

The NEA Clean Mark Accreditation Scheme (previously known as Voluntary Accreditation Scheme) was launched on 21 July 2010. The scheme was jointly developed by NEA, MOM, WDA, and NTUC’s e2i, in consultation with industry representatives and unions. It recognises businesses that deliver high cleaning standards through the training of workers, use of equipment to improve work processes, and fair employment practices.
The Clean Mark Accreditation Scheme was enhanced in 2012 to raise the overall standards and professionalism of the cleaning industry through better employment practices and productivity initiatives.
The following have been added to the accreditation criteria:
a) Productivity
To build and inculcate a culture of continuous productivity improvements, accredited companies are required to appoint a Productivity Manager to improve work processes, develop and implement productivity initiatives.
b) Better employment standards
Accredited companies must i) attain bizSAFE1 level 1 for Clean Mark Silver and bizSAFE level 3 for Clean Mark Gold accreditation, ii) make salary payment through GIRO unless otherwise requested by cleaners, and iii) ensure they do not default on any Labour Court orders issued in the 12 months preceding accreditation.
Under the Enhanced Clean Mark Accreditation Scheme, cleaners will enjoy better employment terms, and wage progression with better skills and training. Cleaning businesses benefit from more business opportunities, higher-value contracts, and a more professional standing. Service buyers and the public benefit from more efficient and dependable service providers who are committed to improving service levels and cleaning standards.
The Singapore government has been taking the lead by engaging only accredited businesses since 1 April 2013. Service buyers in the private sector are encouraged to do likewise to benefit from better cleaning standards and customer satisfaction.
Scope
The scheme currently focuses on the provision of cleaning services in three cleaning sub-sectors:
- Office and commercial buildings
- Food and beverage establishments
- Conservancy
For details on the areas covered, please click here. [XLSX, 198.03 KB]
Type of awards
There are two levels of award under the scheme; namely Clean Mark Silver and Clean Mark Gold. The award is currently valid for one year and is renewable upon re-assessment.
Criteria
Cleaning businesses will be assessed in the following four areas:
- Professional and regulatory cleaning standards;
- Environmental health and cleanliness standards;
- Operation planning, support and delivery; and
- Training, quality of manpower, and general working conditions
Further details of the accreditation criteria can be found in the application form.
Submission of applications
The completed application form, together with all supporting documentation, should be e-mailed to NEA_Cleaninglicence@nea.gov.sg or submitted at the following address:
Central Licensing Unit (Cleaning Business)
40 Scotts Road
Environment Building
Annex Block #04-00
Singapore 228231
Successful applicants shall be notified by e-mail.
For more information, please visit here.
Information on training and productivity initiatives
A) | (i) Environmental Cleaning WSQ courses - Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents are eligible for course fee funding provided by the Workforce Singapore (WSG). |
| (ii) Enterprise Training Support (ETS) - WSG has established ETS which covers five components: - Training grant– funds a holistic enterprise training plan for the company’s workforce
- Curriculum contextualisation and alignment grant– funds WSQ curriculum development and contextualisation, as well as OJT blueprint development
- Capability grant– funds the building of a company’s in-house capability in training delivery
- HR development grant– defrays company’s costs of HRD consultancy projects and manpower involved
- Compensation and benefits system review grant– defrays company’s cost of compensation and benefits consultancy reviews
For more information on items (i) to (iii), please call the WSG hotline at 68835885 orsubmit an enquiry via their feedback portal. |
B) | Productivity workshops - The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the day-to-day operations of Environmental Services (ES) companies, changing the daily routines of companies greatly. It is crucial for ES companies to adapt to these changes swiftly to overcome the upcoming challenges. SME Centre@SCCCI is actively organising productivity workshops to share insights on ways to improving productivity by utilizing various productivity tools such as Lean Management Tools to further optimize manpower resources and enhance service delivery. In addition, the workshops will also share on ongoing funding support schemes to help address companies’ concerns during this pandemic.
You may wish to refer to the following for more information about productivity workshops provided by SME Centre@SCCCI.
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Other useful links and publications
- For more information on the basic statutory benefits for cleaners, please refer to the MOM website at www.mom.gov.sg

Tripartite advisory on best sourcing practices by MOM

Environmental cleaning WSQ guidebook
Learn more
For more information, please contact us at 1800 CALL NEA (1800 2255632) or submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.