KUALA LUMPUR: The Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) will enforce stricter smoke emissions limits for foreign commercial diesel vehicles in a bid to curb air pollution.
Singaporean news agency 'The Straits Times' reported that the new regulations target pollutants such as particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which can lead to respiratory issues.
Based on a statement issued today, the NEA announced that starting from the specified date, vehicles emitting 50 Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) or more will be denied entry at Singapore's land checkpoints.
The HSU is a measure of smoke emissions from diesel engines.
Currently, drivers of both local and foreign commercial diesel vehicles face fines if their vehicles exceed 40 HSU, while those of foreign commercial diesel vehicles emitting 60 HSU are prohibited from entering Singapore.
The revised threshold of 50 HSU aligns with the emission standards set by the Asean Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit, which was established in Vietnam in December 1998.
To ensure compliance, from Oct 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the agency will issue advisories to foreign commercial diesel vehicles entering Singapore, reminding them of the impending changes, the report stated.
The NEA also announced today that starting July 1, 2028, foreign-registered motorcycles manufactured before July 1, 2003, will be prohibited from Singaporean roads.
This move mirrors existing requirements for local motorcycles of similar vintage, aimed at reducing emissions from older vehicles which typically emit higher levels of pollutants compared with newer models complying with updated Euro emissions standards.
According to NEA, foreign motorcyclists entering Singapore must utilise motorcycles registered on or after July 1, 2003, that adhere to Singapore's current in-use emission regulations.
Motorists found in breach of Singapore's emission laws face fines of up to S$2,000 upon initial conviction.