Additional Licensing Information

  Through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal, you will be able to:

• View basic licence information of all radiation licences tied to your CorpPass UEN or individual identification number that you logged in with such as licence status, number, expiry / anniversary date and start date
• Submit applications for new licences and applications to amend, renew and cancel existing licences
• View your licence application status which is usually updated once a day on every working day

You will not be able to:

• View or download the licence PDF which would have been sent via email when the licence was issued
• View licence details such as irradiating apparatus or radioactive material details

If you are unable to find any of your licences when you log into the GoBusiness Licensing Portal, please check that the CorpPass / SingPass / Login ID is tied to the UEN / individual identification number that the licence was registered under. If you are still unable to find your licence, please contact us at NEA_RPNSD_Licence@nea.gov.sg for assistance.

Please do not submit a new application in place of a renewal if you have a licence that is eligible for renewal but are unable to find your licence on the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. Please contact us for assistance.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of controlled irradiating apparatus and radioactive materials. Should you possess any of the following apparatus or materials, you will have to apply for the relevant radiation licence(s) from NEA.

Note:
Under Regulation 3(2) of the Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations, any educational institution which has in its possession or under its control any radioactive substance, being a sealed source, not exceeding 100 times the activity or activity concentration prescribed in the First Schedule of the Regulations with respect to that particular radioactive substance, and any teacher designated under this paragraph, shall be exempted from possession, use and transport under the Radiation Protection Act and its subsidiary legislation if —

(a) the radioactive substance is used or to be used solely for demonstration, teaching or research purposes in the educational institution;

(b) the radioactive substance is under the control of a competent teacher designated by the principal in the case of a secondary school, or by the head of the relevant department, in the case of a university, polytechnic or college, to take full responsibility for the safe storage and use of such radioactive substance and for the compliance with the relevant provisions of these Regulations relating to a sealed source; and

(c) the name of the teacher designated in accordance with subparagraph (b) and the complete details of the radioactive substance are submitted to the NEA.

Also, under Regulation 3(3) of the Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations, any person who has in their possession or under their control not more than 3 sealed sources, each of which contains any radioactive substance not exceeding 175 kBq, for the sole purpose of checking or calibrating a particular radiation survey or monitoring instrument shall be exempted from possession, use and transport under the Radiation Protection Act and its subsidiary legislation if the complete details of the radioactive substance are submitted to the NEA, except that the person shall be responsible for the safe storage and use of the radioactive substance and for compliance with the relevant provisions of these Regulations relating to a sealed source.

For the exempted radioactive substances under Regulation 3(2) and 3(3), you are required to submit a notification via NEA ePortal to inform NEA on the details of the radioactive substances exempted from licensing for possession, use and transport. Submission on ePortal will be at no charges, and information required in the submission includes, but not limited to:

• Purpose of use
• Details of the radioactive substance including apparatus or source serial and model numbers (if any), type of radionuclide, physical form and its activity;
• Storage location;
• Photographs;
• Brochures or technical specifications;
• Storage and disposal plans; and
• Information of teacher designated to be responsible for safe storage and use of source (if applicable)

The following is a non-exhaustive list of offences and its maximum penalty under the Radiation Protection Act and its subsidiary legislation.

For the purpose of demonstration, workshops or trials, the apparatus must be authorised under a possession licence (L3 / N2) if the apparatus is to be energised. There is no restriction that the licence holder would have to be either the client or the vendor. However, the licensee should note any licensing conditions that may be imposed (e.g. vendor representative may be required to be present for use of the apparatus).

As licence holders are directly responsible for the apparatus under their licence, the responsibility would be on the licensee to amend the storage location should they wish to relocate the apparatus. For relocation from one storage location back to a previously used storage location again, licensees should include a note in the amendment application stating that location has been used before to store the apparatus and provide details such as last inspection date (if available). If the storage location that it is being moved to was once inspected before, additional inspection might not be necessary to facilitate the amendment.

