No URA Approval? Here’s What It Means for Your Food Licence in Singapore

Are you planning to open a food business in Singapore? You'll need URA approval first. The URA is responsible for controlling the manner in which properties can be developed and used on the island. Without the green light from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), your food licence application will not go through smoothly.

The sad thing is that most young and start-up food businesses do not consider this a significant factor until they are way into the application process. Such an oversight can lead to not only a loss of valuable time but also to spending a lot of money. It is risky to try to operate without the proper approvals; you might find yourself encountering some level of delay, rejection or even penalty. Now let’s look at how to tread these requirements correctly, adapt and create the right environment for your business to thrive.

Why URA Approval Matters for a Food Licence in Singapore

When you apply for a food shop licence in Singapore, the SFA checks if your premises have URA approval for food-related use. This verification happens behind the scenes during your license application process. 

It is required that your retail food outlet conforms to the approved property use in the records of URA. Before converting a retail shop into a restaurant or food vendor, it is necessary to obtain the correct permission. As an applicant, you must ensure that the type of licence you are applying for aligns with what URA permits in that specific area. Without this alignment, your application might stall or face rejection entirely, regardless of how well you meet other requirements.

How Lack of URA Approval Affects Your Licence Application

Your Application May Be Rejected or Delayed

Without URA approval, expect your licence application to face significant delays. Processing times can stretch beyond the standard 28 working days. The SFA can't proceed with your application until all pre-licensing requirements are met. You must submit proper documentation, including a valid tenancy agreement and certificate of stamp duty. Remember, incomplete requirements will only extend your waiting time. Getting the necessary approvals before you submit the application saves everyone time and frustration.

Your Food Stall Cannot Begin Operations

Even if you've set up your kitchen and hired staff, you can't commence operations without proper clearance. The SFA won't grant approval if URA hasn't signed off on your premises. This means your business stays stagnant, not able to generate revenue for an extended period of time. They are only open for starting within 7 working days after final approval has been granted and after payment has been made. The time that you stand and wait for the three-ring binder to finish its work may be extremely unproductive and costly to your business schedule and budget.

Incompatibility with Licence Type or Location

If your specific stall does not fall under the correct category of URA, your licence type cannot be changed later. For instance, a food hawker stall cannot be converted to a restaurant without the necessary permits and licences. One needs to ensure that the specific stall in the eating place matches what one applied for, and this will be the case with mine. If you are in a food court or just a single hawker stall, it applies to you as well. The stallholder must ensure compatibility before proceeding with licensing.

It Can Affect Renewals and Modifications

Problems don't end after getting your initial licence. Missing approvals can cause headaches when it's time for renewal. The name and licence type cannot be amended without proper clearance. Your existing food stall might face operational disruptions if any discrepancies are discovered during renewal checks. All licences issued by SFA require ongoing compliance with URA regulations. Don't risk your business continuity by overlooking these requirements.

How to Get URA Approval and Secure Your Food Licence

To obtain URA approval, you'll need to prepare a detailed layout plan and a valid tenancy agreement. Submit these through the GoBusiness Licensing portal or the URA SPACE website. Whether you're applying for a food stall, a temporary fair food stall licence, or a supermarket licence, the process follows similar paths.

You'll need to specify your intended use clearly in your application. The SFA, NEA, and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore may all be involved in reviewing different aspects. Remember to complete the food shop declaration form correctly—food shops include restaurants, cafes, and other eateries.

Why juggle multiple contacts when you don’t have to? At CMM Food Consultancy, we develop good working relations with officers from various government agencies for easy approval from the URA. Leave the paperwork to us while you concentrate on how to grow your food business.

Final Thoughts

Securing URA approval is a fundamental step in your journey toward obtaining a food licence in Singapore. Without it, your business plans may face unnecessary delays and complications. The Singapore Food Agency requires this approval to ensure your premises are suitable for food-related activities. When applying for a licence, always verify your property's approved use first.

For a seamless experience, consider working with us at CMM Food Consultancy. We understand the intricacies of these requirements inside and out. Our knowledge can save you time and prevent costly mistakes in your licence application. We'll help you navigate the regulatory landscape so you can focus on what truly matters—building a successful food business in Singapore. With our guidance, your licensing journey becomes straightforward and stress-free.