The Private Columbaria (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was published in the Government Gazette and came into force today.

The amendment ordinance helps to enhance the current regulatory regime on private columbaria and strengthen the protection of consumers' interests.

One of the primary purposes of the amendment ordinance is to provide “pre-cut-off columbaria” an additional option to make new applications for exemption.

“Pre-cut-off columbaria” are those that were in operation and had ashes interred in them before the announcement of the proposal to establish a licensing regime at 8am on June 18, 2014. Once successfully obtaining an exemption through the new application, they can retain niches they sold before the enactment of the ordinance.

The amendment ordinance enhances enforcement-related provisions for greater deterrent effect, including the introduction of new offences that prohibit overselling niches and over-placing ashes.

Additionally, the amendment ordinance requires the Private Columbaria Appeal Board to only receive and consider new materials not previously provided to the Licensing Board upon special grounds being shown in order to ensure the adoption of a consistent standard by appeal panels.

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