Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, announced on Monday ( Mar 4 ) that Singapore will outlaw the addition of formaldehyde to buildings ‘ interiors starting in 2026.
The substance is already used as a preservative in some paints to stop bacterial and fungal growth. It is build up in enclosed spaces and be released into the air.  ,
During the budget conversation for her ministry, Ms. Fu argued in parliament that “prolonged exposure to phenol can lead to negative health effects, such as breathing pain and an increased risk of some cancers.
The National Environment Agency ( NEA ) stated in a press release following Ms Fu’s announcement that short-term exposure can cause eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation while long-term exposure may increase the risk of asthma.
The condition stipulates that formaldehyde articles must not exceed 0.01 per share of the fat of the color because formaldehyde may still be present as an impurity in some natural materials used to create internal paint.
The color industry’s best techniques and guidelines from other countries have been evaluated and benchmarked against the limit, according to NEA.
Manufacturers and importers of color will be required to submit test reports beginning on January 1, 2026, to demonstrate that the measured full in-can formaldehyde content of each interior color product is within the permitted range.
Laboratory certifications, such as the Singapore Accreditation Council, is required to prepare the test accounts.
Industrial paints and paints made for outdoor applications that are sold in Singapore are excluded from the condition. These will need to be notified that they are only intended for professional or outdoor use and that they contain formaldehyde.
National will monitor the business to verify compliance with all paint products.