On 17 February 2025, Japan released a document entitled "J4CE 2024 Noteworthy Cases", which highlights key circular economy initiatives, led by businesses and local governments under the Japan Circular Economy Partnership (J4CE).  

Background: Japan Partnership for Circular Economy (J4CE) 

In March 2021, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) launched the Japan Circular Economy Partnership (J4CE), a public-private project in Japan. It aims to advance the principles of circular economy by encouraging cooperation between companies, governmental bodies, and trade associations. In order to promote sustainable resource management, waste reduction, and recycling innovations in Japan, J4CE facilitates policy discussions, business networking, and knowledge exchange. This collaboration is critical to coordinating Japan's activities with international circular economy projects, such as those outlined by the G7.  

Key Highlights from the “J4CE 2024 Noteworthy Cases” Report 

The report highlights a wide range of initiatives across multiple sectors: 

• Plastic Recycling and Repurposing: In order to produce new goods, creative projects focus on collecting and recycling used domestic plastics, industrial plastic waste, and plastic packaging (e.g. Aeon Co., Ltd). 

• Construction Waste Management: Initiatives include recycling glass and plastic waste from construction sites, reusing construction materials, and implementing digital tracking systems (e.g. Taisei Corporation). 

• Household Waste and Consumer Engagement: Programs encourage the recycling of consumer goods and used packaging, including small gadgets and diapers often use digital platforms to provide incentives for participation (e.g. Mercari Co Ltd.).  

• Automotive and Industrial Recycling: To reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions, programs concentrate on recovering and recycling plastic materials from end-of-life automobiles and industrial by-products (e.g. Mitsui and Co., Ltd.).  

• Technological Innovation: To maximize resource recovery and boost recycling effectiveness, businesses are using digital technologies and AI-driven analytics.  

Other Initiatives Supporting Japan’s Circular Economy 

With an emphasis on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable business models, Japan has created a number of frameworks to move towards a circular economy. Among the crucial frameworks are: 

1. Basic Act for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society (2000) 

2. Plastic Resource Circulation Act (2022) 

3. Circular Economy Roadmap (2021) 

4. Japan Circular Economy Partnership (J4CE, 2021) 

5. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policies 

These frameworks, along with the efforts of J4CE, highlight Japan's commitment to sustainable resource management and its proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges through collaborative and innovative solutions. 

Update: On 18 February 2025, the updated import customs clearance procedure became effective, in line with the scheduled notice. 

Original Text: 

On February 6, 2025, the updated import customs clearance procedure for chemicals under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) was made available on the official portal of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). The revised process includes changes to documentation requirements and the classification of certain substances. 

Key changes to the import clearance procedure 

METI has provided the updated import customs clearance process as well as the following important information:  

• Types of chemicals and forms for importing chemicals (including those manufactured by foreign companies). 

• Documentation needed to be submitted for import clearance. 

• A list of prohibited products containing Class I Specified Chemical Substances (such as products of UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus) 

• A list of Class I Specified Chemical Substances (such as UV-328, Methoxychlor, and Dechlorane Plus) for which an import permit is required. 

Chemicals covered by the customs import clearance procedure  

The amended procedure covers the following categories of chemicals:  

• Chemicals intended for research and testing. 

• New chemical substances used as reagents. 

• General chemical substances   

• Monitoring Chemical Substances or Priority Assessment Chemical Substances (PACs). 

• Class I and II Specified Chemical Substances. 

• New chemical substances. 

Previous Update in January 2025  

On 8 January 2025, METI released the import customs procedure for chemicals under CSCL available on its portal. Details can be found here. 

Abolishment and Enforcement Dates 

The updated import customs clearance procedure will take effect on 18 February 2025. The amended Appendix 2, which includes regulatory classification updates, will take effect on 18 June 2025. The previous procedure, published on 8 January 2025, will be revoked on 17 February 2025.