Japan: MHLW adds 141 substances to the New Chemical Substances List

On 30 August 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) amended the New Chemical Substances List by adding 141 new substances. This update follows the Ministry’s previous notice under the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) which was published on 27 June 2024 and announced the names for these new chemical substances.

The latest additions to the list include details such as the name, ISHA official gazette serial number, chemical and structural formula for the new chemical substances all of which are available on the MHLW Work Safety Portal. Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, manufacturers, importers or companies must notify the MHLW before manufacturing or importing such chemicals into Japan. The notification, must include the name and hazard evaluation details of the new chemical substance as this is necessary to safeguard the health of workers at the industrial workplace.

The Role of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA)

An important part of legislation that aims to protect workers' health, safety, and well-being at work is Japan's Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). The Act, which was established in 1972, uses a variety of safety precautions, rules and employer requirements to prevent workplace accidents and health problems.

New Chemical Substances List

The Existing and New Chemical Substances (ENCS) List covers chemicals imported, manufactured and used in the Japanese market. New substances are those approved after 1974 by the regulatory authorities. These new substances are not yet listed on the ENCS database. There are currently over 72,000 compounds on the list.