In cases where the apparatus owned by a vendor is intended to be moved to various customers’ premises for short term use (e.g. cases where apparatus is used for trial, demonstration, training purposes, etc.), having the vendor as the licence holder could be more convenient in terms of licence-related work. For each move, the vendor would be able to apply for licence amendment; as opposed to each customer applying for a new licence each time.

If the apparatus would not be energised, the apparatus can be authorised under either a dealer licence (L1 / N1) or possession licence (L3 / N2).   

For apparatus that can only be operated by licensed users, the relevant licences or registrations must be obtained. [Note: Only qualified medical professionals and radiographers can be licensed to use irradiating apparatus on living, human subjects.]

Please note that demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops are generally not considered ‘emergency cases’ as they are expected to have been planned in advance. Hence, last minute submission of licence application, resulting in the possibility that licence(s) would not be obtained on time before the demonstration / exhibition / workshop would generally not be considered eligible for expedition of application.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulates medical devices in Singapore under the Health Products Act (HPA) and its Health Products (Medical Devices) Regulations. HSA evaluates the registration of medical devices based on:

• Risk classification
• Number of prior approvals given by their overseas reference regulatory agencies
• Duration of safe marketing history 

Applicants intending to import, possess for sale or deal in radiation-emitting medical apparatus should check with the Medical Device Branch (MDB) under HSA to ensure that the apparatus is registered and listed on the Singapore Medical Device Register (SMDR), or authorised by HSA, when submitting an application. For more information, please refer to the MDB / HSA website.

NEA officers will contact licence applicants if a pre-licensing inspection is required to evaluate an application. The officer will arrange the date and time of inspection and inform the contact person of any other requirements. A licensee authorised to use the irradiating apparatus or radioactive material and/or a person authorised to represent the applicant organisation should typically be present for the inspection. All NEA officers doing on-site inspection will carry the NEA staff pass and authority card which allows them to exercise the power and the duties as stated in the Radiation Protection Act and its Regulations.

 For L5, L6 and N3 licences and R1 registration:
As the user licences and registrations are tied to the licensee’s identification number, the change in employer will not affect the validity of your user licence or registration. However, L5 / L6 / N3 licensees are to note that the licence must authorise you to use the irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials as required for work under your new employer. You should submit a licence amendment application to update your licence to reflect the irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials that you will be using. 

All other licences: 
Generally, licences tied to UEN cannot be transferred from one organisation to another. When possession of licensed irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials is transferred from one organisation to another, the first organisation should apply for the licence to be cancelled and the new organisation should apply for a new licence under its UEN.
Exceptions may be made for cases where there is a change of UEN arising from amalgamation or mergers or other processes where the former entity is legally recognised as becoming the new entity. Documentary proof (e.g. ACRA documents) must be provided. To check if a licence is eligible for transfer, please contact us at NEA_RPNSD_Licence@nea.gov.sg.  

Medical examination is required when applying for a new user licence or when re-applying for a lapsed user licence. The medical form may be found on NEA ePortal: Miscellaneous Forms.

• For L5, L6 licences and R1 registration, please bring the medical form (MC-1) to a local medical clinic to arrange for a blood test. The doctor should complete the form.
• For N3 user licence, please bring the eye examination form (MC-2) to an eye clinic and do the medical eye examination. The ophthalmologist will complete the form before returning it to you.

Please upload the medical examination certificate as a supporting document with your online application. You are advised to keep a copy of the medical examination certificate for your own reference. No other forms of documentation or certification will be accepted in place of the MC-1 or MC-2 unless otherwise informed by NEA.

Please note that: 

• L6 licences and R1 registration holders engaging in non-destructive test (NDT) radiation work (also known as “industrial radiography”) using Cobalt-60, Iridium-192 or Selenium-75 will need to complete the medical form annually and submit it to NEA when renewing their licences. This annual examination is generally not compulsory for workers who are not in the NDT industry.
• Licensees with an expired user licence will be required to submit a newly completed medical form when submitting a new application if the medical form was completed more than 12 months ago.

