ISO 14001 Transition 2026

ISO 14001:2026 is an evolutionary update rather than a complete rewrite of ISO 14001:2015. Organizations already certified to ISO 14001:2015 will generally need to enhance and update their Environmental Management System (EMS) rather than redesign it completely.

The transition period is expected to be three years, with certificates required to transition by approximately May 2029. 

Key Changes from ISO 14001:2015 to ISO 14001:2026

Clause

ISO 14001:2015

4.1 Context of Organization

Consider environmental conditions affecting organization

ISO 14001:2026 New / Enhanced Requirement

4.1 Context of Organization

Expanded consideration of climate change, biodiversity, pollution, ecosystem degradation, resource scarcity, and natural resource availability. 

ISO 14001:2015

4.2 Interested Parties

Determine relevant needs and expectations

ISO 14001:2026 New / Enhanced Requirement

4.2 Interested Parties

Greater emphasis on stakeholder expectations relating to climate resilience, sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental protection. 

ISO 14001:2015

6.1 Risks & Opportunities

Environmental risks and opportunities

ISO 14001:2026 New / Enhanced Requirement

Requirements clarified and strengthened with a more structured approach to identifying and managing environmental risks and opportunities. 

ISO 14001:2015

6.3 Planning of Changes

No dedicated clause

ISO 14001:2026 New / Enhanced Requirement

NEW Clause 6.3 requiring formal planning and management of changes affecting EMS. 

ISO 14001:2015

6.1.2 Environmental Aspects

Life cycle perspective required

ISO 14001:2026 New / Enhanced Requirement

Stronger and more explicit life-cycle perspective across value chain, suppliers, contractors, outsourced activities, and end-of-life considerations. 

ISO 14001:2015

8 Operational Control

Control outsourced processes

ISO 14001:2026 New / Enhanced Requirement

Enhanced focus on supply chain environmental controls and external providers. 

Annex A Guidance

General guidance

Expanded guidance on biodiversity, climate adaptation, circular economy, and sustainable resource management. 

Most Significant New Requirement: Clause 6.3 Planning of Changes

This is the only completely new clause in ISO 14001:2026. Organizations must establish a formal process to evaluate environmental impacts before implementing changes. Examples include:

Installation of new equipment

• New chemical introduction
• Process modifications
• Facility expansion
• Organizational restructuring
• Changes in legislation
• Supply chain disruptions
• Climate-related events

Auditors will expect documented evidence showing environmental risks were assessed before implementing the change. 

Stronger Focus on Climate Change and Biodiversity

The 2024 amendment introduced climate change considerations. ISO 14001:2026 expands this significantly by requiring organizations to evaluate:

• Climate change impacts
• Biodiversity loss
• Water scarcity
• Resource depletion
• Pollution levels
• Ecosystem impacts

For manufacturing companies this means environmental aspect registers should include biodiversity, carbon emissions, energy efficiency, water conservation, and resource sustainability considerations. 

Enhanced Life-Cycle Perspective

Organizations must now demonstrate stronger control and influence throughout the product life cycle:

Upstream

• Supplier environmental performance
• Sustainable procurement
• Raw material sourcing
• Internal Operations
• Manufacturing
• Packaging
• Storage
• Transportation

Downstream

• Product use
• Product disposal
• Recycling
• Circular economy opportunities

Auditors are expected to place greater attention on procurement and supply chain environmental controls. 

What Organizations Should Do Now

• Conduct a transition gap analysis against ISO 14001:2026.
• Update Context of Organization (Clause 4.1).
• Review Interested Parties Register.
• Enhance Environmental Aspect & Impact Registers.
• Establish a documented Change Management Procedure (Clause 6.3).
• Strengthen Sustainable Procurement controls.
• Include biodiversity and climate-related risks in risk assessments.
• Train internal auditors and process owners on new requirements.
• Update management review agenda to include emerging environmental conditions.
• Complete transition audit before May 2029. 

