On January 26, 2026, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) issued an official announcement stating that, in line with its obligations under the Stockholm Convention, it will impose a nationwide ban on the manufacture, import, and export of three specific categories of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and related products, effective December 16, 2026.
The specific chemicals subject to this ban include:
- Chlorpyrifos
- Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins with chain lengths at least C14 but not exceeding C17 (MCCPs) and chlorination levels ≥ 45% chlorine by weight
- Long‑chain perfluorocarboxylic acids with chain lengths at least C9 but not exceeding C21, their salts and related compounds (LC‑PFCAs)
Background
Singapore is a Party to the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of POPs. At the Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention in 2025, the aforementioned chemicals were officially added to Annex A (the list for elimination) of the Convention, though specific exemptions for certain uses are permitted. The notification of the relevant amendments was formally deposited on December 16, 2025. According to the Convention's provisions, these amendments will enter into force for all Parties one year after the notification date, i.e., on December 16, 2026.
Transitional Arrangements and Subsequent Assessment
The announcement indicates that existing stock of the aforementioned chemicals and related products that businesses have legally imported before the effective date (December 16, 2026) may still be sold after the ban takes effect.
Furthermore, NEA is studying and assessing whether the specific-use exemption provisions stipulated for these chemicals in the Stockholm Convention are applicable to local industries in Singapore. NEA has committed to providing further details on the final exemptions applicable locally (if any) in due course.
The introduction of this ban marks a significant step for Singapore in strengthening chemical safety management, protecting the environment and public health. It also reflects the country's commitment to actively participate in and strictly enforce the Stockholm Convention. Relevant industries and businesses are advised to closely monitor subsequent guidance and proactively adjust their operations and supply chains to ensure a smooth transition and full compliance with the new regulatory requirements.
