3. Singapore

Biodegradability and Environmental Claims
Singapore

1. Regulatory Agents

1.1 Competent Authorities

A) National Environment Agency (NEA)

The National Environment Agency of Singapore is the public entity in charge of improving and preserving the environment in Singapore, as well as developing and implementing sustainability and resources management policies, and providing meteorological information. 

One of their goals is to promote energy efficiency and conservation to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. They plan, develop and manage the solid waste management system in Singapore and promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) to conserve resources.

The NEA is jointly managed by the Environmental Policy Division and the Energy & Climate Policy Division at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment in Singapore.

https://www.nea.gov.sg/

B) Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment in Singapore is part of the government in charge of achieving a clean and sustainable environment while ensuring the competitiveness of the economy and securing the supplies of critical resources, like water and food. It elaborates and promotes policies concerning climate change, a clean environment, and critical resources. 

https://www.mse.gov.sg/

1.2 Industry Trade Associations

A) Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC)

The Singapore Chemical Industry Council Limited (SCIC) is the official industry association representing the Singapore Energy and Chemicals cluster in the private sector. 

• SCIC is the National Administrator of the Responsible Care Programme for Singapore, a global chemical industry initiative that drives continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance.
• SCIC manages part of the National Standardisation Programme, in particular, the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC) and Environment and Resources Standards Committee (ERSC)

https://www.scic.sg/index.php/en/about-us/overview

B) Standards Development Organisation (SDO) at SCIC

The SCIC is the entity appointed by the National Standards Body (NSB), in charge of the National Standardisation Programme in Singapore, to manage the Environment and Resources Standards Committee (ERSC). It also manages the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC).

C) Responsible Care initiative by the SCIC

Responsible Care is a voluntary initiative under which companies, through their National Associations (SCIC is the National Association for Singapore), work together to continually improve their HSE performance and communicate with stakeholders in an open and transparent manner about their products and processes.

https://scic.sg/index.php/en/responsible-care-in-singapore

1.3 NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)

A) Singapore Environment Council (SEC)

Member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). Approved Institution of Public Character (IPC) in Singapore.

http://sec.org.sg

2. Regulatory Landscape

So far there is no specific regulation on environmental claims for consumer products in Singapore, only the private Green Label scheme is set. Singapore has nonetheless been very active in adopting environmental legislation in the last years, so it is likely that this matter will be regulated as well in the near future.

3. Claim Support Standards

Regulatory Reference:

https://www.hsa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/hprg/cosmetic-products/guidance/appendix-iii-10-september-2007a.pdf

4. Testing (Green Label)

4.1 Testing Method

Step 1: Before You Apply

Contact the SGLS Secretariat to check if your product is within the SGLS scope of certification.

Step 2: Gathering Supporting Documents

If your product is deemed to be classified under an existing category and meets the assessment criteria, you will need to gather supporting documents stated in the criteria.

• All test reports should be from nationally accredited third-party test laboratories (SINGLAS-accredited test labs in the case of Singapore).
• All declaration letters required must be signed by the CEO/President/Managing Director or equivalent of the applicant company.
• All manufacturing process documents must be dated and signed off by the technical person in charge of the manufacturer (i.e., the Technical Director/Manager).

Step 3: Submitting a Formal Application

Once the test results have been attained and ALL results pass the requirements stated in the criteria, please log in to your account to make an online application. Click here to register for a new account.

You will need to submit the following supporting documents:

1. A detailed description of your product and its composition along with its manufacturing process
2. Test reports from nationally accredited third-party test laboratories and supporting documents in accordance to the relevant SGLS product criteria/standards
3. Any other documentation as requested by the SGLS Secretariat
4. Product photo

Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Step 4: Review of application

The SGLS Secretariat will review your application and notify you of the outcome within 3-4 weeks. Alternatively, you can log in to your Account or contact the secretariat for the application status. Please note that an invoice will be issued upon commencement of work. Should the applicant wish to expedite the application, the SGLS Secretariat offers optional services which come at an extra cost – Express (~3 working days) at an additional $1,000 and Rapid (~7 working days) for an additional $500 on top of the certification fee of $3,050. Payment term is COD and payment must be made upon submission of the complete set of documents. The status of the completion of documents will be determined by the SGLS Secretariat.

Step 5: Awarding of the Singapore Green Label Certificate

Upon approval of the application, you will receive an email from the SGLS Secretariat.

4.2 Method Published by

Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS).

4.3 Local Testing Laboratory

As a first step, the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) should be contacted. If they consider the product certifiable, they will communicate the assessment criteria for the relevant category, amongst which are relevant tests. 

Tests then should be conducted in the laboratories accredited by SINGLAS: https://www.sac-accreditation.gov.sg/services/accreditation-services/laboratories

Laboratory contact: greenlabel@sec.org.sg