On August 19, 2024, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) designated six mercury-containing products as hazardous under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), marking a step towards their phased elimination. This initiative, aligning with global environmental efforts, will accept public consultations until September 19, 2024.
As a participant in the Minamata Convention, Singapore aims to curb mercury pollution from human activities. Following decisions from the convention's fifth meeting, these products have been identified for regulation due to their high toxicity and potential for bioaccumulation.
Effective January 1, 2027, the following mercury-containing products are banned from production, import, and export:
- 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.
Effective January 1, 2028, the following mercury-containing lamps will be prohibited:
5. Non-linear triphosphor lamps for general lighting (e.g., U-shaped and circular);
6. Linear triphosphor lamps for general lighting, specified as:
a. Below 60 watts, mercury ≤ 5 mg;
b. 60 watts or more, mercury ≤ 5 mg;
c. 60 watts or more, mercury > 5 mg.
NEA plans to announce legislative revisions in 2026, followed by a two-year transition period. The updated law is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027 or 2028.
