News Details

On 30 March 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published the reporting guidelines for Class II Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) for financial year (FY) 2026. The ministry published the guidelines on its METI portal. The reporting process is revised annually in March.  

Class II Specified Chemical Substances 

Class II Specified Chemical Substances are chemicals that are regulated under Japan’s CSCL due to their potential environmental or health risks, although they are subject to less stringent controls than Class I substances. Their manufacture and import are allowed but advance notification and annual reporting of quantities are required. These controls aim to monitor usage and prevent environmental pollution. 

Key Insights from the Reporting Guidelines  

The guidelines cover the following:  

• Scope: They apply to the manufacture/import of Class II specified chemical substances under Japan’s CSCL. 

• Threshold: Reporting is required if the quantity is ≥1 kg/year. 

• Planned Notification: Form 14 must be submitted 1 month before manufacture/import. 

• Actual Reporting: Form 13 must be submitted in the following fiscal year (April–July). 

• Updates: Changes to planned quantities must be reported without delay. 

• Key Rules: Reports must be submitted per substance, quantities must be reported in kilograms (rounded), and total company quantities must be included. 

• Penalties & Exceptions: Non-compliance leads to fines, while certain exemptions apply, such as for research use and impurities below 1%.  

More information can be accessed in the reporting guidelines here.  

Obligations for the Stakeholders  

Businesses that manufacture or import Class II specified chemicals at or above the applicable threshold in FY 2026, are required to submit reports in accordance with the updated procedure.