News Details

On 2 March 2026, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published two consultation notices (1 and 2) proposing to add perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), as well as their salts and related compounds, to the country’s Export Trade Control Order. This would impose new restrictions on exporters. The consultation notice on Japan’s e-GOV public comment portal and aims to align export controls with Japan’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).   

Export Restrictions under Japan’s Export Trade Control Order  

Under the provisions of the Export Trade Control Order, exporters are obliged to obtain approval from the METI before exporting these chemicals or products containing them. However, the Ministry has not yet published the enforcement date.  

Key Insights from the Amendment 

METI has proposed revisions to the Export Trade Control Order and the related Export Trade Management Regulations, which govern the export of certain chemicals: 

• Newly Controlled Substances: Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), as well as their derivatives, would been added to the list of controlled substances. These substances are used in products such as water- and oil-repellent textiles, etching agents for semiconductors, flame retardants, and fire-fighting foams. 

• Inclusion of Specific Products: The revision specifies that products containing these substances, such as lubricants, coatings, and additives, are now subject to export controls. 

Previous Update 

On 18 February 2025, METI added UV-328, methoxychlor and dechlorane plus to the country’s export trade control order. More information can be accessed here.  

Comment Period and Enforcement Dates     

Stakeholders may submit comments on this draft consultation until 31 March 2026. METI has not yet published enforcement dates but such revisions are typically enforced upon promulgation of the final order.