These mistakes seem small but will get your EEG application rejected instantly.
Pitfall 1: No Pre-Approved Equipment for Your Sector
The mistake: Applying for EEG from a newly eligible sector without checking whether pre-approved equipment exists for your sector.
Why it fails: From 7 April 2026, all sectors are eligible for EEG Base Tier. However, pre-approved equipment lists currently only exist for the original 6 sectors (Construction, Manufacturing, Food Services, Retail, Maritime, Data Centres). If your sector doesn’t have pre-approved equipment listed on GoBusiness yet, your application cannot proceed.
The fix: Check the GoBusiness EEG equipment list for your sector before applying. If no equipment is listed, wait for MTI to release details for newly eligible sectors (expected later in 2026).
Pitfall 2: Equipment Not Pre-Approved
The mistake: Buying energy-efficient equipment that isn’t on the EEG pre-approved list.
Why it fails: Unlike EDG where you can propose custom solutions, EEG only covers equipment from the pre-approved catalog. A 5-star energy rating doesn’t automatically qualify.
The fix: Always check the GoBusiness Gov Assist catalog BEFORE getting quotations. Confirm the exact model and vendor are listed.
Pitfall 3: Pre-Payment or Signed Contracts
The mistake: Signing the vendor contract or paying a deposit to “secure” the equipment before submitting your application.
Why it fails: EEG has the same strict pre-payment rule as PSG. Any of these before application submission disqualifies you:
- Signed purchase agreement
- Deposit paid
- Down payment made
The fix: Submit application → Wait for approval → Then sign and pay.
Pitfall 4: Multiple Equipment Types in One Application
The mistake: Bundling different equipment types (e.g., LED lights + air-conditioning + refrigerator) in a single application.
Why it fails: Each application must be for ONE equipment type/model. Different equipment = different applications.
The fix: Submit separate applications for each equipment type. Yes, it’s more work, but it’s required.
Pitfall 5: Deployment Location Mismatch
The mistake: Installing equipment at a location different from your ACRA-registered address without documentation.
Why it fails: EEG requires proof that equipment will be used in Singapore at a valid business location. If your deployment address differs from ACRA, you need supporting documents.
The fix: Prepare tenancy agreement, utility bills, or other proof for the deployment location.
Sector-Specific Gotchas
Data Centre Users
- 30% local shareholding requirement is waived
- Equipment must be hosted at a commercial data centre in Singapore
Food Services
- Must have valid SFA license
- SSIC code must be 56 or 68104
Maritime
- Harbourcraft companies: Must be licensed by MPA
- Port companies: Must have specific SSIC codes
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before clicking submit:
- SSIC code matches eligible sectorsNot completed
- Equipment is on pre-approved listNot completed
- No contracts signedNot completed
- No payments madeNot completed
- One equipment type per applicationNot completed
- Deployment location documentedNot completed
- Quotation includes cost breakdownNot completed
- Product brochure attachedNot completed
Related Guides
-
EEG Efficiency Standards: Understanding EnterpriseSG Requirements
-
Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
-
Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
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