News Details

On 2 October 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published a revised notice updating customs procedures for chemical imports under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). METI published the revised notice on its Portal. The revised notice will take effect on 22 November 2026, following amendments to the CSCL Enforcement Order. The previous notice, dated 2 June 2026, will be abolished on 21 November 2026.  

Key Insights from the Revised Notice 

• Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) with carbon numbers C9–C21 and their salts have been added to the list of Class I Specified Chemical Substances.  

• Long-chain PFCA related substances that can generate LC-PFCAs through chemical changes have also been added. 

• Chlorpyrifos and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) have also been added. The MCCP entry covers straight-chain chlorinated paraffins with carbon numbers C14–C17 and a chlorine content of at least 45% by weight.  

• The list of products subject to import prohibitions when the corresponding Class I Specified Chemical Substances are present has been expanded, together with the relevant customs tariff classifications. Certain lubricants, paints, water/oil repellents, adhesives, firefighting supplies, treated clothing and floor coverings, waxes, and professional photography films are examples of these. 

• Additional product restrictions cover wood insecticides using chlorpyrifos and specified oils, flame-retardant additives, plasticisers, paints, water repellents, textile protectants, adhesives and sealing fillers using MCCPs. 

Obligations for the Stakeholders 

• Importers must verify whether imported chemicals or products include the newly defined Class I Specified Chemical Substances. 

• METI permission under Article 22 is necessary for imports of Class I Specified Chemical Substances, and the applicable permit or a copy must be presented at the time of customs declaration. 

• Importers must confirm that the listed products do not use the corresponding Class I Specified Chemical Substances, as such products are prohibited from import. 

• Businesses must review supplier declarations, chemical inventories, HS-code mappings, and customs paperwork before 22 November 2026.