Impact on Your Existing ISO 14001 Documentation

The documents most likely requiring revision are:

• Environmental Aspects & Impacts Register
• Environmental Risk & Opportunity Register
• Interested Parties Register
• Context of Organization Analysis
• Procurement Procedure
• Operational Control Procedure
• Management Review Procedure
• Change Management Procedure (new)
• Internal Audit Checklist
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Assessment

For a manufacturing and chemical-processing facility, the biggest audit focus areas will likely be climate change, biodiversity considerations, life-cycle assessment, supplier environmental controls, and planning of changes. 

Dangers of Compressed Air Guns

Safety Toolbox Talk: The Dangers of Using Compressed Air Guns to Clean Your Body

Why This Matters

Compressed air is a valuable tool for cleaning equipment, machinery, and work surfaces. However, it should never be used to clean clothing, skin, hair, or any part of the body. What may appear to be a quick and harmless way to remove dust or debris can result in serious injury, permanent disability, or even death.

Hazards of Using Compressed Air on the Body

1. Air Injection into the Body

Compressed air can penetrate through cuts, scratches, or even intact skin and enter the bloodstream.

Possible Consequences:

- Air embolism (air bubbles in blood vessels)
- Damage to internal organs
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Fatality

2. Eye Injuries

High-pressure air can propel dust, metal shavings, wood particles, and other debris into the eyes.

Possible Consequences:

- Eye irritation
- Corneal abrasions
- Permanent vision impairment
- Blindness

3. Hearing Damage

Compressed air guns generate high noise levels, especially when used close to the head.

Possible Consequences:

- Temporary hearing loss
- Permanent hearing damage
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

4. Skin and Tissue Damage

High-pressure air can damage skin and underlying tissues.

Possible Consequences:

- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruising
- Tissue rupture
- Internal injuries requiring surgery

5. Flying Particles and Secondary Injuries

Debris removed from clothing can become airborne and strike nearby workers.

Possible Consequences:

- Eye injuries to coworkers
- Respiratory irritation
- Slip and trip hazards from displaced materials

Real-Life Consequences

Many workplace incidents involving compressed air occur because workers underestimate the force of compressed air. A small nozzle operating at high pressure can inject air into the body within seconds. Several cases worldwide have resulted in hospitalization, emergency surgery, and fatalities.

Safe Work Practices

✓ Never use compressed air to clean your body or clothing.

✓ Use approved vacuum systems, brushes, or designated cleaning stations to remove dust and debris.

✓ Ensure compressed air equipment is fitted with appropriate pressure regulators and safety nozzles.

✓ Wear suitable PPE, including safety glasses and hearing protection.

✓ Point compressed air tools away from yourself and others at all times.

✓ Inspect hoses, fittings, and nozzles before use.

✓ Report damaged compressed air equipment immediately.

Key Safety Message

Compressed air is not harmless air—it is stored energy. A moment of misuse can cause life-changing injuries. Use compressed air only for its intended purpose and never direct it at yourself or anyone else.

Triethanolamine Requirement In Singapore

Triethanolamine in Singapore: Understanding NEA, HS Permit and CWC Export Requirements

A Chemical That Demands More Than Ordinary Chemical Management

Triethanolamine (TEA), CAS No. 102-71-6, is widely used in industrial and manufacturing applications. However, businesses handling TEA in Singapore need to look beyond conventional chemical safety requirements.

TEA is listed by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) as a Hazardous Substance (HS).

This means companies involved in activities such as purchasing, storage, use, import or export need to carefully assess their regulatory obligations before the chemical enters their facility or crosses Singapore’s borders.

More importantly, where TEA falls within the applicable Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) controls, businesses may have obligations involving both Singapore Customs as the National Authority for CWC and Singapore’s domestic hazardous-substance controls.

