1. New Licensing Requirements for Hazardous Substances
Applies to activities involving:
• Import
• Manufacture
• Sale
• Use
• Transport
Substances now regulated:
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Approvals Defined:
• HS Licence – For selling, importing/exporting
• HS Permit – For possession or use
• HSTA – For transport of any quantity
2. Ban on Mercury-Added Products (Effective 1 August 2025)
Banned import/sale for the following 9 categories:
1. Compact fluorescent lamps (≤30W, ≤5 mg mercury)
2. Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (used in displays)
3. Mercury-containing strain gauges (e.g., in plethysmographs)
4. Specific mercury-containing measuring instruments
5. Mercury vacuum pumps
6. Tyre balancing weights with mercury
7. Mercury-based photographic film and paper
8. Mercury propellants for satellites/spacecraft
9. Certain capacitance/frequency relays (some exceptions for R&D)
✅ Existing stock may be sold/used until depleted
3. Objectives and Alignment
• Aligns with Minamata Convention on Mercury
• Aims to:
o Minimize toxic mercury emissions
o Control PFAS-class substances like LC-PFCAs
o Improve environmental and public health protection
✅ Actions for Companies (By 1 August 2025)
• Audit: Review your operations for affected substances/products
• Apply: Secure HS Licence, HS Permit, and HSTA as required
• Phase Out: Prepare to stop selling/importing banned mercury products
• Comply: Ensure transport procedures and documentation align with new rules
• Recordkeeping: Maintain up-to-date compliance files for audits and inspections
🏭 Industry Impact
• Operational Adjustments: Companies will need to adapt handling, import/export, and sales protocols
• Supply Chain: Reformulations and alternative sourcing may be necessary
• Compliance Burden: More stringent recordkeeping and regulatory scrutiny expected
Reference: NEA Regulatory Notice – 20 June 2025 (PDF)
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