Are you aware that effective from 1 Jan 2026, Singapore will be phasing out the import and use of firefighting foams containing PFOA and PFOS, including their salts and related compounds. Companies are allowed to continue using their fire-fighting foams after 1 Jan 2026 if the concentrations of the trace contaminants within the foams are below the respective threshold limits as shown.
(a) PFOA, its salts and related compounds: 25 ppb
(b) PFOS, its salts and related compounds: 10,000 ppb
(c) PFHxS, its salts and related compounds: 100 ppb
Companies storing or using fire-fighting foams containing PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, their salts and related compounds at or above their respective threshold concentrations are required to engage NEA licensed Toxic Industrial Waste Collectors (TIWCs) that are capable of collecting and disposing of such fire-fighting foams
Here is the list of NEA approved licensed toxic waste collector.
What should l do if my company is using fire fighting foams containing PFOA and PFOS including its salts and related compounds
1)Verify that the fire fighting foam PFOA and PFOS by sending sample of your current fire fighting foam concentrate to accredited laboratory ( Eg SGS ) for analysis with the following test parameters and specifications
(a) PFOA, its salts and related compounds: 25 ppb
(b) PFOS, its salts and related compounds: 10,000 ppb
(c) PFHxS, its salts and related compounds: 100 ppb
If your results are below NEA threshold limits, you can continue to use the foam concentrate .But you need to check with the foam concentrate supplier whether the foam concentrate will degrade to PFOA and PFOS over time. And if it does, you need to seek for alternative fluorine free foam by engaging your current fire protection equipment service provider who serviced and maintained your fire protection system.
Upon selection of the suitable foam concentrate, the fire protection service provider will need to engage their Professional Engineer (PE) to conduct the recommended foam hydraulic calculation using industry recognized software to determine the following :
1)Capacity of the bladder tank - foam concentrate storage
2)Volume of foam concentrate required
3)Number of foam generator required.
When these information are made available then you can budget in for your organization foam transition.
Here is list of HS and Product Codes of the affected materials are listed in ANNEX A. With effect from 1 Jan 2026, traders are required to use the appropriate HS and Product Codes when declaring their import and export in TradeNet® permit applications. All such TradeNet® permit applications will be subject to Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD)’s processing and approval.
For further enquiries, you may email them to Ms Nikki Lee at <Nikki_Lee@nea.gov.sg>
