Singapore | National Environment Agency Seeks Public Input on Proposed Regulation of Hazardous Chemicals and Mercury-Added Products

The Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) has initiated a public consultation period from January 18 to February 15, 2024, to gather feedback on its proposal to regulate two groups of chemicals and nine mercury-added products as hazardous substances (HS).

Objective and Background: NEA aims to implement controls under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations for chemicals recognized as highly toxic, persistent, and environmentally harmful. The proposed regulations align with international obligations as Singapore is a party to the Stockholm Convention and the Minamata Convention.

Proposed Control on 2 Groups of Chemicals: NEA proposes regulatory measures on Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) and Long-Chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (LC-PFCAs), anticipating recommendations for their elimination under the Stockholm Convention. The controls cover various aspects such as import, export, manufacture, sale, transport, purchase, storage, and use.

Proposed Control on 9 Mercury-Added Products: NEA plans to regulate and phase out nine mercury-added products by the end of 2024, in line with the Minamata Convention. These include items like compact fluorescent lamps, strain gauges, mercury vacuum pumps, and photographic film. The manufacture, import, and export of these products will be prohibited from January 1, 2025.

Timeline and Request for Feedback: The regulatory changes are expected to be gazetted by June 2024, with a six-month transitional period before enforcement begins in January 2025. NEA encourages stakeholders and the public to provide feedback by February 15, 2024.

MORE INFO AT reach.gov.sg