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If you run a business in Singapore, there’s an important update you shouldn’t ignore—the transition from SSIC 2020 to SSIC 2025.
While the update by ACRA will happen automatically, your responsibility doesn’t end there. Your SSIC code in Singapore affects licensing, grants, tax classification, and even work pass approvals.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing, what it means, and what you actually need to do.
What is SSIC in Singapore?
The Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) is a system used to classify your company’s business activities.
Every company registered with ACRA must have:
- A Primary SSIC code
- (Optional) A Secondary SSIC code
These codes are used by government agencies such as:
- ACRA (company registration and compliance)
- IRAS (tax classification)
- MOM (work pass eligibility and quotas)
- Licensing authorities (industry regulations)
Why SSIC Codes Matter
Your SSIC code in Singapore determines:
- Whether your business requires specific licences
- Eligibility for government grants and schemes
- Approval chances for work passes
- Risk assessment by banks and regulators
If your SSIC is inaccurate, your business may face compliance issues—even if everything else is in order.
SSIC 2025 Update: What is Changing?
ACRA is updating all classifications from SSIC 2020 to SSIC 2025.
Key changes:
- SSIC 2020 codes will be automatically converted to SSIC 2025
- No action is required before 9 May 2026, 8:00 AM
- Applies to:
- Existing companies in Singapore
- Approved business name applications (not yet incorporated)
Although this is an automatic update, it is not guaranteed to reflect your exact business activity.
SSIC 2025 Effective Date
Effective date: 9 May 2026, 8:00 AM
- Before this date → No action required
- After this date → Businesses should review their updated SSIC codes
This is the critical checkpoint for all companies.
For New Companies (Not Yet Incorporated)
If your business name has been approved but incorporation is pending:
- From 9 May 2026 onwards, you must use SSIC 2025 codes
- If the assigned SSIC code is not accurate:
- Proceed with incorporation first
- Then update your business activity via BizFile+
Tip: Do not delay your incorporation just because of SSIC changes.
For Existing Companies in Singapore
If your company is already registered:
- Your SSIC code will be automatically updated to SSIC 2025
- However, the mapping may not always be accurate
What you should do:
- Review your Primary and Secondary SSIC codes after the update
- Ensure they match your actual business activities
- Update your SSIC via BizFile+ if necessary
Ignoring this step can lead to avoidable regulatory issues.
Risks of Incorrect SSIC Code in Singapore
Many businesses underestimate this—but incorrect SSIC codes can create real problems.
-
Licensing issues
You may unknowingly operate in a regulated sector without the required licence.
-
Government grant rejection
Grant eligibility often depends on SSIC classification.
-
Work pass application rejection
MOM may reject applications if your SSIC does not align with your business activity.
-
Banking and compliance concerns
Banks and auditors rely on SSIC codes to assess your business profile.
Why SSIC 2025 Auto-Conversion May Not Be Accurate
The SSIC 2025 conversion is based on system mapping, not your actual business operations.
This means:
- Broad categories may be reassigned differently
- Niche or specialised businesses may be misclassified
- Multi-service companies may lose proper representation
Example:
A company offering both IT consulting and software development may be classified under only one category after conversion.
How to Check and Update Your SSIC Code
Here’s a simple approach:
Step 1: Check your current SSIC
Log in to ACRA BizFile+ and review your company profile.
Step 2: Compare with your actual activities
Ensure your SSIC reflects what your business is currently doing—not what it did at incorporation.
Step 3: Review after SSIC 2025 update
Check your classification after 9 May 2026.
Step 4: Update if necessary
File a change of business activity via BizFile+.
SSIC Singapore: Compliance Reminder
Your SSIC code is your official declaration of business activity.
Companies are expected to:
- Keep SSIC information accurate
- Update it when business activities change
- Ensure consistency across regulatory filings
Failure to maintain accurate SSIC records may lead to compliance risks over time.
Final Thoughts on SSIC 2025 Singapore
The SSIC 2025 update is straightforward—but it should not be ignored.
- The system will update your SSIC automatically
- But only you can confirm if it is correct
If your SSIC does not reflect your actual business activities, update it.
That small step can prevent bigger issues later.
Need Help Reviewing Your SSIC?
If you’re unsure whether your SSIC code in Singapore is accurate or compliant, it’s worth getting it reviewed—especially before applying for licences, grants, or work passes.
