NEA to ban formaldehyde in interior paints starting January 2026

Paint manufacturers will have to submit test reports of their products.

Starting 1 January 2026, paints used on interior surfaces can no longer contain formaldehyde.

As part of the ban, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will require paint manufacturers and importers to submit test reports from accredited laboratories.

The reports must prove that the total in-can formaldehyde content in the interior paint product is below 0.01% weight by weight.

Industrial paints and paint used for outdoor applications with formaldehyde content are excluded from the ban but must have a "for outdoor use only" label.

The Singapore Paint Industry Association (SPIA) and non-SPIA paint companies have backed the proposed measure.

China and the European Union have implemented similar measures.

Formaldehyde is a chemical used in some interior paints to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde may cause health issues such as eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation. Long-term exposure may increase the risks of asthma and even other forms of cancer.

Follow the link for more news on

National Environment Agency

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

I want to download the media kit