Some L5, L6, N3 and R1 applicants may be required to pass the qualifying tests administered by NEA. A notification letter informing applicants of the test date, time, venue, as well as the webpage link to the study materials will be sent to the applicants upon the processing of the submitted licence application. Study materials may also be found at the following website: http://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/radiation-safety/radiation-protection-services

Note: Study materials provided are only meant as a study guide and not representative of questions that may be tested.

A maximum of 2 test attempts is allowed for the qualifying test, which upon failing both, the licence application will be rejected. There will be no refund of the licence fee for rejected applications.

For existing L5, L6, N3 licensees and R1 registrants that have changed their individual identification number (e.g. changing from FIN to NRIC, etc.), and/or are unable to log in to the GoBusiness Licensing Portal using the SingPass / login ID linked to their former identification number, please contact RPNSD. 

Applicants who would like to learn about radiation safety may do so via the following courses offered by Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic. The courses most relevant to the various applicants are as follows:

Please note that completion of the courses are not mandatory. Applicants for user licences or registration who are required to attend and pass the qualifying test will have a maximum of two attempts at the qualifying test, and failure to pass the test on the second consecutive attempt will result in rejection of the user application. In such cases, we will advise the applicant to attend the radiation safety courses to improve their knowledge in radiation safety. Please also note that completion of the course does not necessarily exempt applicants from having to pass the licence qualifying test administered by NEA.

For more details of the courses, please refer to the respective websites of Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic.

Ionising irradiating apparatus
For the decommissioning and disposal of irradiating apparatus, we recommend that the original vendors, manufacturers or any other vendors dealing with similar apparatus be engaged to provide this service as they generally have the necessary expertise to carry out the task safely. The engaged vendor / contractor should provide a formal document indicating that the irradiating apparatus has been decommissioned, disposed, repatriated, exported or transferred before the L3 licence can be cancelled. The serial numbers of the apparatus should be clearly reflected in the document. 

Note: Some parts of the X-ray machine contain toxic materials, such as Beryllium and Lead-glass in the X-ray tube. Such components should be collected by licensed Toxic Industrial Waste collectors for proper disposal. Other components that do not contain toxic materials can be disposed as industrial waste and/or be recycled.

For more information on Toxic Industrial Waste, you may visit the following links:

1. https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/hazardous-waste/toxic-waste-control/

2. https://www.nea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/our-services/pollution-control/hazardous-waste/list-of-tiw-collectors-(12-may-2021).pdf

Radioactive materials (including those as part of an apparatus)
Radioactive materials cannot be disposed of in Singapore except with prior approval from NEA, in writing, authorising the disposal. There is currently no radioactive waste disposal site in Singapore and approval is generally not granted for disposal of radioactive waste (other than waste containing short-lived isotopes that have decayed below control levels). 

Licensees should work with the vendors and manufacturers to repatriate disused radioactive sources or send the sources for recycling or reusing.  

Non-ionising irradiating apparatus
Licensees are advised to approach their apparatus vendor / supplier for the disposal of controlled non-ionising irradiating apparatus. Licensees may also choose to approach any E-waste disposal or recycling companies for such disposals. Disposal certificates / invoices with details of the apparatus (apparatus make, model, serial number, etc.) are to be submitted along with the cancellation application.

A list of E-waste companies can be found on: https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/collectors-traders-and-local-recycling-facilities

Business entities can authorise a third party in CorpPass to transact on their behalf in the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. The third party would be able to submit applications, make payment and view the applications on the entity’s behalf. For more information, please visit the “Help Topics” on the GoBusiness Licensing Portal: 9. 3rd Party using CorpPass. 

Individuals must submit their applications using their own SingPass or Login ID. 

