Strengthening regulatory standards for WEEE-covered products

On May 25, 2023, Singapore’s Resource Sustainability (Prescribed Regulated Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 were published. The “Resource Sustainability (Prescribed Regulated Products) Regulations 2019” are modified by these regulations for WEEE-covered products, as well as the supply thresholds for customers who must take part in the Producer Responsibility System (PRS). On July 1, 2023, the Regulations shall go into effect.

The supply thresholds required to join the newly defined PRS are shown in the table below. 1 to 4 and 10 to 14 were previously described as 10 tons and 100 tons, but this amendment clarified that the total of 1 to 4 is 10 tons and the total of 10 to 14 is 100 tons. In addition, 8 and 9 had previously been 2.5 tons and 1 ton, respectively, but with this amendment, the total weight of 8 and 9 was strengthened to 500 kg.

A compliance year is a time frame that runs from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next. If the consumer regulated product is delivered above the established threshold on average for each year of the calculated period immediately before the compliance year, it will be obliged to join PRS.

• Regarding the compliance year from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022 — 2020
• Regarding the compliance year from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023 — 2020 and 2021
• For all compliance years after July 1, 2023 — 3 calendar years

Amended Regulations on Packaging: – 

The Resource Sustainability (Packaging Reporting) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, which modify the Resource Sustainability (Packaging Reporting) Regulations 2020 and outline the reporting requirements for packaging materials, were also promulgated on May 25, 2023. There have been significant changes made to enable for postponing the deadline for submitting packaging reports and 3R plans. The annual deadline for submitting packaging reports and 3R plans is March 31; however, in some circumstances, the NEA may allow for late submissions. The Rules become effective on May 26, 2023.