BCA TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR

IMPORTED COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATES

(Updated as on 3rd February 2020)

The Building and Construction Authority Act Part VIA Supply of Essential
Construction Materials (“the Act”) & BCA (Importers’ Licensing) (Amendment)
Regulations 2016 (“the Regulations”) have imposed a testing regime on imported
aggregates to determine the quality of aggregates imported from overseas sources.
A licensed Importer (“licensee”) is subject to the testing regime and is required to
obtain an Import Permit1 each time he imports aggregates from his source.

1 BCA Stage 1 Pre-Import Test

(Pursuant to Section 31H of the Act & Reg. 13 of the Regulations)

If you wish to import aggregates from a source (i.e. Quarry / Mining Site) - into
Singapore, you have to meet the requirements of the BCA Stage 1 Pre-Import
Test (in short the “S1 Test”) to demonstrate the quality of the supply of your
source. Only upon BCA’s notification that you have met the requirements of
S1 Test, together with a valid Import Permit, will you then be allowed to import
your first consignment of aggregates into Singapore for the confirmation test.

1.1 S1 Test Requirements

1.1.1 Under the S1 Test, you are required to submit by hand, the duly
completed S1 Submission Form 2 together with the following
documents that are required for clarification:

(a) Details of source (name of quarry / mining site, site address,

province, country) to be indicated in the various documents,

(b) Test reports (indicating name of quarry / mining site and type of
aggregate product for testing) indicating the results based on tests
conducted on different parts of the same sample in accordance
with the tests required by the BCA as listed in Table 1 of Annex A.
A letter from the owner or operator of the source that the test
reports are conducted on samples from the source is also
required,

(c) Source operator’s authorisation letter (authorising the licensee or

via agent to obtain a supply of and to import the aggregates from
that source),

(d) A detailed map showing the exact location of the source within the
country of origin,

(e) 3 plastic containers, each with about 150g of aggregate sample,

1
BCA utilizes TradeNet® Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) as Import Permit. You may refer to
TradeXchange website at https://www.tradexchange.gov.sg/tradexchange/default.portal for the
application of CCP.
2
S1 Submission form is available for download at
http://www.bca.gov.sg/LicenseesLicensing/others/S1SubmissionForm.doc.

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 (f) A geologist report on the site if required by the BCA.

1.1.2 Any test report submitted to the BCA must meet the following
conditions in order to be valid at the point of submission for S1 Test
acceptance:

(a) The Petrographic Examination and Mortar Bar Method test reports
must be not more than 1 year old and must be conducted on the
same aggregate sample and in the same laboratory,

(b) The Sulphate content test result must be not more than 3
months old,

(c) The Chloride content test result must be not more than 1 week
old.

1.2 Laboratories

1.2.1 The types of test method required by the BCA as listed in Table 1 of
Annex A could be conducted in any overseas independent testing
laboratory. Licensees who intend to have their samples tested in
overseas laboratories are required to check that the overseas
laboratories are accredited by the respective overseas
accreditation bodies to conduct the above-mentioned tests under
the S1 Test. The respective overseas accreditation bodies must be
under the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with Singapore
Accreditation Council (SAC) 3 . Documentary evidence of laboratory
accreditation must be submitted for verification.

1.2.2 Alternatively, the tests could be conducted in Singapore by Authorised

Analysts designated by the BCA 4 . The quantity of aggregates
submitted for testing should be at least 50kg.

1.2.3 Once you have received the BCA’s notification letter (in short called
the S1 Letter) stating that your submission for application has met the
S1 Test requirements, you will then have attained the S1 Status. You
will be allowed to import the first consignment of aggregate from the
declared source stipulated in the S1 Letter. If you have received BCA’s
notification that you have failed to meet S1 Test requirements, you will
be prohibited from importing aggregates from that same source in the
future.

1.2.4 Please note that the BCA S1 Status will be valid for not more than 15
months from the date of the Petrographic Examination and the Mortar
Bar Method test reports whichever is the earlier.

3
You can refer to http://www.sac-accreditation.gov.sg/international.asp for the list of overseas
accreditation labs under MRA with SAC.
4
A list of BCA Authorised Analysts could be found in BCA’s website at
http://www.bca.gov.sg/LicenseesLicensing/ListofAuthorisedAnalysts.html.

