News Details

Singapore, January 2026. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued an industry circular confirming the phase-out of chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins with chain lengths C14–C17 at chlorination levels of at least 45 percent by weight (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids C9–C21, their salts and related compounds (LC-PFCAs). Following the Depositary Notification on 16 December 2025, the amendments to the Stockholm Convention enter into force for Parties one year after notification.

What Changes

• Manufacturing, import, and export of chlorpyrifos, MCCPs (≥45 percent Cl), LC-PFCAs, and products containing these chemicals will not be allowed in Singapore from 16 December 2026. Companies may deplete existing stocks that were imported before that date. NEA is reviewing the relevance of specific-use exemptions permitted under the Convention and will announce any Singapore-applicable exemptions separately.

• All import and export declarations for affected items will be routed to NEA’s Chemical Control and Management Department via TradeNet. Traders must use the HS lines and NEA Product Codes listed in the circular’s Annex when lodging permit applications.

HS and Product Codes in the Annex

• Chlorpyrifos appears across pesticide tariff lines and as an organic chemical, mapped to Product Code PCDCHL119. Examples include HS 3808.93 (herbicides) and 3808.91 (insecticides), aerosol and non-aerosol formats.

• MCCPs (C14–C17, ≥45 percent Cl) are mapped to generic chemical preparations and typical use-cases, including paints and varnishes based on polyester or acrylic/vinyl polymers, lubricating preparations and additives, compound plasticisers, and laboratory reagents. Product Code PCDMCP112.

• LC-PFCAs (C9–C21), their salts and related compounds are identified by individual homologues with Product Codes PCDPCA111–124, covering both substance entries and laboratory reagents. Examples include PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA up through C21 species under HS 2915.90 and 3822.90.

Implementation and Compliance

From 16 December 2026, TradeNet permit applications that match the listed HS and Product Codes will require NEA approval. NEA provides officer contacts for regulatory queries and directs stakeholders to hazardous-substances guidance on its website; contact details and links are set out on page 2 of the circular.

Outlook for Industry

The circular operationalizes Singapore’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention and tightens market access for the listed POPs and their products. Companies should map portfolios against the Annex codes, plan stock depletion in line with the cut-off date, and prepare for permit routing and possible exemptions that NEA may confirm closer to entry into force.