Prospective L1 applicants should note that L1 licensees are required to ensure that their customer, to whom an irradiating apparatus is supplied to, submits an application for a licence to possess the apparatus prior to receipt of the apparatus and subsequently obtains a licence authorising possession of the apparatus.

Dealers should also note that separate import / export licences are required for the import / export of each consignment of irradiating apparatus. For more information on import and export of ionising irradiating apparatus, please refer to Information on Licence to Import or Export Irradiating Apparatus or Radioactive Materials. 

Prospective L2 applicants should note that L2 licensees are required to ensure that their customer, to whom radioactive materials are supplied to, either: a) has a licence to possess the radioactive materials, or b) submits an application for a licence to possess the radioactive materials prior to receipt of the radioactive materials and subsequently obtains a licence authorising possession of the materials. 

Dealers supplying radioactive sources from overseas must, where applicable, have an arrangement with the overseas supplier to accept the return of disused sources. Dealers are advised to ensure that the overseas supplier has authorisation from its local authorities to accept the returned sources. 

Dealers should also note that separate import / export licences are required for the import / export of each consignment of radioactive materials. For more information on import and export of radioactive materials, please refer to Information on Licence to Import or Export Irradiating Apparatus or Radioactive Materials. 

Generally, for an L3 licence to be issued, the L3 applicant must ensure that there is at least one individual to hold an L5 licence to use the apparatus. 

If there is an existing L5 licensee that will be using the apparatus, please include the L5 licence number in the L3 application. The L5 licensee should also submit an amendment application to add the new L3 apparatus to the L5 licence. The application number for the new L3 licence can be provided in the L5 amendment application. The L5 amendment application will be processed after the approval of the new L3 application. 

If the individual intended to hold the L5 licence to use the apparatus does not have an existing L5 licence, the individual should submit an application for a new L5 licence and provide the L3 licence number or licence application number within the L5 application form.  

Security requirements
L4 applicants/licensees are required to implement security measures that are in line with guidelines set out by RPNSD. RPNSD may also impose specific requirements on licensees to enhance the security of radioactive materials in storage, use or transport. Prospective licensee may contact RPNSD for more information regarding the security requirements. 

Other requirements 
Generally, for an L4 licence to be issued, the L4 applicant must ensure that there is at least one individual to hold an L6 licence to use the radioactive material. 

If there is an existing L6 licensee that will be using the radioactive material, please include the L6 licence number in the L4 application. The L6 licensee should also submit an amendment application to add the new L4 licence to the L6 licence. The application number for the new L4 licence can be provided in the L6 amendment application. The L6 amendment application will be processed after the approval of the new L4 application. 

If the individual intended to hold the L6 licence to use the apparatus does not have an existing L6 licence, the individual should submit an application for a new L6 licence and provide the L4 licence number or licence application number within the L6 application form.  

An L5 licence is required to use ionising irradiating apparatus. Individuals intending to operate ionising irradiating apparatus should obtain an L5 licence authorising them to operate the apparatus before commencing work. The general qualification criteria for common purposes of use of ionising irradiating apparatus is shown in the table below. For certain types of radiation work, individuals who do not qualify for an L5 licence may register as a radiation worker (R1) instead to work under the supervision of a L5 licensee authorised to use the same irradiating apparatus. 

Note: Completion of the Basic Ionising Radiation Safety Course does not necessarily exempt applicants from sitting for the licence qualifying test. For more information regarding the qualifying test, please refer to Information on Qualifying Test (QT).

For purpose of use that is not listed above, please contact RPNSD for more information on the qualification criteria.

When applying for a L5 licence, please ensure that there is a valid L3 licence or L3 licence application number with the corresponding apparatus to be used by the applicant and include the L3 licence number or licence application number in your application. If not, please apply for a L3 licence for the apparatus first before applying for a L5 licence. The L5 licence will only be issued after the L3 licence is approved.

