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In order to begin the process of phased removal, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) classified six goods containing mercury as hazardous on August 19, 2024, in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA).
Singapore attempts to mitigate mercury contamination resulting from human activities as a signatory to the Minamata Convention. Due to their high toxicity and potential for bioaccumulation, these goods have been designated for regulation in accordance with decisions made at the convention’s fifth meeting.
The following items containing mercury are prohibited from being produced, imported, or exported as of January 1, 2027:
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) over 30 watts;
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL.ni) up to 30 watts with less than 5 mg of mercury per bulb;
- Linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) up to 40 watts with less than 10 mg of mercury;
- Halophosphate phosphor non-linear fluorescent lamps, such as U-shaped and circular types.
The following lights that contain mercury will not be allowed as of January 1, 2028:
- Non-linear triphosphor lamps for general lighting (e.g., U-shaped and circular);
- Linear triphosphor lamps for general lighting, specified as:
- Below 60 watts, mercury ≤ 5 mg;
- 60 watts or more, mercury ≤ 5 mg;
- 60 watts or more, mercury > 5 mg.
The NEA intends to declare changes to the law in 2026, and then there will be a two-year transition period. It is anticipated that the amended law will go into force on January 1, 2027, or 2028.