The National Environment Agency (NEA) plays an important role in regulating hazardous substances in Singapore. Hazardous substances controlled by NEA are generally those that have mass-disaster potential, are highly toxic and pollutive, and/or generate toxic wastes that can only be disposed of with greater difficulty. 

NEA controls environmentally hazardous chemicals under The Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), The Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations and the Environmental Protection and Management (Ozone Depleting Substances) Regulations.  The list of controlled substances is available here.

Hazardous Substance Requirements

Any person who wishes to import, sell or export, any hazardous substance controlled under the EPMA must obtain a Hazardous Substances Licence.

Any person who wishes to purchase, store and/or use any hazardous substance controlled under The Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations must obtain a Hazardous Substances Permit.

Any person who wishes to transport any hazardous substance in quantities exceeding those specified in The Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations must possess a valid Hazardous Substances Licence before applying for transport approval.  The requirements for the transport approval are available here. 

Applications for Hazardous Substances Licences and Permits can be submitted online. Please review the Guidance Notes when filling out the applications.

Flammable petroleum products in Singapore are controlled under the Fire Safety Act by the Fire Safety and Shelter Department. Radioactive substances are controlled by NEA's Centre for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science (CRPNS).

Quantitative Risk Assessments

Developers of industries involving the use or storage of large quantities of hazardous substances may be required to conduct a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA). The QRA is required to establish health and safety zones to prevent knock-on effects of neighbouring hazardous installations and to protect the public from fire, explosion, toxic fumes dispersal hazards, detrimental effects on health, and chemical contamination.

Further details on QRA Guidelines are available here. NEA's Code of Practice on Pollution Control also contains detailed information on technical pollution control requirements for the submission of development proposals and building plans.

Additional Information

Circulars and News on Hazardous Substances Control (Latest News dated 01 Jun 09)
List of Controlled Pesticides Under EPMA
List of Hazardous Substances that require In-Vehicle Tracking Device
Control of Abestos in Singapore
Control of Laboratory Reagents Under EPMA
Payment for Licence/ Permit
Endorsement of Inward/ Outward Declarations
Management of Hazardous Substances
Safety Audit Guidelines
Links to Other References & Agencies
Format For Records on Transactions of Hazardous Substances

NEA regulates and controls Hazardous Substances, which excludes genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Any person who wishes to import and handle GMOs should consult the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC). More information on GMAC can be viewed here

Purchase of Publication

The Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and its Regulations may be purchased from Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd (formerly known as SNP Corporation Ltd), Legal Publications Retail Outlet located at 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #18-01/06, Great World City East Tower, Singapore 237994 Tel: 68269691.