Singapore Regulatory News

On 15 March 2024, Singapore has announced plans to phase out the use of firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed under the Stockholm Convention. Singapore is a p...

On 15 March 2024, Singapore has announced plans to phase out the use of firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed under the Stockholm Convention. Singapore is a party to the Stockholm Convention which aims to eliminate Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as PFAS.

Implementation and Threshold Limits

Effective from 1 January 2026, Singapore will phase out the import and use of fire-fighting foams containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), along with their salts and related compounds. However, companies can continue to use these foams after 1 January 2026 if the concentrations of trace contaminants in them are below certain threshold limits: 25 ppb for PFOA and 10,000 ppb for PFOS. For perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and related compounds the threshold limit is 100 ppb.

Mandatory Compliance Measures

Companies storing or using firefighting foams containing PFOA, PFOA and PFHxS above the threshold concentrations are required to engage Toxic Industrial Waste Collectors (TIWCs) licensed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for the safe collection and disposal of these chemicals. Traders are also advised to use appropriate Harmonized System (HS) and product codes when declaring imports and exports of affected materials in TradeNet® permit applications. Applications will be subject to processing and approval by the Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD).

A list of HS and product codes of the affected materials can be found in the table below:

Conclusion

This announcement demonstrates Singapore's commitment to environmental protection and is in line with global efforts to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in fire-fighting foams. For further enquiries, stakeholders can contact Ms. Nikki Lee via email at Nikki_Lee@nea.gov.sg.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore launched a public consultation on 18 January 2024. The consultation seeks public input on the proposed regulation of medium-chain chlorinated paraffi...

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore launched a public consultation on 18 January 2024. The consultation seeks public input on the proposed regulation of medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) and nine mercury-added products under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations (EPM(HS) Regulations). The consultation closes on 15 February 2024.

Aim of the consultation

As a signatory to the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, Singapore is committed to reducing the use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury emissions. As the competent authority, NEA ensures compliance with these international agreements.

NEA's primary objective with the proposed controls is to regulate two groups of chemicals and nine mercury-added products by classifying them as hazardous substances. This is in line with international obligations under the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, which aim to reduce the environmental and health risks posed by these substances.

Two groups of chemicals proposed for control

NEA has identified two groups of chemicals to be regulated:

• Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs): Chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths in the range C14-C17 and chlorination level equal to or exceeding 45 % chlorine by weight. MCCPs are considered to be persistent and may be long-range transported in the environment.

• Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs): Perfluorocarboxylic acids with chain lengths in the range C9-C21, their salts and related compounds. LC-PFCAs are characterised by their persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment. Moreover, long-chain PFCAs, their salts and related compounds may be long-range transported in the environment.

MCCPs and LC-PFCAs are expected to be added to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to be held in 2025. NEA plans to introduce strict controls on the import, export, and use of these chemicals, allowing current operations under specific licences until a ban by the Stockholm Convention is adopted in 2025.

Proposed controls on mercury-added products

NEA also focuses on nine specific mercury-added products to be phased out by the end of 2024. These products, which include certain types of lamps, measuring devices, and electronic components, are recognised as being harmful to the environmental because they can release mercury.

The list includes the following products:

• Compact fluorescent lamps with an integrated ballast (CFL.i) for general lighting purposes that are ≤ 30 watts with a mercury content not exceeding 5 mg per lamp burner 

• Cold cathode fluorescent lamps and external electrode fluorescent lamps of all lengths for electronic displays

• Mercury vacuum pumps

• Tyre balancers and wheel weights

• Photographic film and paper

• Propellant for satellites and spacecraft 

The full list of products is available here. The ban on their manufacture, import, and export will take effect from 1 January 2025.

Call for public participation

Feedback to the consultation can be submitted via NEA’s online form here or by sending an email to Primus_ONG@nea.gov.sg and Nikki_LEE@nea.gov.sg by 15 February 2024.  NEA looking for clear, concise, and constructive comments. Respondents are encouraged to identify their affiliations and provide substantiated suggestions or data to enrich the consultation process. 

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is seeking feedback on proposed regulations regarding formaldehyde content in paints. The aim is to restrict the availability (both in retail stores ...

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is seeking feedback on proposed regulations regarding formaldehyde content in paints. The aim is to restrict the availability (both in retail stores and online) of formaldehyde-containing paints that are intended for indoor use. The consultation closes on 13 December 2023.

Formaldehyde (CAS No. 50-00-0)) is widely used in the manufacture of resins, as a disinfectant, or as a preservative in building materials. It is added to paints to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause adverse health effects.

The following controls have been proposed by NEA:

• Only indoor paints without added formaldehyde will be allowed to be sold in Singapore (the measured formaldehyde content must be less than 0.01 % w/w).

• A Hazardous Substance (HS) licence will be required for companies manufacturing and/or importing indoor paints with added formaldehyde for export or re-export purposes.

• Labelling requirements will be imposed on industrial paints and outdoor paints containing formaldehyde.

The proposed controls are expected to take effect from 1 July 2025 to allow industry time to prepare.

On 24 July 2023, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) announced that the listings for four substances (dechlorane plus, methoxychlor, UV-328, and terbufos) will be changed due to the decisi...