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2 BCA Stage 2 Confirmation Test
(Pursuant to Section 31J and Section 31K of the Act)

2.1 S2 Test Requirements

2.1.1 The first consignment of aggregate to be imported for Confirmation

Test (in short the S2 Test) must correspond to the aggregate product
type indicated in the S1 Letter. Before the import of your first
consignment, you are required to obtain the following documents from
the BCA:

(a) storage permit 5 for storing the first consignment of imported

aggregates,

(b) BCA Import Permit,

For imports via sea through Aggregate Terminals at Tuas, Pulau

Punggol Timor and BCA’s approved direct landing sites, a valid BCA’s
landing permit6 is also required.

2.1.2 Please note that the application for storage permit must be submitted
to the BCA at least six (6) working days before the arrival of a
consignment. Any amendments to the application must reach the
BCA at least four (4) working days before the arrival of consignment.

2.1.3 You are to ensure that you have a valid Import Permit at least two (2)
working days before the arrival of consignment.

An example to illustrate the timelines for 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 is shown in

Annex B.

2.1.4 The BCA will issue an isolation order in respect of your first
consignment which is required to be isolated. Prior to the arrival of
your first consignment into Singapore for isolation, you should arrange
with BCA officer (at least 24 hours before the consignment’s arrival) to
collect the sample from your first consignment for the S2 Test. BCA
could at its discretion, conduct sample collection either before or after
the consignment is unloaded for isolation.

2.1.5 The types of test method required in S2 Test are identical to the S1
Test. The S2 Test must be conducted by an Authorised Analyst
designated by the BCA and the cost of the tests will be borne by the
BCA. At the same time, you are not allowed to import aggregates from
the same source while the testing is ongoing.

Once you have received the BCA notification letter that the test results
have met the requirements of the S2 Test (in short called the S2
Letter), you are allowed to further import aggregates from your source
stipulated in the S2 Letter with BCA Import Permit and to supply or use
your first consignment which was isolated earlier. For further imports
via sea through Aggregate Terminals at Tuas, Pulau Punggol Timor

5
Please refer to BCA website at
http://www.bca.gov.sg/LicenseesLicensing/others/StoragePermitApplicationForm.doc for application
of storage permit.
6
Please refer to BCA website at http://www.corenet.gov.sg/elps/ for application of electronic landing
permit system at aggregate terminals.

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 and the BCA’s approved direct landing sites, a valid BCA landing
permit is also required.

2.1.6 Please note that the S2 Status will only be valid for 1 year from the
date of the test reports (i.e. Petrographic Examination and Mortar Bar
Method whichever is earlier) conducted under the S2 Test. The validity
will be extended if you import a consignment not more than 6 months
before the expiry date of the S2 Status. Subsequent import(s) within
the validity period will further extend the expiry date till 6 months from
the date of that import. An example to illustrate the validity of the S2
Status is shown in Annex C.

2.1.7 You are not allowed to import further from the source upon expiry of
the S2 Status. However, you may apply for further imports from the
same source, subject to your application and compliance with Clause
2.1.6 and 2.1.7.

2.1.8 To renew an expired S2 Status, you have to submit to the BCA the
following:

(a) the test reports of the aggregates from the source in accordance
to Clause 1.1.1(b) and 1.1.2,

(b) Source operator’s authorisation letter (for authorising the licensee

or via agent to obtain a supply of and to import the aggregates
from that source),

(c) all documents / materials as required by the BCA under Clause 1

of the testing requirements.

2.1.9 The validity of the S2 Status will be for 1 year from the date of test
reports from the source (i.e. Petrographic Examination and Mortar Bar
Method whichever is earlier). The validity will be extended if you import
a consignment not more than 6 months before the expiry date of S2
Status. Subsequent import(s) within the validity period will further
extend the expiry date 6 months from the date of that import.

3 BCA Stage 3 for Random Test

(Pursuant to Section 31J(6) and Section 31K of the Act)

3.1 S3 Test Requirements

3.1.1 Random tests (in short the S3 Test) may be conducted on your
subsequent consignments imported from your source for surveillance
purposes. BCA officer will collect samples from any of your
subsequent consignment for the S3 Test.

3.1.2 BCA may conduct one or more types of tests (refer to the list of tests
in Table 1 of Annex A) for the S3 Test. However, the BCA may also
conduct field tests, such as Chloride Content, on your imported
aggregates at the unloading point. The cost of the S3 Test will be
borne by the BCA.

