use of chemical-based air fresheners. Avoid concentrating such air fresheners at single locations. 

PM 2.5 and respirable suspended particles

• Deploy portable air cleaners.
• Install high-efficiency filters in the air-conditioning systems.
• Conduct regular servicing of ACMV systems and seek advice from service providers on providing adequate filtration capacity. 
• Locate sources of particulate away from occupied areas (e.g., printers, photocopiers, vacuuming, cooking, misting machines, other combustion activities, etc.).
• Isolate renovation works area from occupied spaces and exhaust contaminants from works to outside the building.

The parameters listed above (i.e., formaldehyde, TVOC, PM 2.5, RSP) are tested during post-renovation IAQ audits.

For a comprehensive list of suggested rectification measure for commonly identified IAQ issues, please refer to this document: Suggested Measures to Address IAQ in Youth Facilities.pdf

If you suspect that there are asbestos materials in the premises, please click here.

8.    Our youth facility is located within another building (e.g., tenant of a mall or commercial building, centralised ACMV), do the IAQ audit requirements still apply? 

Yes, youth facilities shall be responsible for complying with the IAQ audit requirements, regardless of whether the rest of the building is specified under the ES regime.

9.    How many indoor air sampling points and what air sampling methods should be used? 

The SAC-SINGLAS accredited laboratory engaged to conduct the IAQ audit will be qualified to provide guidance on the number and locations of sampling points, and sampling methods in accordance with SS 554:2016 + A1:2021.

1.    What is the duration for records (e.g. cleaning and disinfection, pest management records etc.) to be kept?

All records described in Appendix III of the Code of Practice for Environmental Control Coordinators and the Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers (Specified Premises) must be kept till the end of the next calendar year (e.g. records from 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023 must be kept till 31 Dec 2024 and may be discarded on 1 Jan 2025).

2.    How frequent will my premises be subject to audit checks from NEA or the relevant authorities?

Audits checks are conducted on a risk-based approach and poorer performing premises will be checked more frequently.

3.    What are the penalties for non-compliance with the environmental sanitation regime?

Premises Managers (PM) of specified premises who do not appoint a registered ECC/ECO(SP) and/or discharge the duties required of PMs under the ES regime, or fail to comply with any directive issued by the Director- General may face a maximum fine not exceeding $5,000 for a first conviction, and a maximum fine not exceeding $10,000 for a second or subsequent conviction.

Personnel who fail to register themselves with NEA before taking on the role of an ECC/ECO(SP) may face a fine not exceeding $5,000 for a first conviction, and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a maximum fine not exceeding $10,000.

ECCs/ECO(SP)s who fail to discharge their duties under the ES regime, may have their registration suspended or cancelled, depending on the severity of the offence.

Please refer to the Codes of Practice (found on ES regime’s website) for the list of penalties.

1.    Who should be appointed as the PM of the specified premises?

The PM shall be a person or incorporated entity with management and control of the premises and will be held overall responsible for ensuring compliance to the environmental sanitation standards. Please refer to the appended table for examples of appointment of Premises Manager, Environmental Control Coordinator and Environmental Control Officer (Specified Premises).

*Examples are not exhaustive.

2.   What are the responsibilities of the PM?

The PM will be held overall responsible for ensuring compliance to the environmental sanitation standards. The PM will appoint a registered ECC or ECO(SP). The PM will ensure that the environmental sanitation programme drawn up by the ECC/ECO(SP) meets the baseline environmental sanitation standards, and thereafter endorse and submit it to NEA. The PM will then be responsible for implementing the programme within the premises, rectify any defects identified by the ECC/ECO(SP), ensure that the premises achieve the ES regime outcomes, and abide by the mandatory sector-specific standards.

3.    Can a PM attend the ECC/ECO(SP) training course(s) and be appointed as an ECC/ECO(SP) for his/her premises?

A PM may double up as an ECC/ECO(SP) if he/she has passed the requisite ECC/ECO(SP) training and is registered with NEA. The ECC/ECO(SP) should be an individual with daily oversight of the operations of the premises.

4.    What happens if the ECC/ECO(SP) quits and what is the grace period allowed to find a replacement ECC?

The PM is required to appoint another ECC or ECO(SP) and notify the Director-General of Public Health, via the re-submission of the ESP, within 14 days upon termination of appointment, suspension or cancellation of registration of the ECC/ECO(SP) appointed for the specified premises.

5.  Who will carry out the duties of ECC/ECO(SP) if the PM is unable to find a replacement in time?

The PM may consider having additional staff to attend the ECC/ECO(SP) training, to support the ECC/ECO(SP) in carrying out their operations. Trained personnel may apply for the certificate of registration for ECC or ECO(SP).

6.  What is the timeframe given to PM to submit an ESP?

The PM is required to submit the ESP for his/her within 1 month from the commencement of the operations for a new premises. While the ECC or ECO(SP) assists the PM to develop the ESP, the PM must endorse and submit the ESP to NEA.

7. What do I have to do when there is a change in the PM and/or ECC/ECO(SP)?

The ESP needs to be updated and submitted via this link.

Please ensure that the newly appointed ECC/ECO(SP) has completed the requisite course, applied and received their ECC/ECO(SP) certificate of registration before resubmitting the ESP. Refer to ECC/ECO(SP) for more information.

1. Who should be appointed as the ECC/ECO(SP)?

A new or existing staff with oversight of the operations of the premises may be appointed as an ECC/ECO(SP). As the ECC/ECO(SP) would be required to monitor the implementation of the environmental sanitation programme, there is a need for him/her to have the ground knowledge and competency to be able to discharge his/her duties effectively to ensure that requirements under the environmental sanitation programme are carried out and adhered to. The ECC/ECO(SP) should not be directly affiliated to the outsourced cleaning contractor, pest control operator or facility management contractor overseeing the execution of cleaning and pest control operations to avoid conflict of interest.

