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Singapore: Elimination of Dechlorane Plus, Methoxychlor, and UV-328, with certain specific exemptions, under the Stockholm Convention

Date of publication: May 29, 2024
On May 06, 2024, the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has issued a circular: NEA/HS/6.6 to all industry stakeholders regarding the updates on the elimination of three chemicals: Dechlorane Plus, Methoxychlor, and UV-328, under the Stockholm Convention.
Dechlorane Plus is a chlorinated flame retardant commonly used in automobiles and electronics. Methoxychlor is an insecticide used in numerous products such as pesticides, animal feed, grain storage and gardening products. UV-328 (a high-volume additive) is used as a UV stabilizer in personal care products, rubber, and coating products.
The target audience includes manufacturers, importers, and exporters dealing with these chemicals and products containing them.The ban on these chemicals is just another example of more stringent regulations surrounding environmental concerns (one of numerous areas of focus on the ESG spectrum).

1. What bussinesses are subject to the new requirements

Singapore is a Party to the Stockholm Convention, which has agreed to eliminate these chemicals with specific exemptions.Key points for the target audience:
  1. The initial ban on manufacture, import, and export of these chemicals in Singapore was initially set for May 12, 2024.
  2. The official communication of the listing in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention was on February 26, 2024, and the amendments come into effect one year later.
  3. The effective date for the ban in Singapore has been revised to February 26, 2025, in line with the Convention's timeline.
  4. Stakeholders must use the correct Harmonised System (HS) and Product Codes for TradeNet® permit applications, which will be reviewed by CCMD.
Relevant HS codes and descriptions for the import and export of the chemicals are as follows:
  • Dechlorane Plus:
    HS Code 2903.89.00
    , Product Code PCDDEP111.
  • Methoxychlor:
    HS Codes 3808.91.30, 3808.91.91, 3808.91.99, 3808.99.90
     with respective Product Codes PCDMET116 and variations based on whether the product is in aerosol containers, has deodorizing function, or is used as a rodenticide.
  • UV-328:
    HS Code 2933.99.90
    , Product Code PCDUVA111.
5. Details on specific exemptions will be provided later.6. For more information on hazardous substances management, stakeholders can visit NEA’s website.7. For inquiries related to TradeNet® matters, stakeholders can email the provided NEA address.

2. What is the Stockholm convention?

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty that was signed in 2001 and entered into force on May 17, 2004. The purpose of the Stockholm Convention is to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are characterized by their persistence, their ability to bioaccumulate in living organisms, their potential for long-range environmental transport, and their significant negative effects on human health and the environment.The main objectives of the Stockholm Convention are:
  • To eliminate or restrict the production and use of intentionally produced POPs.
  • To ensure the safe and environmentally sound management and disposal of POPs.
  • To reduce and, where feasible, eliminate releases of unintentionally produced POPs (such as dioxins and furans).
  • To promote cooperation and exchange of information and technical assistance.
Signing parties of the Stockholm Convention include a broad range of countries from around the globe that have agreed to take measures to ban or phase out the production and use of these dangerous chemicals. The number of parties and specific commitments may change over time, so for the most up-to-date information on the signing parties and their obligations, you should refer to the Stockholm Convention's official website or contact the Secretariat of the Convention.
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