Japan: MHLW revises the provisions for chemicals that cause skin irritation

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