Singapore Singapore Local Interview Results: Chemical Regulations

Singapore Local Interview Results: Chemical Regulations

In 2023, an EnviX researcher held an online meeting with multiple officials from the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) to discuss hazardous substance regulations under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA). From March 1, 2023, under the EPMA and its sub-regulations, the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulation (hereinafter referred to as the EPM (HS) Regulation), five substances, including Dechlorane Plus and UV-328, have been newly regulated in Singapore. During the meeting, we also asked about the implementation status of the Stockholm Convention in Singapore and whether molded products are subject to regulation, which many companies have asked us about.

 

Here is the questions list:

  • Q: What substances are selected for regulation in EPMA?
  • Q: What are the differences between the hazardous substances defined in the EPMA and the EPM (HS) Regulations?
  • Q: Are the two types of EPMA exemptions (exemptions specified for each substance in the second column of Part 1 of Schedule 2 and general exemptions in Part 2 of Schedule 2) also applicable to the EPM (HS) Regulations?
  • Q: Will the substances listed in Schedule A of the Stockholm Convention be prohibited from being manufactured, imported or sold even if they are licensed in Singapore?
  • Q: Am I right to understand that EPMA regulates chemical products? We consider "articles" to be out of scope.
  • Q: Are there any new substances being considered for regulation?
  • Q: Are there any plans to build an existing chemical substance inventory and introduce a new chemical substance management system, as is being considered in Thailand and Vietnam?
  • Q: Do you plan to actively regulate articles in the future?
  • Q: In the case of molded products, how should the emergency response plan and CSC/PE certification of bulk/fixed storage tanks required when applying for a license be prepared?
  • Q: How do you check for regulatory compliance? When importing products, how do you make sure that a company that should obtain a license has actually obtained one?

 

The main results are summarized below.

 

Author / Responsibility

AOKI Kenji

Senior Consultant, EnviX Ltd.
General Director, E&H Consulting Co., Ltd.

Business Performance

Expertise in EHS (environment, health and safety) consulting in ASEAN region.
- Environmental regulations updating
- Chemical regulations consulting

Background

MSc in Earth Science, The University of Tokyo

AOKI Kenji