NEA: Triethanolamine Is a Controlled Hazardous Substance

Under Singapore's Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and its regulations, NEA regulates hazardous substances to prevent unauthorised handling and minimise the risk of accidental releases and environmental harm.

NEA states that companies wishing to purchase, store or use controlled hazardous substances must obtain the appropriate Hazardous Substances (HS) Permit, while persons importing, selling or exporting controlled hazardous substances require the relevant Hazardous Substances Licence.

For TEA, this is particularly important because triethanolamine (CAS 102-71-6) appears in NEA's controlled hazardous-substance list.

What does this mean for companies?

A company storing TEA should not simply rely on its Safety Data Sheet, warehouse procedures or general chemical licence.

It should verify that:

• TEA is correctly declared under the company's NEA HS controls.
• The approved storage location is suitable.
• The quantity stored is within the authorised limits.
• The HS Permit covers the relevant chemical and activity.
• Required storage, emergency response and stock-record requirements are implemented.
• Any applicable transport requirements are addressed.

NEA specifies that hazardous-substance storage areas must meet safety requirements, including appropriate containment, fire protection and emergency arrangements. Permit and licence holders must also maintain stock-movement records and have an emergency action plan for accidental chemical releases.

The CWC Dimension: Exporting TEA Requires Particular Attention

The regulatory picture becomes even more important when TEA is being exported.

Singapore Customs is the National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention (NA(CWC)) and oversees Singapore's obligations under the CWC.

Singapore Customs states that a valid CWC licence is mandatory before exporting CWC-controlled items, and an approved export permit is required for every shipment of scheduled chemicals covered by the CWC.

The key point for businesses is simple:

Having an NEA HS Permit or Licence does not automatically satisfy CWC export requirements.

The regulatory regimes serve different purposes.

NEA controls domestic hazardous-substance safety and environmental risks, while Singapore Customs controls the CWC-related international trade requirements.

One Chemical — Multiple Regulatory Responsibilities

For companies handling TEA, compliance should therefore be viewed as a regulatory chain rather than a single licence.

TEA procurement → storage → use → local movement → export

Each activity should be assessed against the applicable requirements.

For example:

Activity	Regulatory consideration
Purchase / storage of controlled TEA	NEA HS Permit requirements
Import of controlled TEA	NEA HS controls + applicable Customs/CWC requirements
Use of TEA	NEA HS Permit and approved use/storage arrangements
Storage	Approved location, quantity limits and safety controls
Local movement	Applicable hazardous-substance transport controls
Export	NEA HS Licence requirements + CWC requirements where applicable
Export shipment	CWC export permit and any applicable Strategic Goods permit

Singapore Customs also makes clear that a CWC licence does not automatically eliminate Strategic Goods Control requirements. If the chemical product is classified as a strategic good, the appropriate Strategic Goods permit may still be required.

Concentration and Purity Matter

One of the most important compliance considerations is the concentration or purity of TEA in the product.

Companies should not determine regulatory status simply from the product name "triethanolamine."

The actual:

• chemical composition,
• concentration,
• purity,
• quantity,
• HS code,
• product description,
• destination country, and
• intended end use

may affect the applicable requirements.

Singapore Customs' current export guidance specifically requires exporters to declare information such as the controlled chemical name, HS code, quantity and concentration/purity for CWC-controlled exports.

For example, Singapore Customs provides an example of a product description containing 90% triethanolamine, demonstrating why concentration needs to be accurately declared.

Don't Confuse a CWC Licence With an Export Permit

This is one of the most important messages for exporters.

A CWC licence authorises the relevant controlled activity under the CWC regulatory framework.

An export permit is the shipment-specific authorisation required for the export of applicable scheduled chemicals.

Singapore Customs states that both requirements may apply: a valid CWC licence must be in place, followed by the appropriate export permit for the shipment.

Where Strategic Goods controls also apply, a separate Strategic Goods permit may be required.

Therefore, a company should not assume:

"We have a CWC licence, therefore we can export."

