Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) will progressively discontinue the manufacture, import, export, and use of chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs with chlorine content of at least 45% by weight), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), including products containing these substances. This phase-out will take effect from 16 December 2026 under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), in line with Singapore’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
On 26 January 2026, the NEA released a circular announcing regulatory measures to eliminate chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC-PFCAs from Singapore’s domestic market. The update reflects recent amendments to the Stockholm Convention and reinforces Singapore’s commitment to aligning its chemical management framework with international POPs controls, with the objective of removing these hazardous substances from trade and use.
Background
The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty aimed at eliminating or restricting chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate, and pose risks to human health and ecosystems. Following international decisions to designate chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC-PFCAs as POPs, the NEA is implementing corresponding controls under the EPMA and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. These measures ensure Singapore’s compliance with its international commitments while strengthening domestic protections against harmful chemicals.
Substances Covered
The phase-out applies to the following POPs, with the NEA providing technical clarifications to define the regulatory scope:
-
Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths from C14 to C17 and chlorination levels of at least 45% by weight
-
Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids with carbon chain lengths from C9 to C21, including their salts and related compounds
-
Chlorpyrifos
From 16 December 2026 onward, the manufacture, import, export, and sale of these substances, as well as products containing them, will be prohibited in Singapore.
Compliance and Implementation
Affected businesses must align their operations with the NEA’s phase-out timeline by discontinuing the manufacture, import, and use of the listed substances. Companies holding existing inventories should assess their supply chains and transition to compliant alternatives. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action under the EPMA. Any remaining stocks must be disposed of through licensed toxic industrial waste collectors in accordance with regulatory requirements.
