Japan’s new regulations on hazardous chemicals set for 2024

In a significant environmental and public health move, Japan has declared its intention to regulate three chemicals identified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These substances – methoxychlor, dechlorane plus, and UV-328 – have been slated for stringent control under Japan’s rigorous environmental policies. This move follows the Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, underscoring Japan’s commitment to international environmental standards.

Methoxychlor, a pesticide, dechlorane plus, a flame retardant, and UV-328, a UV-absorber, have been categorised as Class I Specified Chemical Substances by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. 

This classification is part of the nation’s Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture, also known as the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). This legislation reflects Japan’s proactive approach in aligning with global environmental treaties and safeguarding public health.

The regulation process involved extensive deliberation and consultation. Key steps included:

– September 2023: Discussions on import-prohibited products by METI, along with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

– Winter 2023: Notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and public commentary on the Draft Cabinet Order for Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the CSCL.

– Spring 2024: Formal promulgation of the revised cabinet order.

– Autumn 2024: Enforcement of the new regulations.

These measures prohibit the manufacture, import, and use of these three POPs from Autumn 2024, except under certain essential conditions. Additionally, Japan will ban the import of specific products containing dechlorane plus and UV-328. The prohibited products span various categories, including adhesives, electronic components, and paints.

Lubricants containing Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 are among the products prohibited under the import ban.  Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 are used as additives in some lubricant formulations, though their usage is controversial due to environmental and health concerns. Dechlorane Plus is used as a flame retardant additive to improve fire resistance and safety. UV-328, which is used as a secondary UV absorber additive to improve heat and oxidation resistance, is a more chemically stable replacement for toxic phenolic antioxidant additives .