Ministry of the Environment (MOE): Chemical Regulation Under CSCL

On 10 April 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) updated its list of chemicals identified as strong mutagens on the Workplace Safety Site. With this update, MHLW added 17 newly notified chemicals. Mutagenic chemicals are regulated under the country’s Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL). With this addition, the list now contains a total of 1363 chemicals including 244 existing and 1119 newly notified mutagens. 

Understanding Strong Mutagens 

Mutagens are substances or agents that can cause genetic mutations, leading to changes in an organism’s DNA. Mutagenic effects can result in serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects, and genetic disorders. Strong mutagens are chemicals or physical agents with a high potential to cause significant genetic mutations. 

Previous Update in November 2023 

On 30 November 2023, the MHLW added 18 newly notified chemicals to the list of strong mutagens, bringing the total to 1346 at that time. 

Obligations for Stakeholders 

Under Notification No. 312 (published on 17 May 1993), entities involved in the manufacturing and handling of strong mutagens are required to: 

• Measure the work environment  

• Implement exposure prevention strategies 

• Provide occupational health education 

• Prepare labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 

• Maintain records for up to 30 years 

On 18 March 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released the draft design certification standards for plastic products. The draft has been made available for public consultation via Japan’s e-GOV Public Comment Portal. It is based on the Plastic Product Design Guidelines published under Notification 1 of 2022.  

Design Certification Standards for PET Bottle Containers for Soft Drinks 

The standards for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers for soft drinks outline specific requirements to improve recyclability and sustainability. 

1. Component Requirements 

Each component must meet all of the requirements listed below: 

Bottle 

1. Must be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) without any other added substances. However, exceptions will be made for bottles containing other materials if they are proven to be safe, hygienic, and recyclable. 

2. Must not be coloured. 

3. Handles must be made of uncoloured PET or polyethylene/polypropylene with a specific gravity of less than 1.0. 

4. No printing on the bottle, except for small markings such as expiration dates, unique manufacturing symbols, or lot numbers. 

Label 

1. Must not contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 

2. Must be separable from the bottle during recycling processes such as wind selection or washing. 

3. Printing ink used on labels must not adhere to the bottle. 

4. Must not use aluminium-laminated labels. 

Cap 

1. Must not use aluminium or PVC. 

2. Must be made primarily of polyethylene or polypropylene with a specific gravity of less than 1.0. 

3. If glass beads or gaskets are used, the label must include instructions for their removal. 

2. Weight Requirements 

The weight of each container (excluding labels and caps) must not exceed the values determined by the conditions are given in table below: 

3. Recycling and Sustainable Material Requirements 

At least 15% of the total weight of each container must consist of one of the following materials: 

• Recycled plastic, as specified by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Q 14021-7.8.1.1, or  

• Biomass plastic (organic material derived from plants or animals, excluding fossil resources). 

These standards are established to promote environmentally sustainable practises and efficient recycling in the production of PET bottle containers for soft drinks. 

Comment Period and Enforcement Dates  

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments on this draft standard by 16 April 2025. The ministries have not yet confirmed the adoption date of the standard, but it will take effect on the date of final publication.