Singapore notifies WTO/TBT of enhanced control of 26 substances subject to Chemical Weapons Convention 
NOTE:
In Singapore, on 17 February 2023, the following four acts were promulgated to regulate substances subject to the Chemical Weapons Convention under the Environmental Protection and Management Act and the Fire Safety Act. See more details below:
Singapore adds substances subject to CWC into EPMA and FSA
On November 4, 2022, Singapore submitted a report to the WTO/TBT regarding two bills that amend the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. These bills newly regulate 26 substances that are mentioned in the Chemical Weapons Convention as hazardous substances (HS) under the Environmental Protection and Management Act and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. Opinions are being solicited for a period of 60 days. The amended bills were published in the Official Gazette in January 2023 and are expected to enter into force in July 2023. It should be noted that the original text of the bills has not been made public.
The original text of the report submitted to WTO/TBT concerning this matter can be viewed at the following URL: The controlled chemicals are listed in this report (although it is not a comprehensive list). However, the CAS registration numbers are not listed.
https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/t/G/TBTN22/SGP66.DOCX
If the amended bills are promulgated, it will be necessary to obtain a license or permit as follows before the effective date.
- Import, Export, Manufacture, Offer for Sale, Transport, Storage and Use of Controlled Substances – HS License
- Purchase, Storage and Use of Controlled Substances – HS Permit
Note that the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) initially announced its proposal to regulate the 26 substances mentioned in the Chemical Weapons Convention as hazardous substances that were reported to the WTO/TBT this month on the public comments solicitation site “REACH” on June 13, 2022, and solicited opinions for three weeks. The results of these public comments can be viewed from the following URL:
https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/Public-Consultation/National-Environment-Agency/Environmental-Protection/public-consultation-on-proposed-control-of-26-chemicals-as-hazardous-substances
