Japan publishes 2026 notification schedule for New Chemical Substances

On 19 September 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and Ministry of Environment (MOE) jointly released the 2026 notification schedule for new chemical substances (including low production volume new chemicals). The schedule, comprehensive details, and a manual were made available on the METI portal. This notification applies to new chemicals that are manufactured or imported into the Japanese market. Japan’s Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) governs new chemical substances.

Previous Update in September 2024 

Every year in September, the Ministry revises the notification schedule. Previously, METI updated the 2025 new chemical notification schedule on September 19, 2024. More details can be found here.

Notification Schedule (2026)

Submissions are accepted 10 times per year (Oct. 2025-Dec. 2026). Detailed schedule is given below in table:

*Submissions will only be accepted until 3 p.m. on the designated date for preliminary screening. The next deadline will apply if this one is missed.

Note: For substances already reviewed and notified previously, applicants can resubmit using a copy of the previous notification result. In such cases, no new review is required-just submit by the notification deadline of any round. 

Documentation:                                                                                                             

Information required for notification is given below:

• Preliminary review materials (detailed data on substance properties, toxicity, environmental behaviour)
• Notification form (official format under CSCL)
• Supporting data: test reports, safety evaluations, or judgment notification copy if applicable
• Must follow the official preparation and submission manual  

Future Announcement 

Although METI has not yet disclosed the 2027 notification schedule, it is anticipated to be made public in September 2026.