Singapore to tighten rules on refrigerants used in supermarkets, vehicles

“From July 2028, air-conditioning in new passenger cars and light goods vehicles must also comply with these requirements,” said NEA. “This later start date gives vehicle suppliers more time to adjust, as some models using lower-GWP refrigerants are not yet widely available.”

It added that the new GWP limits are aligned with standards already adopted in markets such as the European Union and Japan, where low-GWP alternatives are available.

To minimise business disruption, NEA said these limits will apply only to new equipment and that businesses can continue using existing systems until they reach the end of their service life. 

“Some of these measures build on existing industry practices. For example, key supermarket operators in Singapore are already using refrigeration systems with lower-GWP refrigerants,” said NEA. “Suppliers and manufacturers are supporting the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants and offering lower-GWP refrigeration systems that are energy efficient.”

Also from July 2027, companies that dismantle centralised commercial refrigeration systems typically used in supermarkets, centralised industrial refrigeration systems for cold rooms, air-conditioning for passenger cars and light goods vehicles, and refrigerated trucks must register with NEA and follow proper disposal procedures for spent refrigerant.

NEA noted that the requirements formalise practices already adopted by many companies, and that there are service providers in Singapore to carry out such recovery work.