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• On 8 September 2025, Singapore notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/SGP/76) of a proposal to control six mercury-added lighting products as Hazardous Substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), to implement decisions adopted at Minamata Convention COP-5 (October 2023). Once the regulation takes effect, import, export, and manufacture of the listed products will not be allowed. The measure is planned for Gazette publication in Q2 2026, with phased prohibitions on 1 January 2027 and 1 January 2028. Stakeholders may submit comments until 7 November 2025.  

  Scope: Products and HS Codes 

  The proposal covers six categories of mercury-added lamps used for general lighting, with associated HS 2022 codes listed in the notification: 

  • Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) >30 W (e.g., 85393110, 85393130, 85393190, 85393910, 85393990). 
  • CFLs with non-integrated ballast (≤30 W; ≤5 mg Hg per burner) (e.g., 85393110, 85393190, 85393910, 85393990). 
  • Linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs), halophosphate (≤40 W; ≤10 mg Hg) and >40 W (e.g., 85393120). 
  • Non-linear fluorescent lamps (NFLs), halophosphate (e.g., U-bend/circular; 85393190, 85393990). 
  • NFLs, tri-band phosphor (e.g., U-bend/circular; 85393190, 85393990). 
  • LFLs, tri-band phosphor: <60 W (≤5 mg Hg), ≥60 W (≤5 mg Hg), and ≥60 W (>5 mg Hg) (e.g., 85393120).  

  Timeline and Entry into Force 

  • Adoption: To be determined; planned Gazette notice in Q2 2026. 
  • Prohibitions effective: 1 Jan 2027 (items S/N 1–4) and 1 Jan 2028 (items S/N 5–6). 
  • Comment window: Through 7 Nov 2025 (60 days from notification).  

  Legal Mechanism and Convention Alignment 

  Controls will be implemented under the EPMA and related hazardous substances regulations to fulfil Singapore’s obligations following the Minamata Convention amendments adopted at COP-5. The notification specifies no change to other existing EPMA requirements; the action specifically phases out the six mercury-added product categories listed above.  

  Compliance Implications for Industry 

  Once the regulation is in force, the listed lamps cannot be imported, exported, or manufactured in Singapore. Companies should: 

  • Audit inventories and SKUs against the six categories and HS codes. 
  • Plan product substitutions (e.g., mercury-free alternatives) to meet the 2027/2028 phase-out dates. 
  • Prepare licensing/permit adjustments as needed for any remaining hazardous-substance activities under EPMA (noting that the specific action here is a prohibition of import/export/manufacture for the listed products).  

  Next Steps and Contact 

  The National Environment Agency (NEA) is the responsible agency. Stakeholders should provide written comments by 7 November 2025 per the contact details in the WTO TBT notice. Final adoption and entry-into-force dates will be confirmed by Government Gazette notice ahead of the 2027/2028 milestones.  

On 28 April 2025, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of plans to tighten regulatory controls on two major agrochemicals: chlorpyrifos and paraquat (including all their salts and preparations). The proposed changes will be implemented through amendments to the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (EPMA) and related hazardous substances regulations. They are scheduled to enter into force by October 2025, in alignment with the relevant international conventions. 

This regulatory update is expected to impact importers, manufacturers, distributors, and users of these chemicals both within and beyond Singapore’s borders, signaling a shift in the region’s chemical governance that aligns with global environmental frameworks. 

New Hazardous Substances Classification under EPMA 

Under the forthcoming amendments, chlorpyrifos and paraquat (along with their associated salts) will officially be designated as hazardous substances under Singapore law. The chemicals will be added to the Second Schedule of the EPMA and to the Schedule of the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. These changes will apply to the chemicals at all concentrations and in all preparation forms. 

Once in effect, companies engaging in the import, export, manufacture, sale, transport, storage, or use of these substances will be required to obtain a Hazardous Substances (HS) License or Permit from NEA. 

Alignment with International Conventions 

The move comes as Singapore prepares to fulfill its anticipated obligations under the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions: 

• The Rotterdam Convention's Chemical Review Committee (CRC) has recommended listing chlorpyrifos and paraquat in Annex III, subjecting them to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure due to their classification as hazardous pesticides. 

• The Stockholm Convention's Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) has also found chlorpyrifos to be a persistent organic pollutant (POP), citing its high toxicity to aquatic invertebrates and potential harm to mammals. The POPRC recommends listing chlorpyrifos in Annex A of the Convention, targeting global elimination of its production and use, with limited exemptions. 

These developments are expected to be deliberated at the 12th Conferences of the Parties (COPs) for both conventions, which will take place between 28 April and 9 May 2025. 

Environmental and Health Risk Mitigation 

The proposed licensing requirements aim to mitigate the public health and environmental risks associated with these high-impact agrochemicals. Once enforced, the NEA will be able to: 

• Monitor the full life cycle of the chemicals—from import to end use. 

• Impose restrictions or eliminate use when needed. 

• Implement PIC obligations should the chemicals be formally listed in international treaties. 

Implications for Industry Stakeholders 

The regulatory changes will have significant implications for the agricultural, industrial, and chemical sectors operating in or trading with Singapore. Businesses dealing in chlorpyrifos or paraquat are urged to: 

• Review inventory and supply chains for compliance risks. 

• Begin preparing license applications. 

• Stay informed about international decisions at the upcoming COPs. 

Stakeholders have until 27 June 2025 (60 days from the date of notification) to submit comments on the proposal. The proposal  is expected to be officially adopted via government gazette in June 2025, with full enforcement planned for October 2025.