The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has launched a public consultation to seek feedback on the proposed regulation of Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat, and Paraquat salts in all concentrations and all preparation forms as hazardous substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and its related regulations. This consultation, open from February 27 to March 27, 2025, invites stakeholders to share their views on these proposed controls.
Background on Chlorpyrifos and Paraquat
Chlorpyrifos (CAS No 2921-88-2) is an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used to control various insect pests in agriculture. However, concerns have been raised about its persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health. Similarly, Paraquat (CAS No 1910-42-5) is a herbicide known for its efficacy in weed control but poses significant toxicity risks if mishandled.
International Assessments and Recommendations
In September 2024, the Rotterdam Convention’s Chemical Review Committee (CRC) evaluated both Chlorpyrifos and Paraquat and determined that they met the criteria for inclusion in Annex III of the Convention under the pesticide category. This inclusion would subject these chemicals to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, thereby promoting shared responsibility for their international trade. Proposals to list these substances will be discussed at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP-12) to the Rotterdam Convention, which will take place from April 28 to May 9, 2025.
In addition, the Stockholm Convention’s Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) identified Chlorpyrifos as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) in September 2024. The committee noted its high toxicity to aquatic invertebrates and potential adverse effects on mammals. As a result, the POPRC will recommend to the COP-12 of the Stockholm Convention that Chlorpyrifos be listed in Annex A with the aim of eliminating of its production and use, with specific exemptions for certain pest and crop control applications.
Proposed Regulatory Changes in Singapore
In line with these international developments, NEA proposes to regulate Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat, and Paraquat salts at all concentration levels and in all preparation forms as hazardous substances under the EPMA and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations. Currently, these chemicals are regulated with certain exemptions based on concentration and preparation forms. The proposed amendments aim to remove these exclusions and list Chlorpyrifos separately as a specific hazardous substance, rather than grouping it under phosphorus compounds.
Under these proposed controls, activities involving these chemicals - including manufacture, import, export, purchase, sale, use, transport, and storage - would require a Hazardous Substances Licence or Permit from NEA. NEA plans to gazette these regulatory changes by May 2025, followed by a six-month transition period before they come into force in October 2025.
Call for Public Feedback
NEA is seeking feedback on the potential impacts of these proposed controls, the requirement for Prior Informed Consent for transboundary movements of these chemicals, and a potential future ban on Chlorpyrifos if adopted by the Stockholm Convention. Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback by March 27, 2025.
This consultation underscores Singapore's commitment to protecting the environment and public health by aligning its regulatory framework with international standards on hazardous substances.
