Update 2: On 19 September 2025, as per the scheduled
timeline Japan’s MHLW published the final cabinet order to delist the two
chemicals from the mandatory list of labelling and safety data sheets (SDS).
Order was published on the Japan’s e-GOV
Public Comment Portal. At the same day of publication, order comes into
force. So from 19 September 2025, two chemicals i.e. sodium stearate
(CAS: 822-16-2) and phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (CAS: 115-86-6) will no longer need label or SDS obligation.
Update:
On 29 July 2025, Japan's MHLW released the revised
enforcement notice to remove the chemicals from the list of mandatory
safety data sheets (SDS) and labelling. The notice was published on
the Japanese e-GOV Public
Comment Portal by MHLW. The enforcement date was rescheduled by
the government from April 1, 2027, to late September 2025. This notice will take
effect on the day it is promulgated, as two chemicals i.e. sodium stearate and phosphoric acid,
triphenyl ester will be removed from the list. The deadline
for stakeholder comments on this draft is August 28, 2025.
Original
Text:
On 8 October 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and
Welfare (MHLW) notified a
draft to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing amendments to the list
of chemicals and mixtures that require mandatory labelling and safety data
sheets (SDS). This update, which would amend the Enforcement Order of the
Industrial Safety and Health Act and is scheduled to be adopted in December
2024. Under the provisions of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA), it
is mandatory to follow the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for labelling.
Public
consultation in September 2024
On 20 September 2024, the MHLW launched a consultation to
not only add 155 substances to the classification list, but also to eliminate
two substances from the list, which includes substances classified until 31
March 2024.
Comment
Period and Enforcement Dates
Stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft proposal until
7 December 2024. The 155 chemicals are expected to be added to the list by
April 2027. At the same time, sodium stearate and phosphoric acid, triphenyl
ester will be eliminated from the list.
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