The National Environment Agency (NEA) evaluates the hazard and pollution impact of industries to ensure that they do not contribute to unmanageable pollution, health and safety hazards. An industry is allowed to be set up only if it is sited in an appropriate industrial estate, and can comply with the pollution control requirements.

NEA checks the designs of industrial plants and pollution control equipment at the building plan stage for compliance with pollution control requirements. Industries need to conduct source emission tests on their own, or engage accredited consultants to monitor their air emissions regularly, and to take measures to ensure their compliance with the prescribed air emission standards.

NEA conducts regular inspections on industries to ensure that pollution control equipment is maintained and operated properly. NEA also conducts source tests on gaseous emissions, fuel analyses and smoke observations of chimneys. 

NEA’s Source Emission Test Scheme allows industries to monitor their air emissions regularly, and to take measures to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.

Currently, there are no regulations against the burning of incense in public places. Being a multi-cultural society, the Government encourages members of public, including temples and residents, to practise graciousness and consideration for the environment and neighbouring premises, when carrying out religious practices in public places. The public is advised to clean up the place after they have made their offerings. When burning joss paper, candles etc., they should make use of the proper pits and containers provided at the designated points, such as those provided by the Town Councils. 

If you have an enquiry, you may share via the online feedback form.

Besides industrial emissions and transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires in the region, vehicle (or motor) emission is one of the major sources of air pollution in Singapore.

To control the emissions generated by motor vehicles and safeguard public health, the National Environment Agency (NEA) sets specific exhaust emission and fuel quality standards for all vehicles, and regulates the type and quality of fuel that is being used in Singapore. They are:

(I) From 1 September 2017, all new petrol vehicles have to meet the Euro VI Emission Standard. 

(II)  From 1 January 2018, all new diesel vehicles have to meet the Euro VI Emission Standard. 

(III) From 1 January 2018, the emission standard for all three-wheeled (Cat L5e) and large motorcycles with an engine capacity more than 200cc was tightened to Euro IV Emission Standard. Smaller motorcycles with an engine capacity of 200cc and below will see the Euro IV emission standards implemented from 1 January 2020.

(IV)  Currently, exhaust emission standards for in-use petrol vehicles and motorcycles specify limits for carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Since 1 April 2018, the CO limits for newer petrol vehicles and motorcycles was further tightened. In addition, hydrocarbon (HC) limits were introduced to all in-use petrol vehicles and most motorcycles. A new high idle test and lambda measurement were also introduced for newer in-use petrol vehicles (excluding motorcycles) to detect defective components, which could result in higher emissions. More information can be found here.

(V)  NEA also introduced the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) to replace the Carbon Emission-Based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) for all new cars, taxis and newly imported used cars with effect from 1 January 2018.

(VI) NEA also enhanced the Early Turnover Scheme (ETS) for commercial vehicles till 31 July 2019 and will provide incentives for the owners of Category C diesel vehicles with Euro 2 or Euro 3 emission standards to turnover to Euro 6 (or equivalent) vehicles.

(VII)  Import of used vehicles into Singapore must also comply with the prevailing emission standards at the time of registration in Singapore. 
For more information on air pollution regulations, you may visit the NEA’s website here.

If you spot smoky vehicles or idling engines, you may report them to NEA, providing details such as the vehicle registration number, location, date and time of the incident via the Online feedback form.