Japan Regulatory News

On 18 July 2025, The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan released a list of substances that have been found to irritate skin or absorb through the skin. The list was made public on...

On 18 July 2025, The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan released a list of substances that have been found to irritate skin or absorb through the skin. The list was made public on the Japan's Workplace Safety Site by MHLW. In addition with this update, MHLW also eliminated three entries from the list.

Regulatory Background

The Industrial Safety and Health Regulations, which went into effect on April 1, 2024, stipulate in Article 594-2 that using impermeable protective equipment is required when handling specific substances.  By ensuring that employees are sufficiently shielded from direct exposure to dangerous chemicals, this rule lowers the possibility of skin irritation and other health issues.

Obligations for chemical handlers

Employers and employees who handle chemical preparations above the designated cut-off value are required to wear impermeable protective equipment, such as gloves and protective clothes, to shield their skin from potentially harmful compounds.

Earlier Update in February 2025

Previously on 26 February 2025, MHLW revised the list of chemicals causing skin irritation. More information can be found here.

Key Findings from the Updated Skin Irritating List

Data obtained as of July 14, 2025, is included in 1236 entries of compounds in the updated list. The following details are included in the list:

• CAS number
• Name in accordance with the Industrial Safety & Health Act
• Chemical name in accordance with Japan's GHS classification
• Additional provisions
• % Cut-off value
• Effective date

Update: On 28 February 2025, MHLW published the revised list of chemicals causing skin irritation. This revised list contains updated provisions for skin irritants. More information can be found here....

Update: On 28 February 2025, MHLW published the revised list of chemicals causing skin irritation. This revised list contains updated provisions for skin irritants. More information can be found here.

 
Original Text:

On 23 October 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) released the list of chemicals identified as causing skin irritation or absorption through the skin. MHLW published the list on the Japan’s Workplace Safety Site. 

Regulatory Background 

According to Article 594-2 of the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations which came into force on 1 April 2024, the use of impermeable protective equipment is mandatory when handling certain substances. This regulation ensures that workers are adequately protected from direct exposure to hazardous chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of skin irritation and other health complications. 

Obligations for chemical handlers 

Employers and workers handling chemical preparations above the specified cut-off value must use impermeable protective equipment, such as gloves and protective clothing, to prevent direct skin contact with hazardous substances.  

Key details of the updated list of skin irritants 

The updated list contains 1210 entries of chemicals with data compiled as of 9 November 2023. The list includes information about: 

• CAS number 

• Chemical name as per Japan’s GHS classification 

• Name as per Industrial Safety & Health Act 

• % Cut-off value 

• Other usage provisions 

On 4 July 2025, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released notice 437 regarding the addition of one chemical to the list of essential monomers which constitutes the base material in the Table 1,...

On 4 July 2025, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released notice 437 regarding the addition of one chemical to the list of essential monomers which constitutes the base material in the Table 1, Appendix 1 of the Standards for Food, Additives.  

3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (CAS no 4457-71-0) has been added to the monomers list and, at the same time, removed from the optional substances list. The CAA started enforcing notice 437 from the date of publication. 

Standards and Criteria for Foods, Food Additives  

Requirements and guidelines for foods, milk and milk products, food additives, equipment, containers and packaging governed by the Food Sanitation Act and other laws are contained in the Standards and Criteria for Foods, Food Additives. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) updates these standards on a regular basis to ensure they remain current and to safeguard the environment and public health. 

Key Insights from the Notice 

• The revision relates to Attachment 12, which governs polymers primarily composed of ester bonds. 

• The monomer “3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol” has been reclassified: 

• Previously listed under “Optional Substances” 

• Now moved to the category of “Essential Monomers” 

• This change is in response to requests from industry stakeholders. 

Obligations for Stakeholders 

Only entries listed in the positive list (Base materials and Additives) of the Food Contact Materials (FCMs) are allowed to be used. New entities which are not listed must undergo a safety review procedure.  

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 a...

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. 

On 30 June 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published its Implementation Report on the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL)  for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) on its porta...

On 30 June 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published its Implementation Report on the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL)  for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) on its portal. METI releases this report annually to provide an update on the current status. The previous report, covering FY 2023, was released by METI on 21 June 2024. 

Key Insights from the Implementation Report 

1. Overview of the CSCL 

The CSCL aims to prevent environmental pollution caused by chemical substances that may harm human health or ecosystems. It mandates: 

• Pre-market evaluation of new chemical substances. 

• Post-market control through reporting on production/import volumes and toxicity information. 

• Regulatory designation of substances based on characteristics such as persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. 

Substance categories include: 

• Class I Specified Chemical Substances: Most strictly regulated. 

• Class II Specified Chemical Substances: Pose long-term risks. 

• Monitored Chemical Substances: Persistent and bioaccumulative but with unknown toxicity. 

• Priority Assessment Chemical Substances and General Substances: Subject to reporting and potential future regulation. 

2. Notifications and Preliminary Evaluations (FY2024) 

• 319 new chemical notifications were assessed, with most classified as low-risk. 

• Breakdown: 34 substances showed concern for both human and environmental health. 115 were classified as low risk. 

• 1,825 low-volume (≤10 tons/year) new chemical confirmations were submitted.  

• Over 37,000 small-volume (≤1 ton/year) notifications were submitted. 

• Main uses include: Intermediates, electronic materials, paints/coatings, cleaning agents, adhesives and fragrances. 

3. Post-Market Risk Management 

• Annual reporting is required for general and priority chemicals produced or imported at ≥1 ton/year. 

• Risk evaluations are conducted using usage volume, hazard data, and monitoring results. 

• 48 substances have undergone Tier II (advanced) evaluations to date. 

• Based on these assessments, some substances may be designated as Class II Specified Chemicals. 

4. Regulatory Measures Based on Chemical Characteristics 

• Substances such as PFHxS, chlorpyrifos, MCCP, and LC-PFCA are under discussion for designation as Class I Specified Chemicals, in line with international obligations (e.g., Stockholm Convention). 

• The public consultation and regulatory updates are scheduled through FY2025 and early FY2026. 

5. Monitoring and Control Data 

• Production and import data for Monitored Chemicals and Class II Specified Chemicals are tracked annually. 

• Notable reductions have been observed for high-risk substances such as trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. 

• Reported hazards from companies include biodegradability, bioaccumulation, and human/ecotoxicity findings (over 200 reports in FY2024). 

The full report can be found here. 

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.      Ori...

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.  

On 27 June 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced the addition of 119 new chemicals to the New Chemicals List under the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). This u...

On 27 June 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced the addition of 119 new chemicals to the New Chemicals List under the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). This update was announced through an official ISHA Notice published on the same day.   

The new entries, along with their ISHA official gazette serial numbers, chemical names, and structural formulas are available on MHLW's Workplace Safety Portal here.  

Previous addition: 157 New Chemical Substances in March 2025   

This revision follows the addition of 157 new chemicals to the list, as reported in an ISHA notification published on 27 March 2025, via the MHLW Workplace Safety Portal. The update can be found here.  

  
Obligations for Stakeholders   

Currently, the list of chemicals known as the Existing and New Chemical Substances (ENCS) list includes 72,720 entries. According to the Industrial Safety and Health Act, Japanese enterprises that produce or import such compounds must notify the MHLW. In order to safeguard industrial workers' health, the notification must contain the name of the new chemical compound and details of its risk assessment.