2.    What are the requirements and responsibilities of the ECC/ECO(SP)?

The ECC/ECO(SP) designate must undergo the requisite training and register himself/ herself as an ECC/ECO(SP) with NEA. The ECC/ECO(SP) will assist the PM to develop and review the environmental sanitation programme, monitor the implementation of the programme within the premises for effectiveness, amend the programme where necessary, identify and notify the PM of any defects in the implementation of the programme and recommend remedial measures, as well as to file and make available records of relevant service reports to NEAor authorised officers, and attend to NEA or any authorised officers during compliance inspections.

3.    How many ECCs/ECO(SP)s should a specified premises appoint?

Each specified premises should appoint its own ECC/ECO(SP).   PMs are encouraged to send more than one personnel for the ECC or ECO(SP) training and have them registered with NEA so that they would be able to cover for the appointed ECC or ECO(SP), when required.

Note: Currently only specified shopping malls will require an ECO(SP), all other specified premises will only require a registered ECC. 

4.    Can foreigners register to become ECC/ECO(SP)?

Foreigners can register as an ECC/ECO(SP) as long as they possess the relevant competency requirements and meet the conditions for the respective work passes issued by Ministry of Manpower.

5.  My shopping mall is registered as 2 entities e.g. North Wing and South Wing. Do I need to appoint 1 ECO(SP) for each?

If both entities come under the same shopping mall, a registered ECO(SP) should suffice. However, the PM should assess if one ECO(SP) is able to monitor the ES regime for large premises and consider sending more personnel to attend the ECO(SP) training course, be registered and to assist the main ECO(SP) should he/she need assistance or away on extended duration.

1.    What is the cost of the training for ECC/ECO(SP)?

Details of the list of training providers can be found on NEA’s website. Do note that training cost may differ amongst training providers and the course fees are listed on the respective training providers’ websites.

2.    Do I still need go for the ECO(SP) course to register as an ECO(SP), even though I have already completed the ECO (Specified Construction Sites) or ECC training course?

The syllabus covered in the ECO(SCS) training course and ECC training course are different from the ECO(SP) training course. As such, these courses will not be recognised for application for an ECO(SP) certificate of registration.

3.    If I attended the ECO(SP) course, can I register to be an ECC and vice versa?

An individual needs to attend the ECC training course to register as an ECC and attend the ECO(SP) training course to register as an ECO(SP) respectively.

4.    If I am a registered ECO(SP), can I use my ECO(SP) Certificate of Registration to perform ECC duties and vice versa?

An ECO(SP) Certificate of Registration is required to perform ECO(SP) duties whereas an ECC Certificate of Registration is required to perform ECC duties. The ECO(SP) Certificate of Registration cannot be used to perform ECC duties and vice versa.

5.  How can I check if an ECC’s/ECO(SP)’s certificate of registration is valid?

Registered ECCs/ECO(SP)s will be issued an e-certificate of registration. PMs can request to see the copy of the certificate and/or verify with NEA on the authenticity of the certificate via NEA’s online feedback form.

6.  How do I register for the ECC/ECO(SP) Certificate of Registration (COR)? Can my company register on my behalf?

The ECC/ECO(SP) is encouraged to apply for the COR himself/herself as the COR is tied to the individual and the applicant will have to login with his/her Singpass and select the option “I am applying as an Applicant”.

Nonetheless, in the case of large chain operators with multiple ECC/ECO(SP) designates, the Premises Manager may assist with the application of the COR on behalf of the appointed ECC/ECO(SP) by logging in with his/her own Singpass and selecting option “I am applying on behalf of  applicant”.

7.  Is the ECC/ECO(SP) Certificate of Registration tagged to an individual or to the company?

The ECC/ECO(SP) Certificate of Registration is specific to the registered individual and valid for 3 years. The ECC/ ECO(SP) will be able to assume the respective role of an ECC/ECO(SP) for other specified premises, should he seek employment elsewhere, until his/her Certificate of Registration expires.

8.  What are the payment modes for the Certificates of Registration?

Payment can be made via the following channels:

(a) Card Payment Online in the GoBusiness Portal

(b) AXS kiosks, e-Stations and m-Stations

9.  When can I make payment?

Upon successful application, NEA will send you an email with instructions on the payment method and mode for the Certificate of Registration.

10.   How do I know if my payment is successful?

You should see an acknowledgement page showing that your payment has been successful.

11.   What should I do if my computer hangs while I am making payment?

If your computer hangs before reaching the acknowledgement page, your payment is considered unsuccessful. You may verify that no deduction was made from your Bank Account through Internet Banking. Thereafter, proceed to make payment again.

12.  How can I receive my Certificate of Registration?

The electronic Certificate of Registration will be electronically mailed to you. Please provide a valid and updated email address.  There shall be no responsibility on the part of NEA should you not receive the electronic Certificate of Registration due to wrong email address provided. Do check your junk/spam email folder in the event that it was received in junk/spam mail folder.

13. My Certificate of Registration (COR) as an ECC/ECO(SP) will expire soon. What do I need to do to get a new COR?

You will receive a notification to renew your COR.  Please renew promptly to ensure no lapse in its validity. It is an offence for an individual to work as an ECC/ECO(SP) if you do not possess a valid COR.

Please refer to the ECC/ECO(SP) COR Registration/Renewal link below:

Do note that as long as your ECC/ ECO(SP) course certificate is issued within 5 years from the date of application of COR/renewal, you can use the same course cert for renewal application.