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Navigating Singapore's Regulations: A Guide to Transporting Dangerous Goods Safely

Alan Tay • Apr 22, 2024

Singapore's bustling economy relies heavily on the transportation of goods, including hazardous materials essential for various industries. This makes the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods (DG) paramount to preventing accidents and ensuring public safety. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the regulations governing DG trucking in Singapore and how businesses can safely and efficiently navigate these regulations with the help of a trusted logistics solution provider.


Understanding Singapore's Regulations


Singapore has stringent regulations in place to govern the transportation of dangerous goods, aiming to minimise any potential risks to human health, property, and the environment. These regulations are primarily based on international standards set forth by organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).


Step 1: Classification


The first step in transporting DG cargo is to identify the types of dangerous goods that need transportation. The United Nations classification of dangerous goods, serves as the benchmark for all DG classifications. This system  categorises  dangerous goods based on nine hazard classes, as below. Some of these classes are further subdivided into divisions. Click here for more comprehensive information on the UN classification.

Class 1 Explosives
Class 2 Gases
Class 3 Flammable liquids
Class 4 Flammable solids
Class 5 Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances
Class 7 Radioactive material
Class 8 Corrosive substances
Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances

Step 2: Permit Requirements


Depending on the type and quantity of dangerous goods, permits might be mandatory. While all professional providers of industrial transportation in Singapore may be well versed in the regulatory and permit processing framework, it is always advisable to check in with the following key regulatory bodies to ensure 100% compliance.


Key Regulatory Bodies


The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) oversees the enforcement of regulations related to the storage and transportation of hazardous substances on land.  Outside of DG transportation in Singapore, if your operations also require DG storage, you must find warehousing services in Singapore that strictly comply with the SCDF regulations.


The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regulates the transportation of dangerous goods by sea. The MPA provides guidelines for the declaration of all DG cargo arriving at the port.


The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) governs the transport of hazardous materials by air. In compliance with the regulations, all airlines transporting dangerous goods to, from, or through Singapore must process a CAAS Dangerous Goods permit before transporting dangerous goods as cargo on their aircraft. Find more information here.


The Singapore Standard Council (SSC) SS 586 series also provides more information on hazard communication for DG storage and DG trucking in Singapore. It consists of 3 parts:


SS 586 - 1: 2021, Part 1

SS 586 - 2: 2014, Part 2

SS 586 - 3: 2008 (2014), Part 3


Note: SS 586 - 1: 2021 provides clear directions on hazard types and labels to be used for the classification of dangerous goods in compliance with the UNRTDG, Orange Book, 20th Edition. Applicable only to the storage and transport of dangerous goods on land and not by sea and air.


The copyrighted standard can be directly purchased from Enterprise Singapore.


The National Environment Agency (NEA) implements licensing controls for hazardous goods in Singapore. All importers, exporters, sellers, buyers, and transporters fall under their purview and are governed by the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA).


The NEA has a specific set of regulations for the transportation of DG cargo by road within Singapore, as stipulated below.


  • Any DG cargo exceeding quantities as stipulated in the schedule of EPM, requires a hazardous substance transport approval (HSTA).
  • The applications for transport approvals should be submitted together with the transport emergency response plan (TERP).
  • For road tankers, tank containers, and bulk packaging (less than/equal to 450 Kg) certified true copies of the tanker inspection certificates and drawing details should be submitted.
  • All drivers transporting dangerous goods are required to carry a valid hazardous material transportation driver permit (HTDP). The Fire Safety Act (FSA) and the EPMA further specifies that drivers should be competently trained in preventing and mitigating any accidental release of DG cargo.
  • The transportation of certain hazardous substances requires in-vehicle tracking devices.
  • Transport can only be carried out using the approved routes.
  • Transport can only be carried out between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday, and no transportation is allowed on Sundays or public holidays.


Note: Dangerous goods transportation that falls outside the permitted hours are subject to approval on a case-by-case basis by the NEA and will require special arrangements.


Transporting Dangerous Goods Safely in Singapore


Further to the above essentials, all businesses transporting dangerous goods in Singapore must adhere to further compliance requirements, including:


  • Classification and labelling of hazardous materials according to internationally recognised standards.
  • Packaging requirements to ensure the safe containment and handling of hazardous substances.
  • Documentation and declaration of dangerous goods during transportation, including the provision of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Training and certification of personnel involved in the handling, storage, and transportation of dangerous goods.
  • Notification and reporting of incidents involving the release or spillage of hazardous materials.


Best Practices


Ensuring the safe transportation of dangerous goods comes with a heavy responsibility, and this is why you need an expert team on board, irrespective of the type and size of your DG cargo. A professional logistics service provider will not only know what is necessary to comply with all the regulations, but will also have years of experience to back their expertise. They will:


  • Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with transporting dangerous goods.
  • Select appropriate packaging and containment systems that comply with regulatory standards and provide adequate protection against spills or leaks.
  • Provide comprehensive training and ongoing education for all staff involved in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods.
  • Implement robust emergency response plans to address incidents such as spills, leaks, or accidents promptly and effectively.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of all hazardous materials transported, including SDS, shipping manifests, and incident reports.


TSL Logistics: Your Trusted Partner for DG Trucking in Singapore


By understanding the regulatory frameworks, implementing best practices, and partnering with a reputable logistics service provider, businesses can ensure the safe and efficient movement of DG cargo while ensuring public safety and protecting the environment. TSL Logistics is home to a team of experts who are well-versed in DG cargo handling. From the time you entrust your cargo until the time of delivery, unloading, and storage, we are here to deliver an exceptional service experience complying with industry best practices. Contact us for more information. 


Note: This information is for general guidance purposes only. It is vital to consult the respective official websites of the governing bodies (listed below) and thoroughly research the specific regulations applicable to the transportation and storage of your specific dangerous goods.


Useful Websites


The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Singapore Standard Council (SSC)

National Environment Agency (NEA)

Singapore Customs


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