The safer compliance approach is:

CWC Licence → Export Permit → Strategic Goods assessment → Shipment

subject to the specific chemical, concentration, destination and transaction.

A Practical Compliance Message for Industry

For companies storing or exporting triethanolamine in Singapore, the message is straightforward:

Know Your Chemical. Know Your Licence. Know Your Permit.

Before receiving, storing, using or exporting TEA, companies should conduct a regulatory verification covering:

1. Chemical identity – Confirm the CAS number and exact chemical composition.
2. Concentration – Verify TEA concentration/purity against applicable control thresholds.
3. NEA status – Confirm that the TEA is correctly included in the company's HS Permit/Licence.
4. Storage approval – Confirm the storage location and maximum authorised quantity.
5. Operational controls – Maintain appropriate chemical safety, emergency response and stock-control procedures.
6. CWC assessment – Determine whether the TEA/product is subject to CWC licensing requirements.
7. Export controls – Check whether a CWC export permit and/or Strategic Goods permit is required.
8. Documentation – Ensure SDS, invoices, packing lists, HS codes, product descriptions and concentration information are consistent.
9. Destination assessment – Check restrictions and end-user requirements applicable to the destination country.
10. Regulatory verification – Obtain confirmation from the relevant authority when classification or licensing requirements are unclear.

Compliance Is More Than Having a Licence

The real objective is not simply to obtain a permit and file it away.

Effective compliance means ensuring that the chemical, concentration, quantity, storage location, activity and shipment are all consistent with the approvals obtained.

For businesses handling triethanolamine, this integrated approach can prevent costly delays, rejected permit applications, non-compliance findings and disruption to export operations.

Final Thought

Triethanolamine may be an ordinary industrial chemical in many manufacturing processes, but its regulatory status in Singapore deserves careful attention.

With NEA hazardous-substance controls, CWC requirements and potentially Strategic Goods controls involved, chemical compliance must begin before the chemical is stored or exported—not after the shipment is ready to leave the warehouse.

If your company handles triethanolamine in Singapore, now is the right time to review your HS Permit, CWC licence, storage approval, concentration limits and export-control requirements.

Regulatory requirements can depend on concentration, quantity, activity, destination and product classification. Companies should verify the current requirements directly with NEA and Singapore Customs before commencing or changing controlled activities.

Singapore’s New PMA Regulations

Singapore’s New PMA Regulations: A New Era of Safer and More Responsible Mobility

Singapore has taken an important step towards making its public spaces safer and more inclusive with the implementation of enhanced regulations governing Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs).

Effective 1 June 2026, the new requirements introduced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are designed to address the misuse of mobility scooters, improve safety on public paths and ensure that PMAs remain focused on their intended purpose — supporting people who are unable to walk or have difficulty walking.

For PMA users, caregivers, families, healthcare professionals and retailers, these changes are more than just new rules. They represent a shift towards responsible, safe and medically appropriate mobility.

What Has Changed?

Under the new regulations, several important requirements now apply.

• 1. The speed limit is now 6 km/h

All motorised PMAs travelling on public paths must not exceed 6 km/h. This is a significant reduction from the previous 10 km/h limit and is approximately the speed of a brisk walk. Existing PMAs with maximum device speeds of up to 10 km/h can continue to be used during the transition period until the end of 2028, but users must still travel at no more than 6 km/h on public paths.

The message is clear: a mobility aid is designed for mobility assistance, not speed.

• 2. PMAs must meet size and weight limits

From 1 June 2026, PMAs used on public paths must generally comply with:

Maximum width: 70 cm

Maximum length: 120 cm

Maximum height: 150 cm

Maximum laden weight, including the user: 300 kg

There are provisions for users with a medically certified need for a device exceeding the specified dimensions.

These restrictions are important because oversized devices can create difficulties when sharing footpaths and other public spaces with pedestrians, wheelchair users and other active-mobility users.

