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On 14 July 2025, Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) published a list of 186 substances classified in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling (GHS) guidelines. NITE released the most recent list for FY 2024 on the portal on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Environment (MoE), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), which are in charge of GHS classification in Japan. 

Previous update in June 2024 

NITE previously released the FY 2023 GHS list covering 160 substances on its portal on 21 June 2024. More information can be found here.  

Important Takeaways from the List  

The FY 2024 list includes 43 newly classified substances and 143 substances with updated GHS classification.  It covers classifications from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.  Furthermore, NITE has supplied comprehensive details including:  

• CAS and identification numbers;  

• Classification details;  

• Hazard class;  

• Hazard pictogram;  

• Precautionary and hazard statements;  

• Reference information and   

• Signal word 

Obligations for Companies  

It is recommended that businesses keep consult the latest GHS data when creating labels or Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).  Nevertheless, using the given classification is not mandatory.  Alternative data or test findings that are not covered by the MHLW, MoE and METI may be used by businesses. 

Update: On 30 June 2025, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released the promulgated order for new PFOS and PFOA standards for mineral water on the e-GOV Public Comment Portal.   

Original Text: 

On 26 February 2025, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a proposed revision to water quality standards under the Food Sanitation Act. This revision aims to establish specifications for sterilized or filter sterilized mineral water. At the same time, the CAA published this notice on Japan’s e-GOV Public Comment Portal.  

Background 

According to Article 12 of the Food Sanitation Act 1947, the Prime Minister may allow the sale of specific food additives. However, the Health and Welfare Public Notice No. 370 of 1959 prohibits the sale of food additives unless they comply with the regulations, as set out in Article 13 of the Act.  

The Food Safety Commission of Japan (FSCJ) has reviewed specifications and standards for mineral water and assessing the health effects of synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in food. As a result, Japan will establish water quality standards for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in sterilized or filter sterilized mineral waters under the Water Supply Act. 

New Standards for Mineral Water  

The following new standards for PFOS and PFAS in mineral water will be established: 

Comment Period and Enforcement Dates 

The 60-day comment period will end on 27 April 2025. The newly established standards are expected to be enforced from 1 April 2026.