On 24 July 2023, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) announced that the listings for four substances (dechlorane plus, methoxychlor, UV-328, and terbufos) will be changed due to the decision at the 11^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (COP11). Currently the four substances are regulated under the Hazardous Substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations

COP11 meeting

At the 11^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (COP11) in May 2023 it was decided to add dechlorane plus, methoxychlor and UV-328 to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).  Annex A lists the chemicals for which Parties must take action to eliminate their production and use. Details about the three substances can be found here.

It was furthermore decided to list Terbufos in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. Annex III lists the chemicals that are subject to the prior informed consent (PIC) procedure. Terbufos is a soil insecticide used commonly on sorghum, maize, beet and potatoes and is known to pose a high to extremely high risk to aquatic organisms, birds, and small mammals due to its toxicity.

Timeline

22 October 2023: From this date the import and export of Terbufos will be subject to the PIC procedure of the Rotterdam Convention. This means that prior approval must be obtained from the Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD) for every export of the chemical. Furthermore, the CCMD must be notified at least one month prior to the expected date of export.

12 May 2024: The manufacture, import, and export of dechlorane plus, methoxychlor, and UVA-328 as well as products containing these chemicals will not be allowed in Singapore. Companies with existing stock of the chemicals and/or their products imported before this date are allowed to deplete their stocks locally.

Singapore has recently updated its standards for chemical classifications, labelling, and safety data sheets (SDSs) to conform to the seventh version of the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) o...

Singapore has recently updated its standards for chemical classifications, labelling, and safety data sheets (SDSs) to conform to the seventh version of the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of chemical classification and labelling. These updates, which took effect on February 6th, are mandatory for companies involved in the manufacture, import, supply, use, or handling of hazardous substances in Singapore.

They are outlined in Singapore Standard (SS) 586 and changes include:

-  increased labelling and training requirements,

-  the addition of a new appendix with guidance on labelling for small containers,

- alignment with GHS requirements for toxicity values,

- revised SDS requirements,

- the addition of a new appendix providing guidance on describing and determining the empirical data of a substance or mixture,

- an updated annex that permits the use of generic and masking names to safeguard confidential business information (CBI).

To read more about Singapore chemical regulation and news related to it, click here: https://www.gpcgateway.com/common/regulation/NDQ-/U2luZ2Fwb3Jl

Singapore proposes to regulate 12 new chemicals and chemical groups under the Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) Regulations (FS (P&FM) Regs). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) ha...

Singapore proposes to regulate 12 new chemicals and chemical groups under the Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) Regulations (FS (P&FM) Regs).

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has identified 12 chemicals and chemical groups as chemicals and precursors under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which are currently regulated by Singapore Customs through the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act (CWPA) and the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Regulations. From July 2023, SCDF will also be regulating these 12 chemicals and chemical groups under the FS (P&FM) Regs, which will require companies to apply for a P&FM licence for the import, storage, transport or conveyance by pipeline of these chemicals. This will help minimize the domestic security and safety risks posed by these chemicals and serve the objective of safeguarding public health and safety.

Chemicals proposed:

In October 2022 the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore presented a list of 26 chemicals and chemical groups it proposes to control as hazardous substances under the Environmental Protectio...

In October 2022 the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore presented a list of 26 chemicals and chemical groups it proposes to control as hazardous substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) (EPM(HS)) Regulations. Previously, these 26 substances have been regulated by Singapore Customs under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act (CWPA) and Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Regulations (CWPR). However, the NEA intends to strengthen the regulatory controls over the import, export, manufacture, offer for sale, transport, purchase, storage and/or use of these chemicals to ensure that they are managed in an environmentally sound manner.

The presentation comes after a three-week public consultation that took place during summer 2022. The respondents were generally supportive of the proposed control of the 26 chemicals as hazardous substances. The NEA intends to announce the regulatory changes formally by December 2022 and the changes are expected to be implemented 6 months later by June 2023.

Stakeholders must possess a valid hazardous substance license or permit to perform the specified activities involving the chemicals proposed to be controlled by June 2023. The licenses and permits will be available from 1 January 2023. Companies that wish to import/export, store, use, and/or supply any hazardous substance controlled under the EPMA must apply for a Hazardous Substance License. Any person that wishes to purchase, store, and/or use any hazardous substance controlled under the EPMA must apply for a Hazardous Substance Permit.

The substances on the list include neurotoxins such as Sarin, Samon, Saxitoxin, and Ricin and other warfare agents such as lewisites but also substances with industrial usage. In order to balance the regulatory burden on the industry with the environmentally sound management of the hazardous substances, the NEA is presently examining the possibility to grant exemptions from regulatory controls when the substances are present in low concentrations or as impurities. Companies may submit data such as safety data sheets and analytical data relevant to the examination to the NEA.

The list of hazardous chemicals proposed to be controlled include some chemical groups such as lewisites and nitrogen mustards. It is therefore more than 26 distinct chemicals that will be controlled as hazardous substances. The NEA will provide a list of the chemicals and their CAS Registry numbers that belong to these groups. As the list will not be complete, companies may consult with the NEA if more information is needed.