BCA Sets New Certification Rule for Lifts and Escalators From 2027

Only BCA-licensed firms will be able to certify systems that are becoming more complex

- Isabelle Liew

Developers and building owners must engage firms licensed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to get newer lifts and escalators certified from 2027.

This move will bring Singapore in line with international best practices and ensure that quality and safety standards are upheld, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said on Sept 3 at the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) Industry and Awards Dinner held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Currently, lifts and escalators must be examined, inspected and tested by a specialist professional engineer upon installation, to get them certified to be in good working condition. With the certificate, the building owner can apply for a permit from the BCA to operate the lift or escalator. This process is repeated each year after installation.

From 2027, building owners and developers must engage licensed firms to certify newer lifts and escalators with more complex systems for public use.

The requirement to engage licensed firms will be extended to the supervision of structural works whose project values exceed $75 million, from 2028.

The move comes as lift and escalator systems become more complex and require specialized expertise, having evolved from largely mechanical equipment into complex electrical and mechanical systems, BCA said on Sept 3.

Large-scale building projects also involve more specialist works and sophisticated methods of construction.