An L6 licence is required to use radioactive materials. Individuals intending to handle / operate or transport radioactive materials / devices containing radioactive materials should obtain an L6 licence authorising them to operate the apparatus before commencing work. The general qualification criteria for common purposes of use of radioactive materials is shown in the table below. For certain types of radiation work, individuals who do not qualify for an L6 licence may register as a radiation worker (R1) instead to work under the supervision of an L6 licensee authorised to use the same radioactive materials. For more information on registration as a radiation worker, please see #21 - R1 Registration: Registration as a radiation worker.  

Note: Completion of the Basic Ionising Radiation Safety Course does not necessarily exempt applicants from sitting for the licence qualifying test. For more information regarding the qualifying test, please refer to #9 - Information on Qualifying Test (QT).

For purpose of use that is not listed above, please contact RPNSD for more information on the qualification criteria.

When applying for a L6 licence, please ensure that there is a valid L4 licence or L4 licence application number with the corresponding apparatus to be used by the applicant and include the L4 licence number or licence application number in your application. If not, please apply for a L4 licence for the radioactive material first before applying for a L6 licence. The L6 licence will only be issued after the L4 licence is approved.

L6A licence applicants must submit a Transport Emergency Response Plan (TERP) covering:

1. Routes of transportation
2. Information on radioactive materials to be transported
3. Product material safety data sheet
4. Scanned copy of the driver’s Hazardous Materials Transport Driver Permit (HTDP) issued by SCDF
5. Details of packaging
6. Photos of vehicles to be used in the transportation
7. Emergency response procedures

Security requirements
L6A applicants / licensees are required to implement security measures that are in line with guidelines set out by RPNSD. RPNSD may also impose specific requirements on licensees to enhance the security of radioactive materials in transport. 

Individuals intending to be involved in radiation work should be registered as a radiation worker unless he/she is:

1. a licensee, or
2. a student carrying out an experiment or researching involving the handling / use of radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus under the direct supervision of a licensee authorised to conduct such experiment or research.

Under the Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations, “radiation work” means work which –

1. involves the use or handling of any radioactive substance;
2. involves the use or operation of any irradiating apparatus; or
3. is required to be carried out in proximity to any irradiating apparatus or radioactive substance or both,

and which is liable to result in the receiving by the individual engaging in it of a radiation dose in excess of one-tenth of the appropriate dose limit for radiation workers as specified in Part I of the Second Schedule. 

IMPORTANT: Please note that licensees should ensure adequate measures are in place to protect all workers from radiation risks. Hence, workers should only carry out work in proximity to any irradiating apparatus or radioactive substance or both, that would make them liable to receive radiation exposure in excess of one-tenth of the dose limit for radiation workers where necessary and justified. R1 applications will be assessed on the justification of the type of radiation work to be carried out by the applicant. Applications found to be unjustified (e.g. reasonable measures can be put in place to avoid radiation exposure; the scope of work does not necessitate radiation exposure) will be rejected.  

The following list shows the common types of radiation work and the specific qualifications and/or conditions for registration. For other types of radiation work, please contact RPNSD for more information. 

Applicants applying for new L3 and L4 licences are required to submit a RPP as part of their application. The objective of the RPP is to fulfil the management’s responsibility for radiation protection and safety through the adoption of management structures, policies, procedures and organisational arrangements that are commensurate with the nature and extent of the risks. The RPP should document down the safety measures and features that your organisation has in place to protect employees and restrict access to supervised areas. The scope of the RPP should cover, but not limited to, the following:

1. Assignment of responsibilities
2. Functions of qualified personnel
3. Classification of supervised areas
4. Safety measures (local rules, radiation monitoring, etc.)
5. Accounting of sources / apparatus
6. Training programme for new and existing workers
7. Actions to be taken in the event of an emergency

The classification of non-ionising irradiating apparatus is as shown below.
 

Below are several important points to take note before submitting your licence applications.

Dealers should note that microwave ovens for local sale will need to comply with provisions listed in the Radiation Protection (Non-Ionising Radiation) Regulations.

