News Details

Singapore, April 2026. Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced new controls on six additional mercury-added lighting products, classifying them as Hazardous Substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (EPMA). The measure introduces a phased ban on the import, export, and manufacture of these products, with implementation deadlines set for 1 January 2027 and 1 January 2028.

Relevant background and regulatory context

The new controls are part of Singapore’s obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which aims to reduce global mercury emissions and protect human health and the environment. NEA, as the competent authority for the Convention, has already phased out several mercury-added lighting products under earlier measures. The current update follows decisions adopted at the fifth Conference of the Parties (COP-5) in October 2023, where additional mercury-containing lighting products were approved for global phase-out timelines.

What the measure does

The circular introduces regulatory control over six additional categories of mercury-added lighting products used for general lighting purposes. These products will be progressively prohibited from being imported, exported, or manufactured in Singapore. The phase-out is structured in two stages, reflecting different product categories and timelines agreed under the Minamata Convention.

Products banned from 1 January 2027

From 1 January 2027, four categories of mercury-added lighting products will be prohibited. These include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs exceeding 30 watts), CFLs with non-integrated ballasts of 30 watts or below within specified mercury thresholds, and certain linear and non-linear fluorescent lamps using halophosphate phosphors. These categories primarily cover legacy fluorescent lighting technologies still present in commercial and residential use. Existing stocks imported before this date may continue to be used and sold locally until they are depleted, providing a limited transition period.

Products banned from 1 January 2028

A second phase of restrictions will take effect from 1 January 2028, covering two additional categories of mercury-added lighting products. These include linear fluorescent lamps using triband phosphor technology across different wattage and mercury content ranges, as well as non-linear variants such as U-bend and circular lamps. This staged approach reflects the continued market presence of certain lamp types and provides additional time for transition to mercury-free alternatives.

HS codes and product classification requirements

The circular introduces detailed HS codes and product codes to support implementation. Traders will be required to declare the correct HS codes and product codes when submitting import and export permit applications through the TradeNet system. Updated codes will apply from 2027 and will be further revised in 2028 to reflect expanded controls. The annexes also revise classifications for cold cathode fluorescent lamps and external electrode fluorescent lamps used in electronic displays, ensuring greater clarity and consistency in regulatory reporting.

Regulatory control and permit requirements

All import and export permit applications for the affected products will be subject to review and approval by NEA’s Chemical Control and Management Department. This ensures that trade in controlled mercury-added products is closely monitored and aligned with Singapore’s regulatory and environmental objectives.

Transitional arrangements

The measure allows for continued use and sale of existing stock imported before the respective phase-out dates. This avoids immediate disruption while ensuring a gradual transition away from mercury-containing lighting technologies. However, no new import, export, or manufacturing activities will be permitted after the applicable deadlines for each product category.

Why this matters for industry

For manufacturers, importers, and distributors, the new controls require a review of product portfolios and supply chains. Businesses will need to identify affected products, transition toward mercury-free alternatives such as LED lighting, and ensure compliance with updated declaration requirements. The phased implementation provides predictability, but also reinforces the direction of travel toward stricter chemical controls and environmentally sustainable product design.

Next steps

The controls will take effect in two stages, on 1 January 2027 and 1 January 2028. Companies should begin preparing by phasing out affected products, updating internal compliance processes, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure alignment with the new regulatory requirements.