Packaging is a hidden cost line in many businesses until compliance makes it visible. In Singapore, Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR) requires certain companies to report the packaging they import or use and to submit a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) plan each year.
This guide breaks down MPR requirements, reporting timelines and how businesses can take practical 3R actions today while preparing for future regulations.
What is MPR?
MPR sits under the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA) and is administered by the National Environment Agency (NEA), which aims to increase corporate awareness of the benefits of packaging reduction, encourage companies to minimize packaging use, and support informed policy planning for effective packaging waste management.
Who needs to comply?
Singapore registered companies that meet ALL of the following need to comply with the MPR:
- You carry on a business supplying regulated goods in Singapore; and
- Your annual turnover exceeds S$10 million (threshold); and
- You import or use specified packaging.
Practical examples of commonly obligated entities include brand owners, manufacturers, importers, and large retailers (e.g., those supplying packaged products and/or providing carrier bags). Retailer carrier bags, for example, are reportable.
When does MPR have to be reported?
NEA opens the reporting window from 1 January to 31 March every reporting year via NEA’s Waste & Resource Management System (WRMS). For 2026 reporting, NEA states that companies with turnover exceeding S$10 million in 2024 must report calendar year 2025 packaging data, with the submission window 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Mar 2026.
What needs to be reported?
Companies must submit three main components annually:
- Packaging Report (packaging data via NEA’s Excel template)
- Methodology Document (how you derived the numbers)
- 3R Plan (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle improvement plan)
Packaging data:
At a high level, you will provide data on packaging amounts by weight, broken down by:
- Packaging material (e.g., plastic, paper, metal, glass)
- Packaging form (e.g., carrier bags, bottles)
Packaging imported or used in Singapore is reported independent of whether it is disposed of or recycled. Recycling details can be added as additional information.
3R Plan:
Companies are required to develop and submit packaging 3R plans:
- Describe what actions they will take
- How success will be measured
- Targets they aim to achieve
Progress on these plans must be reported in the following years.
Start data collection and report early.