Onboarding to GoBusiness
From 1 August 2019, applications for N2 licences (New, Renew, Amendment, and Cancellation) under the Radiation Protection Act should be submitted via online application forms through the Licensing Portal using a CorpPass account. Hardcopy licence application forms for N2 licences are no longer accepted with effect from 1 November 2019.

Exemption from licensing of industrial ultrasound apparatus with power output of less than 1200 W
N2 licence is no longer required for industrial ultrasound apparatus with power output of less than 1200 W. Existing N2 licensees with licensed industrial ultrasound apparatus below 1200 W are not required to renew the respective N2 licences. 

Revised N2 licence structure and licence fees
N2 licence may now be granted in respect of two or more non-ionising radiation apparatus under the charge of the same licensee. This means one N2 licence may cover two or more irradiating apparatus. The following fees are applicable to the new N2 licence. 

For more information, please refer to Administrative Changes to N2 and N3 Non-Ionising Radiation Licences.

 Exemption of licensing requirements for medical and dentistry professionals
Medical and dentistry professionals registered with the Singapore Medical Council and the Singapore Dental Council no longer require N3 licences for the use of medical lasers in healthcare institutions (as defined in the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act), if they have obtained the consent of both of the following persons to use a medical laser at a healthcare institution:

1. The individual in charge of that healthcare institution
2. The licensee of the N2 licence granted in respect of that medical laser

A licence is required for the import or export of a consignment of irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials. The different licence types and their respective application fees are as shown below.

The licence should be applied through Singapore Customs’ TradeNet system. This is usually done by declaring agents which handle the Customs permit declaration of cargoes moving in and out of Singapore. The importers / exporters should ensure that their dealer licences are valid and have been updated to include the irradiating apparatus / radioactive materials, and that they have obtained the relevant possession licence if the apparatus is to be used at their premises.

• For more information on import and export of ionising irradiating apparatus, please refer to Information on Licences to Import or Export Irradiating Apparatus and Radioactive Materials and How to Apply for Licence for Import and Export. 

Transit and transhipment of sea cargo (radioactive material, excluding nuclear material
For transit and transhipment of sea cargoes containing radioactive materials (excluding nuclear materials), the shipping agent is required to obtain approval from RPNSD. The NEA application forms for transit and transhipment may be found under Import and Export in NEA ePortal and Dangerous Cargo section of the MPA website.

Transit of sea cargo (nuclear material)
For transit of nuclear materials through Singapore, the shipping agent is required to apply for a licence. For more information, please refer to: Notification of new licensing requirement for transportation of nuclear material. 

Additional requirements from Singapore Customs on Strategic Goods Permit for Transit and Transhipment (radioactive material)
For transit or transhipment of air / sea cargoes containing radioactive materials as listed in Fifth and Fourth Schedules of the Strategic Goods (Control) Regulations respectively, the shipping agent is required to obtain a strategic goods permit from the Singapore Customs. For more information, please refer to Singapore Customs’ strategic goods control webpage.

For hand-carried items without the relevant import / export licences, your items may be detained and disposed of at the checkpoint. For more information on import / export licences, please refer to #27 - Licence to import of export a consignment of irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials.

For more information on application for licence without going through TradeNet, please refer to How to Apply for Licence for Import and Export.   

Under the Radiation Protection (Ionising Radiation) Regulations, any individual carrying out radiation work shall have their individual radiation dose received monitored while performing radiation work. 

RPNSD provides personal dose monitoring service for all licensees and registrants (L5, L6 and R1) at no added cost. The monitoring service is not automatically issued to licensees and registrants upon licence / registration approval. Employers are required to apply for the monitoring service separately on behalf of the licensee or registrant.

The service request form for radiation dose monitoring service can be found on NEA ePortal: Radiation Services.

For more information on the monitoring service and other radiation protection services offered by RPNSD, please refer to Radiation Protection Services for more information. 

Should you have further enquiries on radiation protection licences and services, you may contact the respective email addresses listed below: