SINGAPORE ROHS COMPLIANCE

Do you export electrical or electronic products to Singapore? Singapore RoHS may then apply, according to Order 2016, which came into force on June 1st, 2017. Order 2016 amends the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) of the Republic of Singapore and has given birth to the Singapore RoHS.

The Similarity between the Singapore and EU RoHS

Also called SG-RoHS, Singapore RoHS bears a resemblance to the EU RoHS:

They both share the objective to reduce the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE);
They restrict the use of 4 heavy metals (hexavalent chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury, and their compounds), as well as Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs);
Singapore’s RoHS adopted the exemptions, similar to those specified in annex III of the European Directive 2011/65/EU (EU RoHS);
These substances should not exceed a concentration of 0.1 % w/w at the homogeneous material level, except for cadmium, which is at 0.01 % w/w at the homogeneous material level;

They both require that a technical file be produced, following the EN 50581 / IEC 63000 documentary approach for the demonstration of compliance. The Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) is entitled to request the technical file and the corresponding manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC);

In both laws, batteries are out of the RoHS scope and regulated separately.
Batteries are regulated by the EPMA, and the following are not allowed to be imported for local sale in Singapore:
- Zinc-carbon batteries: containing greater than 0.001% mercury by weight per battery cell.
- Alkaline batteries: containing greater than 0.025% mercury by weight per battery cell. The only exception is the alkaline batteries in button form.
- Mercury oxide batteries.

SG-ROHS VS EU RoHS

Despite the links between the two regulations, we can find notable differences:

	EU RoHS	SG-RoHS
Scope	Very broad: Most electrical and electronic equipment	PC computers; Flat-panel televisions; Cell phones; Air conditioners; Washing machines; Refrigerators.
Restricted Phthalates Substances	4 phthalates: BBP, DBP, DEHP, and DIBP	No restricted phthalates
Label	CE marking	No Marking

Out of Scope from Singapore’s RoHS

The following products are not included within the controlled substance regulations of Singapore’s RoHS:

Spare parts and components. These components, which are sold separately, are not currently controlled. However, they are under revision to be included in the future. Enviropass recommends transitioning to RoHS-compliant spare parts where possible, and to continue monitoring upcoming regulations.
Batteries and accumulators in EEE.
Second-hand EEE.
Packaging used for the EEE.

How to Comply with Singapore RoHS

Just like EU RoHS, Enviropass recommends you to build a robust technical file, based on the IEC 63000 standard. The technical file requires proof of compliance with the NEA’s requirements.

DoCs by manufacturers, traders, and importers are essential in conforming with Singapore RoHS, and this, at the stage of importation. Once the appropriate documentation is produced – DoC and technical file – it must be kept and presented to the NEA upon their request. The manufacturer has 30 days to produce this documentation to the NEA.

Products that are found to be non-compliant can still be produced for export. However, the manufacturer must apply for a license from the NEA. Said license is for hazardous substances.

Not sure how to address your Singapore RoHS requirements? Don’t hesitate to contact Enviropass.

Environmental Assessment

SINGAPORE ROHS COMPLIANCE

The Similarity between the Singapore and EU RoHS

SG-ROHS VS EU RoHS

Out of Scope from Singapore’s RoHS

How to Comply with Singapore RoHS