Singapore Strengthens Oversight of Hazardous Chemicals and Paint Products in 2026

SINGAPORE — Beginning January 2026, companies that possess or trade hazardous chemicals in Singapore will be required to report those substances to the National Environment Agency (NEA). The requirement serves as a pre-condition for licensing the manufacture and import of chemicals that are not currently regulated under other national frameworks.

Under the new rule, companies must declare chemicals that meet classification criteria defined by the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Reportable chemicals include substances with Category 1 or 2 acute toxicity, Category 1 aquatic toxicity (acute), or those classified as Category 1A, 1B, or 2 for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity. Chemicals that are persistent or highly bioaccumulative in the environment must also be reported. Chemical substances found in mixtures are subject to the same reporting requirements.

Companies manufacturing or importing less than one metric ton of a substance per year are exempt, as are chemicals already regulated under other national legislation, including the Environmental Protection and Management Act and the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act, Misuse of Drugs Act, and Poisons Act.

Additional exemptions apply to consumer products, non-isolated intermediates, naturally occurring substances, material impurities, and substances merely transiting through Singapore.

As part of the licensing and permit renewal process, companies must submit chemical identity information, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), maximum annual production or import quantity, and known intended uses.

Paint Products Face Stricter Formaldehyde Limits

Also taking effect in January 2026, paint products intended for indoor use must contain less than 0.01% weight-by-weight formaldehyde. Paint products with higher concentrations may only be marketed for outdoor or industrial application and must carry specific warning statement: “This paint contains formaldehyde. For application on outdoor areas or for industrial use only. Do not apply on indoor areas.” 

Trade, import, and export of paint products will require approval via Singapore’s TradeNet platform using designated Harmonized System (HS) codes. Companies will be required to maintain formaldehyde concentration testing results based on ISO 7012-2 or Chinese standard GB/T 34683 and provide them to NEA upon request.

Regulatory Trend & Industry

Singapore’s actions mirror a growing regional focus on hazardous substance governance. Neighboring countries, including China, South Korea and Vietnam, have tightened chemical reporting, environmental persistence criteria, and restrictions related to occupational exposure.

The information provided by industry would allow NEA greater oversight on the manufacture, import, and use of the chemicals in the country and potentially would allow NEA to take appropriate future actions.

Industry Implications

Industry groups have indicated that chemical identity tracking, risk assessments, and increased documentation may raise compliance costs. In the case of paint manufacturers, additional testing and/or supply chain certification and data retention would contribute to additional administrative burdens. Companies are advised to review Safety Data Sheets, assess product portfolios, conduct/ obtain testing results and establish compliance mechanisms ahead of the 2026 deadline.