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Building and Construction Authority

Firm-Based Regime for Lift and Escalator Certification

Access to the information relating to Firm-Based Regime for Lift and Escalator Certification.

Last updated 25 March 2026

Lifts and escalators (L&E) have transformed from largely mechanical equipment to electromechanical equipment with sophisticated and advanced programmable logic controls. Certifying compliance for such complex L&E will require various specialised competencies beyond traditional engineering disciplines.

As such, BCA will enhance the regulatory regime to require the appointment of (i) a BCA-licensed firm; and (ii) individual professionals employed by the BCA-licensed firms for the certification for L&E designed and installed in accordance with SS550:2009 and SS626:2017 or later versions of the standards, excluding certification for annual renewal of PTO for home lifts.

Benefits of the Firm-Based Regime

The firm-based regime will offer the following benefits:

Ensuring continued compliance to safety standards

Licensing a firm ensures access to a broad range of specialised knowledge and experience to certify complex equipment. The public will consequently benefit from safer and higher-quality L&E.

Enhancing coordination and service quality

A firm can implement proper governance and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide collaboration and coordination among employees across different projects. Additionally, firms will be able to centralise its resources to invest in advanced technologies and establish robust knowledge management systems leading to more consistent and efficient service delivery for service buyers.

Training and developing the next generation

A firm with a long-term perspective may actively attract and develop talent to succeed ageing professionals. This facilitates both the institutionalisation of knowledge and retention of engineering talent in the built environment sector.

Transition Towards Firm-Based Regime

To support the shift towards the firm-based regime, the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) has launched the accreditation scheme for Lifts and Escalator Certification Firm (LECF) in April 2025.

BCA will provide a transition period before mandating firm-based regime to:

(i) support forerunning LECFs by facilitating their accreditation through the SAC; and
(ii) continue engaging firms to provide support on meeting the licensing requirements. Developers and building owners are strongly encouraged to engage accredited firms for the applicable scope of works ahead of the legislative amendments.