Singapore Reach Regulation For Various Sectors

Chemical Regulation

WHICH IS THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY? Regulatory Authorities in the Chemical Regulation of Singapore are National Environment Agency (NEA) and The Ministry of Manpower. The requirements of National Environment Agency (NEA) are the authority to regulate some environmentally harmful substances. A Hazardous Substances Licence, Permit, or Transport Approval may be required anyone who desires to import, sell, export, purchase, use, or transport any prohibited hazardous substance. However, the regulation of the Ministry of Manpower require employers to communicate chemical hazard information to workers and reduce chemical exposure. The regulation of National Environment Agency (NEA) are Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations and Environmental Protection and Management (Ozone Depleting Substances) Regulations. Whereas, the regulation of the Ministry of Manpower are Work Safety and Health Act and SS 586 on Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods. Hazardous Chemical Regulations The Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) imposes licensing restrictions on hazardous chemicals. Unauthorized persons are prevented from handling hazardous substances, and necessary measures are always taken during the handling of the substances to prevent and reduce unintentional releases. The Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) imposes licensing restrictions. Unauthorized persons are prevented from handling such substances, and necessary measures are always taken during the handling of the substances to prevent and reduce unintentional releases. 1. Hazardous Substances License A License is mandatory for anyone who desires to import, sell, or export hazardous substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA). A License will be issued to a person who can demonstrate that: • The Hazardous Substances will be stored safely in an approved location and in accordance with all storage requirements. • The use of the Hazardous Substances in the factory has been approved. • The person has taken and passed the Management of Hazardous Substances Course offered by an accredited list of training providers); and • His academic qualification must be at least a technical diploma. 2. Control of Transport Approval A Transport Approval is required for anyone who desires to transport hazardous substances in quantities greater than those stipulated in the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulation. The limitations range from zero kilograms to 1000 kg for extremely dangerous substances like pesticides containing organochlorines for corrosives like Sulphuric acid. If a person has a license to handle hazardous substances and can present proof that the hazardous substances will be transported safely and in accordance with all transportation standards, they will be granted a Transport Approval. 3. Controlling Import The most effective step of control to ensure that all chemicals entering Singapore can and will be securely controlled and managed is at the import stage. All Hazardous Substances mentioned in the Second Schedule of the Act must be certified by Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD) under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA). CCMD will approve the import only if: • the Hazardous Substances are stated in the importer's licence, • there is a valid transport approval for the Hazardous Substances if the Hazardous Substances are to be transported out of the port.