Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
I had earlier been assessed prior to the start of circuit breaker measures. When will I know the results of the assessment, and get the collaterals for display?
For establishments that fall under ESG and STB, the results of the assessment will be made known when ready. However, the marketing collaterals will be delivered after the circuit breaker measures are lifted.
What is the SG Clean campaign about?
The SG Clean campaign was launched on 16 February 2020 as a proactive response to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and to make cleanliness a way of life in Singapore. SG Clean campaign aims to raise the hygiene standards and transform cleanliness level of public spaces and rally premises operators to take ownership by adopting the SG Clean Quality Mark. Under the campaign, the SG Clean quality mark will be progressively rolled out to various sectors, covering premises with high human traffic including hotels, tourist attractions, shopping malls and F&B outlets.
To further expand and sustain the SG Clean campaign beyond COVID-19, the SG Clean Taskforce was formed on 6 March 2020 to drive and galvanise collective action through:
- Adopting good personal habits
- Adjustment to social norms
- Ensuring cleanliness of public spaces
How do I get certified?
Premises operators will have to commit and adhere to sector-specific sanitation and hygiene checklists and advisories, covering areas such as management oversight, cleaning methodology, toilet cleanliness, and general public hygiene. These checklists and advisories are tailored to the requirements and operations of the various businesses.
Premises operators will have their premises audited by agencies or appointed third-party assessors to ensure that they maintain a high level of cleanliness and public hygiene. Interested premises operators can contact the respective industry sector leads or appointed assessor to arrange for an audit through the SG Clean website. More information can be found at the SG Clean website (sgclean.gov.sg).
Who are the industry sector leads?
| Sector Lead | Premises | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ESG | Food establishments, retail and shopping malls (except premises located within tourism establishments, refer to Item 3) |
| 2 | SFA | Canteens, coffeeshops and market and hawker stalls |
| 3 | STB | Attractions, hotels, integrated resorts, MICEs venues and cruise terminals (including food and beverage, and retails outlets within these tourism establishments) and Sentosa |
| 4 | NEA | All premises types excluding premises listed under Item 1 to 3 |
Why should I participate in SG Clean Quality Mark?
SG Clean Quality Mark is a stamp of assurance to the community on the commitment and measures taken by the premises operators to upholding good sanitation and hygiene practices which aims to minimise the spread of diseases.
Is the SG Clean Quality Mark certification compulsory for businesses?
The SG Clean quality mark is a voluntary scheme and a call to action for premises owners/ occupiers to take ownership and to maintain high standards of environmental hygiene.
Why are there differences between the checklists?
Sector-specific sanitation and hygiene checklists and advisories have been developed because operations and processes of businesses in each sector are different.
How does the SG Clean quality mark differ from the new Environmental Sanitation regime that was just announced?
The SG Clean quality mark is a voluntary scheme and a call to action for premises operators to take ownership to maintain high standards of environmental hygiene. SG Clean will pave the way for the new Environmental Sanitation (ES) regime, which mandates premises to implement upstream cleaning standards.
General enquiries on Certification and Assessment
I belong to a chain retail or food establishment. Do I apply individually for each outlet, or together as a company?
Individual operator of F&B store or retail outlet will be required to be assessed and certified separately. The headquarters of respective F&B store or retail outlet can help to coordinate the application for their company.
What is the cost of certification?
The first certification to obtain the SG Clean Quality Mark is complimentary to premises owners.
What is the validity period of the SG Clean quality mark?
The SG Clean quality mark is valid upon certification till 30 June 2023. For tourism establishments, F&B, Retail and Shopping Malls, the certification would be valid till 31 December 2022.
Will the authorities consider removing the SG Clean quality mark from premises that fail to maintain high level of cleanliness and public hygiene?
Premises with the SG Clean quality mark will have their premises audited by agencies from time to time. Apart from these audits, members of the public can also contact NEA at our 24-hour hotline at 1800-2255 632 to provide feedback on premises that do not adhere to the stipulated hygiene conditions. The awarding body may withdraw the quality mark for premises that failed to rectify shortcomings expeditiously.
What happens after I’ve passed the assessment?
Premises operators will be awarded the SG Clean quality mark upon successful assessment. The SG Clean quality mark shall be display at prominent locations within the premises.
How can I prepare for the assessment?
Premises operators can refer to the sector-specific checklist and advisories and ensure procedures are in place to meet the requirements stated. They should also ensure that the cleaning crew have the right competencies and equipment.
What do I do if I encounter challenges meeting the requirements?
Premises operators can contact the respective industry lead agency to seek advice on best practices or contact the appointed third-party assessors to identify any shortcomings and share best practices to meet the requirements and apply for the SG Clean quality mark.