• 3. Medical certification for mobility scooter users

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Certificate of Medical Need.

From 1 June 2026, users of mobility scooters and certain equivalents must obtain certification through the Assessment for Mobility Scooter (AMS) unless they fall within specified exemption categories.

Seniors aged 70 and above, as well as certain beneficiaries of government mobility and disability support schemes, are exempt from the certification requirement.

The intention is not to make life difficult for people with mobility challenges. Rather, it is to ensure that mobility scooters are being used by people who genuinely need them.

• 4. Retailers now have greater responsibility

The new regulations also place significant responsibilities on PMA retailers.

From 1 June 2026, retailers can only advertise, display and sell registered, compliant mobility scooters and their equivalents. Models must be whitelisted and meet the applicable speed and dimensional requirements. Retailers must also verify the prospective owner's certification or exemption before completing the sale.

This changes the purchasing decision for consumers.

The cheapest mobility scooter is not necessarily the best choice. The compliant mobility scooter is the right choice.

Consumers should therefore ask retailers:

1. Is this model registered and approved by LTA?
2. Does it comply with the 6 km/h requirement?
3. Does it meet the prescribed size and weight limits?
4. Is the retailer authorised to register and sell this model

• 5. 2029 will bring another important milestone

The regulatory changes do not end in 2026.

From 1 January 2029, all mobility scooters used on public paths must be registered. Registration of existing mobility scooters is expected to begin from mid-2027.

In addition, the maximum device speed of all PMAs will be capped at 6 km/h.

This gives existing users time to prepare rather than requiring immediate replacement of every existing device.

Why These Regulations Matter

At first glance, the new requirements may appear restrictive. But the bigger picture is about balance.

Singapore has an ageing population and many people rely on mobility aids to remain independent. At the same time, our footpaths, shopping areas, transport nodes and public spaces are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and other active-mobility users.

A mobility scooter travelling too fast or occupying excessive space can create risks for everyone.

The new regulations therefore seek to achieve three objectives:

• Safety — reducing the likelihood of collisions and injuries.
• Accessibility — ensuring public paths remain usable by everyone.
• Accountability — ensuring PMAs are used by people who genuinely require mobility assistance and that the devices themselves meet safety requirements.

Early Enforcement Shows That the Rules Are Being Taken Seriously.The implementation is not merely theoretical.

Between 1 June and 31 July 2026, LTA engaged more than 100 PMA users as part of education and enforcement efforts. Officers also recorded cases involving users without the required Certificate of Medical Need or exemption and users travelling above the permitted speed.

This demonstrates an important point:

Education comes first, but enforcement is real.

PMA users should not wait until they are stopped by an enforcement officer before checking whether they comply.

A Shared Responsibility

The success of the new PMA framework will depend not only on LTA enforcement.Users must operate their devices responsibly.

Families and caregivers should help elderly or mobility-impaired users understand the new requirements.

Retailers must ensure that they sell only compliant devices.

Healthcare professionals play an important role in assessing genuine mobility needs.

And the wider public should remember that a PMA is fundamentally an assistive mobility device, not simply another form of personal transport.

The Bigger Message: Mobility With Dignity and Safety

Regulation should never be viewed simply as a list of restrictions.

For someone who struggles to walk, a mobility scooter or wheelchair can represent independence, dignity and freedom.

Singapore's new PMA regulations aim to preserve that independence while making sure our shared public spaces remain safe for everyone.

The challenge now is for all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of the regulations rather than simply trying to comply with the minimum requirements.

• Use the right device.
• Use it for the right purpose.
• Travel at the right speed.
• Respect other path users.

And above all — put safety first.That is how Singapore can remain a truly inclusive and mobility-friendly society.

Stay Informed

Users and retailers should refer to the latest official LTA requirements before purchasing, operating or selling a PMA, as regulatory requirements and implementation details may continue to evolve.

LTA — Regulations for Personal Mobility Aids