APACMed, in collaboration with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF-MTIG), recently conducted an open dialogue session with the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore. The event garnered significant participation from representatives of more than 17 MedTech member companies, who discussed the impending ban on the import, export, and manufacture of UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus, effective from 12 May 2024.   

During the session, NEA outlined its considerations for the adoption of restrictions on these chemicals in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), to which Singapore is a Party. 

The MedTech industry took the opportunity to present its stance, emphasising the necessity for carve-outs for medical devices and diagnostics. Additionally, there was a call for a sufficient transition period to ensure that safety, quality, and other critical elements for optimal healthcare delivery to patients are uncompromised. NEA took note of the industry’s concerns on the potential impact of a ban on the availability of crucial medical and in vitro diagnostic devices, and will update the industry by the end of the first quarter of 2024 regarding the exemptions requested. 

Moving forward, APACMed and SMF-MTIG will continue their collaborative efforts with NEA to establish a sustainable solution. The objective is to strike a balance between international environmental obligations and the imperative to uphold the availability of essential medical devices for patients. Ongoing cooperation will help pave the way for a comprehensive and considered approach to these regulatory changes. 

For any further information on the above ongoing dialogue, kindly contact Benish Aslam, ESG Lead, APACMed.