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 3.1.3 At the same time, you are allowed to continue supplying the imported
aggregates and further importing aggregates from your source while
the S3 Test is ongoing.

4 Sample collection for S2 Test and S3 Test

(Pursuant to Reg. 19 of the Regulations)

4.1 BCA will issue a letter to you, or your company’s representative, or your agent
in charge of the consignment, when the sample for the S2 Test or S3 Test is
collected.

4.2 The sample of aggregate collected will be divided into 2 parts at the
aggregate terminals managed by the BCA or other sites as directed by the
BCA. Each part of sample will be labelled and sealed by BCA officers. The
Authorised Analyst will use the first part of the sample for the S2 Test or S3
Test whichever is relevant. The second part of the sample will be retained by
the BCA and disposed of after 2 months from the sample collection date, if no
re-test is requested by you.

5 Re-test for S2 Test and S3 Test

(Pursuant to Reg. 21 and Reg. 22 of the Regulations)

5.1 BCA’s Preliminary Determination on first part sample

5.1.1 In the event that the first part sample does not meet the BCA test
requirements of imported aggregates, you will receive BCA notice
on the preliminary determination for the S2 Test (or the S3 Test)
respectively.

5.1.2 In the event you decide not to pursue for a retest or you do not request
for a retest within the period stipulated in Clause 5.1.3 below. The
BCA’s preliminary determination shall at the end of the stipulated period
be deemed to be BCA’s final determination. You are required to comply
with Clause 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 for handling of failed aggregates under the
S2 Test and S3 Test respectively.

5.1.3 You may request in writing to the BCA to submit the second part of the
sample for a re-test, complying with the conditions (a) & (b) below. If
your written request is in order, the BCA will then send the second part
sample for re-test. The scope of re-test is identical to that for the first
part sample.

(a) Written request for re-test must be submitted to the BCA, within 2
weeks for aggregates under isolation and within 48 hours for
aggregates not under isolation, after receiving the BCA’s notice of
its preliminary determination; and

(b) You have to pay the test fees for the second part sample. Such
payment (in the form of a cheque made payable to the Building and
Construction Authority) must be submitted together with the written
request.

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5.2 BCA’s Final Determination on S2 and S3 Test Results

5.2.1 In the event you have received the BCA’s notice on the final
determination, after the retest if applicable, that you have not met the
BCA test requirements of imported aggregates, you are not allowed to
further import the aggregates from the same source. You are required
to comply with requirements under Clause 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 depending
on whether the consignment is under isolation or not.

6 Handling of failed aggregates

(Pursuant to Reg. 24, Reg. 25 and Reg. 26 of the Regulations)

6.1.1 Failed aggregates under isolation

(a) The isolated aggregates must either destroyed, disposed of, or

removed from Singapore within a period stipulated by the BCA.

(b) You are required to lodge a disposal plan with the BCA at least 14
days before the start of such disposal or removal and not later than
7 days after receiving the BCA’s notice on a source failing to meet
the BCA’s testing requirements.

6.1.2 Failed aggregates not under isolation

(a) You are required to notify all persons to whom you have supplied
aggregates (whether or not it is from the aggregates supplied from
the same consignment as the sample of failed aggregates) not
later than 5 days after the end of the supply period (Supply period
is the period between the date of arrival of the consignment, which
first part of sample has been tested, and the 7th day after the
authorised analyst’s certificate is received by the BCA, both days
inclusive) of the following;

(i) The BCA’s final determination in respect to the sample taken

from that consignment,

(ii) Type of aggregate, quantity, and date of entry of the

consignment.

(b) and to notify the BCA of the business addresses and identities of
all persons within a period of 5 days after you served the persons a
notice under Clause 6.1.2 (a) above. You are to provide the BCA
with copies of the notifications issued to the BCA (Attention:
Officer-in-charge / Strategic Resources Department).

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7 Application to further import aggregates from the source that failed
aggregates were extracted from
(Pursuant to Reg. 27 of the Regulations)

7.1.1 You may apply for further import from the same source that the failed
imported aggregate was extracted or won. You have to make a
proposal:

(a) in writing to the BCA not later than 9 months after the date of the
BCA’s notice that your imported aggregate does not meet the BCA
test requirements; and

(b) your proposal must contain the following particulars:

(i) the number of consignments and estimated quantity of

imported aggregates proposed to be further imported;

(ii) a description of the steps you will take or arrange to be taken to

ensure that the imported aggregates proposed to be further
imported are of acceptable quality for use in any building
works, street works or railway works in Singapore.

