Vehicule Emissions Scheme

Country / jurisdiction: Singapore · Year: 2018 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

All new and used petrol or diesel vehicles imported for registration in Singapore shall comply with the Euro VI emission standards.

Singapore implemented the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) on 1 January 2018 to encourage the purchase of cleaner passenger cars. The scheme categorises vehicles into five bands based on the emissions level of the worst-performing pollutant, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. As CO₂ emissions are directly linked to fuel consumption, the scheme indirectly incorporates fuel efficiency considerations into vehicle classification.

Car buyers receive rebates or incur surcharges depending on the VES band, creating a price signal that incentivises the adoption of lower-emission and more fuel-efficient vehicles. From 2021 to 2025, the VES was enhanced with increased rebates and higher surcharges, and pollutant thresholds were tightened from January 2024 onwards, further strengthening incentives for efficient vehicles.

On 1 April 2023, Singapore adopted the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) as the sole test procedure for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), with full implementation for passenger cars (including taxis) from 1 January 2024, improving the accuracy and comparability of fuel consumption and emissions measurements.

Official source: https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/air-pollution/air-pollution-regulations