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Editor's Note: This article was originally published in February 2025 to analyze the proposed control on 'Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat and Paraquat salts', and was updated on 29 April 2025 and 11 November 2025 to introduce the WTO notifications.
On November 10, 2025, Singapore's NEA notified the WTO of the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (Amendment of Second Schedule) (No. 5) Order 2025 and Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2025 to regulate 'Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat and Paraquat salts' as hazardous substances. Licensing controls apply.
According to the WTO Notification (G/TBT/N/SGP/75/Add.1), from February 27, 2026, importers, manufacturers, distributors, and users of these chemicals and products containing them will be required to apply for HS Licence/Permit/Approval for their import, export, sale, manufacture, transport, storage, and/or use.
Previous article in April 2025:
On April 28, 2025, Singapore's NEA notified WTO of the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (Amendment of Second Schedule) (No. 4) Order 2025 and Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2025. The NEA is proposing to regulate Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat and Paraquat salts at all concentrations and in all preparation forms as Hazardous Substances in Singapore, including:
S/N Chemical Name
Identity
CAS No. HS Code HS Description 1 Chlorpyrifos 2921-88-22 29333990 Other compounds with an unfused pyridine ring 38089130 Insecticides not specified in subheading note 1 or 2 of chap 38 in aerosol Containers 38089191 Other insecticides having deodorising function not specified in subheading note 1 or 2 of chap 38 38089199 Othe insecticides not having deodorising function not specified in subheading note 1 or 2 of chap 38 38089990 Rodenticides & similar products that are not specified in subheading note 1 or 2 of Chap 38 38089311 Herbicides not specified in subheading note 1 or 2 of chap 38 in aerosol containers 38089319 Herbicides not specified in subheading note 1 or 2 of chap 38 not in aerosol containers 2 Paraquat; its salts 4685-14-7
1910-42-5
27041-84-5
2074-59-2
29333930 Paraquat salts 38089311 Herbicides not specified in subheading Note 1 or 2 of chap 38 in aerosol containers 39089319 Herbicides not specified in subheading Note 1 or 2 of chap 38 not in aerosol containers
Once the proposal takes effect, importers, manufacturers, distributors and users of these chemicals and products containing them will be required to apply for a HS Licence/Permit for their import, export, sale, manufacturer, transport, storage and/or use. According to the WTO notification (G/TBT/N/SGP/75), the official notice is planned to be published in the Republic of Singapore's Government Gazette in June 2025 when adopted, and entry into force in October 2025.
Previous article in February 2025:
On February 27, 2025, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) initiated a public consultation on the proposed updates to the listing of Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat and Paraquat salts in the Second Schedule of the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and Schedule of the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations (a.k.a. EPM (HS) Regs). Feedback is welcome before until March 27, 2025.
Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat and Paraquat salts have been proposed for inclusion in Annex III of the Rotterdam Conventions under pesticide category. Additionally, Chlorpyrifos is recommended for listing in Annex A (Elimination) of the Stockholm Conventions with specific exemptions. The 12th Conference of the Parties (COP-12) to these two international conventions is scheduled for April 28 to May 9, 2025. Should these proposals be adopted, the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for these three chemicals may be implemented as early as October 2025, and the production and use of Chlorpyrifos could be prohibited by May 2026.
As a Party to these two international conventions, Singapore shall take proactive measures to comply with its international obligations. Currently, these three chemicals are regulated as hazardous substances under the EMPA and EMP (HS) Regs, provided with exemptions for certain concentrations and preparation forms. Under EPMA and EPM (HS) Regs, licensing requirements apply to the manufacture, import, export, use, sale, purchase, transport, storage of listed hazardous substances.
The NEA now proposes to regulate these three chemicals at all concentrations and in all preparation forms as hazardous substances, removing all existing exemptions. Chlorpyrifos will be separately listed as a specific hazardous substance instead of grouping it under phosphorus compound. Enterprises may continue these activities only with a valid license or permit from the NEA. A ban on Chlorpyrifos is anticipated in Singapore if its inclusion in Annex A under the Stockholm Convention is approved.
The NEA plans to finalize the regulatory changes by May 2025, followed by a six-month transition period, with the changes set to take effect by October 2025.
