Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Singapore
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Singapore.
Overview
Organisations sending SMS with alphanumeric sender IDs in Singapore must register with the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) run under IMDA; messages from unregistered IDs are flagged as likely scams. Marketing messages also have to follow the Do Not Call provisions of the PDPA.
Websites collecting personal data must comply with the PDPA, including notification, consent, purpose limitation and protection obligations.
Singapore is a multilingual market where English dominates search, but campaigns can also target Mandarin, Malay and Tamil speakers, and many businesses use Singapore as a base for regional SEO.
WhatsApp's popularity varies across Asia; where it is widely used, Meta's policies and the local data protection law both apply to business messaging.
Some Asian markets operate do-not-call registers for marketing calls and messages, so lists should be checked before voice campaigns.
Advertising Rules
Advertising should follow the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice administered by ASAS, including guidelines on interactive and influencer marketing.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Singapore
Organisations sending SMS with alphanumeric sender IDs in Singapore must register with the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) run under IMDA; messages from unregistered IDs are flagged as likely scams.
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Singapore
WhatsApp is widely used in Singapore.
Read the guide →Voice Call in Singapore
Marketing calls to Singapore numbers must be checked against the Do Not Call Registry under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), unless clear and unambiguous consent has been obtained..
Read the guide →RCS in Singapore
RCS business messaging support in Singapore depends on operators and devices; Do Not Call and consent requirements still apply..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Singapore
Singapore has near-universal smartphone use, and WhatsApp is the main messaging app for customers and businesses. Organisations sending SMS with alphanumeric sender IDs must register them with the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) run by IMDA; unregistered sender IDs are labelled 'Likely-SCAM'. The national Do Not Call Registry must be checked before marketing calls and texts.
PayNow, cards and digital wallets dominate payments. Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, the Great Singapore Sale and the 11.11 sale are key periods.
Singapore's economy is a regional hub for finance, shipping, trade, technology and biomedical manufacturing, with many Asia-Pacific headquarters. GST is 9% since January 2024. The Personal Data Protection Act requires consent for marketing, and the Do Not Call provisions mean marketing calls and texts to Singapore numbers must be checked against the registry unless there is clear consent. English is the business language, and Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are also official.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Singapore
Singapore's PDPC runs the Do Not Call Registry, and the SMS Sender ID Registry is mandatory.
Unregistered sender IDs are labelled "Likely-SCAM".
Singapore's PDPA includes Do Not Call provisions: marketing calls and SMS to Singapore numbers must be checked against the DNC Registry unless the person gave clear consent. Since January 2023, all organisations sending SMS with alphanumeric sender IDs must register them with the SMS Sender ID Registry run by IMDA, and messages from unregistered IDs are marked "Likely-SCAM". Singtel, StarHub, M1 and SIMBA are the operators.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Practical Details
Country code +65; time zone Asia/Singapore; currency Singapore dollar (SGD).
Cities we cover in Singapore
General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.
Compliance in Singapore: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Singapore?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Singapore?
Websites collecting personal data must comply with the PDPA, including notification, consent, purpose limitation and protection obligations.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Singapore
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