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Trade premises that discharge trade effluent into the public sewerage system must obtain a Written Approval (WA) from PUB. The WA sets out the conditions you must comply with before any discharge is allowed.
This section explains when WA is required, how to apply or renew, and when you need to reapply if your operations change.
Use the steps below to determine whether your trade premise requires a WA:
For New WA Applications
• A valid Singpass account is required.
• Submit your application through the GoBusiness portal.
• First-time applicants should refer to the step-by-step guide for detailed instructions.
For WA Renewals
• Request the form by emailing [email protected].
• Submit the renewal form via FormSG.
A WA is valid for the business at the location where the application was made.
You need to reapply for a WA if there are changes or additions to:
1. Processes or operations used in trade, manufacturing, or pretreatment facilities, if any; or
2. Layout of plant and machinery, or the quantity of trade effluent discharged into the public sewerage system; or
3. Major raw materials and chemicals used in the processes or operations.
These changes may affect the amount or the physical, organic, or chemical nature of the trade effluent discharged.
Scenarios which affect the WA's validity are compiled below.
| Scenario | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Cessation of factory operation | Inform PUB in writing to cancel the WA. The WA will be cancelled and any deposit paid (applicable to those paying monthly trade effluent fees) will be refunded after settling all outstanding bills. |
| Relocation of factory | Inform PUB in writing of the new address and apply for a new WA. Provide an updated business registration certification from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). |
| Change in factory status e.g. from sole proprietor to private limited | Inform PUB in writing of the new status and apply for a new WA. Provide an updated business registration certification from ACRA. |
| Change in factory name | Inform PUB in writing of the change in name and attach a copy of the updated business registration certificate from ACRA. Trade premises need not apply for a new WA. |
| Change in factory’s trade activity which will increase the volume of trade effluent to be discharged | Inform PUB in writing of the new activity and the volume of trade effluent to be discharged. Provide a copy of the updated process diagram and other relevant documents e.g. chemical usage. PUB will assess if there is a need to apply for a new WA. |
Use the steps below to determine whether your trade premise requires a WA:
For New WA Applications
• A valid Singpass account is required.
• Submit your application through the GoBusiness portal.
• First-time applicants should refer to the step-by-step guide for detailed instructions.
For WA Renewals
• Request the form by emailing [email protected].
• Submit the renewal form via FormSG.
A WA is valid for the business at the location where the application was made.
You need to reapply for a WA if there are changes or additions to:
1. Processes or operations used in trade, manufacturing, or pretreatment facilities, if any; or
2. Layout of plant and machinery, or the quantity of trade effluent discharged into the public sewerage system; or
3. Major raw materials and chemicals used in the processes or operations.
These changes may affect the amount or the physical, organic, or chemical nature of the trade effluent discharged.
Scenarios which affect the WA's validity are compiled below.
| Scenario | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Cessation of factory operation | Inform PUB in writing to cancel the WA. The WA will be cancelled and any deposit paid (applicable to those paying monthly trade effluent fees) will be refunded after settling all outstanding bills. |
| Relocation of factory | Inform PUB in writing of the new address and apply for a new WA. Provide an updated business registration certification from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). |
| Change in factory status e.g. from sole proprietor to private limited | Inform PUB in writing of the new status and apply for a new WA. Provide an updated business registration certification from ACRA. |
| Change in factory name | Inform PUB in writing of the change in name and attach a copy of the updated business registration certificate from ACRA. Trade premises need not apply for a new WA. |
| Change in factory’s trade activity which will increase the volume of trade effluent to be discharged | Inform PUB in writing of the new activity and the volume of trade effluent to be discharged. Provide a copy of the updated process diagram and other relevant documents e.g. chemical usage. PUB will assess if there is a need to apply for a new WA. |
