Singapore

Small Claims Limitation Period in Singapore

6 years

Limitation period

S$20,000

Maximum claim (standard)

S$30,000

Maximum claim (if both parties agree in writing)

The Short Answer

The limitation period for small claims in Singapore is 6 years from the date the cause of action accrues, per section 6(1) of the Limitation Act 1959.

What the Law Says

The statute of limitations for small claims in Singapore is governed by the general limitation rules in the Limitation Act 1959, not by the Small Claims Tribunals Act. There is no separate or shortened limitation period for claims filed at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT).

Section 6(1) of the Limitation Act 1959 states that actions founded on contract or tort must be brought within 6 years from the date on which the cause of action accrued. This applies equally to claims filed at the SCT, as confirmed by the SCT’s Practice Directions and judicial interpretation.

The Small Claims Tribunals Act (Cap. 300) establishes the SCT’s jurisdiction and procedure but does not modify limitation periods. The SCT’s jurisdictional cap (S$20,000, or S$30,000 with mutual written consent under section 12(1)) is distinct from the time limit for filing.

Statutory Text
An action founded on contract or on tort shall not be brought after the expiration of 6 years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.
— Limitation Act 1959, s 6(1)

What to Do

Identify the date the cause of action accrued — e.g., breach of contract date, date of defective goods delivery, or date of service failure.

File your claim at the Small Claims Tribunal via the Community Mediation Centres (CMC) or online via the State Courts’ eLitigation portal before the 6-year deadline expires.

Sources

statuteLimitation Act 1959 statuteSmall Claims Tribunals Act (Cap. 300)

Small Claims Limitation Period in Singapore

What the Law Says

What to Do

Sources

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