Further Enquiries

Please contact any of the following BCA officers if you need further assistance:

 Michael Yee Email: [email protected]

 Arman Aman Email: [email protected]
 Muthukumaran Email: [email protected]

BCA reserves all rights to amend the contents provided herewith without prior notice.
Licensees should always check for the latest test guidelines with BCA officers or in BCA homepage,
http://www.bca.gov.sg/AggregatesImport/aggregates_import.html.

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 Annex A: Testing of Imported Aggregates

The test requirements and specifications for 3-Stage Testing on coarse and fine
aggregates are listed below:

Table 1: Test Methods and Test Standards for Imported Coarse and Fine Aggregates
(Pursuant to Reg. 23)

Description Test Method Relevant Specification

Standards
Water Soluble EN1744-1 Clause 7 SS EN 12620 Chloride ion content ≤
Chloride Content 0.01 % by mass of chloride
ion of combined aggregate.
Acid Soluble EN1744-1 Clause 12 SS EN 12620 Sulphate content of the
Sulphates Content aggregates and filler
aggregates for concrete ≤
0.8 % by mass for
aggregates other than air-
cooled blast furnace slag.
Petrographic ASTM C295 ASTM C33 Aggregates should not
Examination contain any constituents that
are deleterious to concrete.
Alkali-silica ASTM C1260 ASTM C33 Only aggregates with
reactivity (Mortar expansion value not greater
Bar Method) than 0.20% shall be used.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. The BCA reserves the right to impose
further tests on the aggregates as and when required, as decided by the BCA.

On top of the BCA test requirements, the aggregates to be sold for concreting use
must also comply with the requirements stipulated under SS EN 12620: Specification
for Aggregates for concrete.

More information on SS EN 12620 can be found at:

http://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/product/ProductView.aspx?id=6b2ee039-
aad2-4427-ad6c-b87b8b143ade or
http://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/product/productView.aspx?id=acf6ac4a-
6c7c-43c2-a23d-efc38d5c5448

Finally, you are strongly advised to check with their buyers for any other specific tests
(i.e. as required by the buyers) pertaining to the use of aggregates in concrete.

Licensees should always check for the latest test requirements with BCA officers or in BCA homepage,
http://www.bca.gov.sg/AggregatesImport/aggregates_import.html.

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 Annex B
Illustration 1

Date 5-Jan 6-Jan 7-Jan 8-Jan 9-Jan 10-Jan 11-Jan 12-Jan 13-Jan 14-Jan
Day Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue

Latest date for Cut-off date for Latest date to ETA of Bulk
submission of amending obtain a valid Carrier at
storage permit storage permit Import PPAT
application application Permit.

Latest date to apply for

landing permit (1 working
day before the arrival for
bulk carrier.)

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 Annex C
Example
1) Date of passed S2 Petrographic Examination test report: 15 Feb 2019
Date of passed S2 Mortar Bar Method test report: 14 Feb 2020

S2 Status
validity period
based on
earliest test
report date
15 Feb 2019 14 Feb 2020

The S2 Status is valid until 14 Feb 2020 based on the date of the passed
Mortar Bar Method test report, i.e. the earlier date of the two passed test
reports.

2) Following from above, if there is a consignment imported on 13 Feb 2020, i.e.

not more than 6 months before 14 Feb 2020, the S2 Status validity will be
extended till 12 Aug 2020.

S2 Status
validity period
based on
earliest test
report date

15 Feb 2019 14 Feb 2020

Extended S2
Status validity
period

13 Feb 2020 12 Aug 2020

3) Continuing from above, if there is subsequent consignment imported on 20

Feb 2020, the S2 Status validity will be further extended until 19 Aug 2020.
Subsequent import(s) within the current validity period will further extend the
validity period till 6 months from the date of that import.

S2 Status
validity period
based on
earliest test
report date

15 Feb 2019 14 Feb 2020

Extended S2
Status
validity
period

20 Feb 2020 19 Aug 2020

13 Feb 2020 12 Aug 2020

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