All investments over and lease of B1 industrial space in Singapore ( with regard to what trades, industries are allowed) It is important to note about B1 industrial spaces are designated for “clean” and “light industries” that have minimal environmental impacts in noise, pollution and waste discharging.

A Trade Guide to Trades Permitted in B1 Industrial Singapore (Comprehensive)

#1 An Introduction to B1 Industrial Zoning

B1 Where you’ll find most of your B1 industrial space in a business park or light industrial building. Whereas B2 industrial zone permit heavier levels of manufacturing with acoustic, vibration and noise pollution as well B1 is intended for industries of least pollution and setting them in places closer to commutate and residential is the goal.

Overview: Industry / Clean Sectors for B1 Spaces

Technology and Digital Services

1.   Software design and development

2.    Information Technology (IT) technical support and maintenance centers

3.    Computer hardware assembly and repair including: (Operate without spray-painting, electroplating or galvanizing operations: The use of only minor soldering)

4.  Assembly & repair of office machinery computing and accounting machinery (Without spraypainting Electroplating or galvanizing operations)

Design and Creative Industries

5. Product/prototype design, industrial and engineering design

6. Fashion designing

Manufacturing and Assembly — Light

7. Manufacture of polyethylene products (not including printing operations)

8. Repair and assembly of household appliances (without garnish painting, electroplating, or galvanisme)

9. Assembly and repair of photographic goods

9. Assembly, repair of watches and clocks (without spray painting, electroplating or galvanizing processes)

10. Manufacture of paper items (e.g., publishing activities)

11. Manufacture of professional,scientific ,measuring and controlling equipment (not including chemicals ,including gaseous)

Storage and Distribution

13. **Warehousing storage and finished goods such as Furniture Electric Appliance, Garments Canned food & drink, etc.

Healthcare and Scientific Services

14. **Diagnostics laboratories and referral laboratories **

15. Eye clinics, pediatric, bionic limb centres and health check-up centers

Professional Services

**Professional & Scientific

Specifically: **International specialist and engineering consultancy** (example: exploration oil)

Important limitations of B1 industrial activities : Trades that is Approved for B1 Industrial Use

Although some light industrial activities are permitted by B1 zoning, there are many basics restrictions that apply to B1s as well.

No **spray-painting operations** – This Restriction is often seen on approved list

No industrial **electroplating or galvanizing operations** — These processes uses chemicals that can be environmental damaging

Limited — only minor soldering **Installation and repair duties***

Some *Number of manufacturing activities with **No printing operations*** approvals in which it states

– **Minimal chemical utilization**: also could specify the requirement, not involving the use of chemicals

Advantages to B1 Industrial Space for Businesses

Businesses located within B1 industrial facilities have the following benefits:

1. Having strategic locations- Often located in the business parks with good connectivity

2. Lower rental costs than commercial spaces and at par with their stature

3. ….finite space of where office, light manufacturing and storage functions can be performed at

4. Improved working environment over heavier industrial areas

5. ** proximity to complementary businesses and services ## Property owners and tenants take note

Leasing / buying B1 industrial space?–

– Double-check Zoning URA – Double check if the property is indeed so far as stated (i.e. Brick & Mortar store; commercial only etc.)

See if your trade is on the business activity approved list of trades.

– **Go through lease restrictions** — Aside from URA requirements, there may also be other restrictions imposed by some landlords as well.

Review space needs: think ceiling height, floor loading and power

– Know JTC / Gov restrictions – Some properties also have different stipulated in JTC or other authorities

Non-Permitted Trades for Business 1 Use Annex A

Non-Permitted Trades for Business 1 UseAnnex A1. Based on URA’s Master Plan 2019, this development is zoned for Business 1 use.2. Commercial use such as training schools, gymnasiums; Community use such as place ofworship; Cultural activities such as lion dance practices, and Retailing are not allowed.3. In addition, the following industrial activities are also not allowed:a. Recyclingi.Rag and bones activities such as storage of scrap metal, waste-paper and otherwaste material including motor vehicles.ii. All trades involving construction and demolition waste, wood or horticulturewaste, food waste and other recycling activities which generate dust and odour.b. Storing of hazardous chemicalsc. Generating of toxic or medical wastesd. Burning of fuel oil, diesel or gase. Emitting smell, chemical fumes, smoke or dust particlesf.Metal stamping, shot blasting, spray painting, electroplating, sputtering or chemicaletching (unless otherwise stated)g. Machinery which emits strong vibration or loud or high frequency noisesh. Any motor workshop trade (unless otherwise stated)i.Woodworking industries and activitiesj.Concrete industriesk. Food IndustriesStorage of canned/pre-packed food is allowed subject to the conditions below:a. No food products are to be stored outside the premises;b. Proper mitigation measures are put in place to prevent any risk of cross-contamination during the transportation of food products;c. No food processing activities (including repacking of foodstuffs) are allowed to becarried out at the premises as the premises are not purpose-built for this purpose;d. The proposed use of premises is subjected to registration with SFA as Food StorageWarehouse.

If your business activity is not in the approved trades

1. Consult URA or relevant authorities on whether your trade is qualified

2. Detail of your business operating like this especially to:

– Noise levels

– Emissions

– waste

– Chemicals

– Operate hours

Technology services, light manufacturing and medical/biological alike, can typically operate from flexible B1 industrial spaces that allow adaptation of floor plan and task base designed to suit the nature of operation. Having an understanding of the approved trades assist businesses in managing their premises in a right way and also ensuring they comply with Singapore industrial zoning regulations at the same time.

At the time of looking for B1 industrial space, businesses must cross check their work against the approved list in detail and should ask for clarifications from agents/authorities if there are any ambiguities of obtaining permits. An informed and early proactive ensures no unplanned hitches due to defaulting on the statutory activities.