News Details

On 1 September 2026, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MoE) published two draft amendments under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) concerning long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts, and LC-PFCA-related substances. Public consultation notices for both amendments were released on the e-GOV Public Comment Portal.  

These proposals follow the designation of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts, and related substances as Class I Specified Chemical Substances. The proposed amendments would update the existing requirements for: 

• Labelling for affected PFAS-containing firefighting products. 

• Technical standards for handling PFAS-containing fire extinguishers, fire-extinguishing agents and foam fire-fighting agents. 

Technical and Labelling Standards 

• Labelling Requirements: 
  In order to prevent environmental contamination, products containing regulated PFAS chemicals must display the required information on their containers, packaging, or delivery documents. The amendment would add the following substance groups to existing labelling provisions under the CSCL: 

  • Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and their salts 
  • Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acid-related substances 

• Technical Handling Standards: 
  Under CSCL Article 28(2), fire extinguishers, fire extinguisher agents, and foam firefighting agents containing the newly regulated PFAS groups will be subject to existing technical standards. The proposal would add LC-PFCAs, their salts and LC-PFCA-related compounds to the definition of “contaminated material.” This covers waste liquids containing these substances and cloth and other discarded materials contaminated with them. 

Key Insights from the amendments 

• By extending existing labelling and technical handling provisions to LC-PFCAs, Japan is broadening its management of PFAS under the CSCL. 

• Companies involved in manufacturing, importing or supplying affected firefighting products may need to review the following: 

  • Chemical composition data 

  • Product documentation 

  • Packaging and labelling requirements 

  • Handling procedures for regulated products 

Implications for the Stakeholders 

Manufacturers and importers should determine whether the newly regulated PFAS groups are present in their products, and ensure that relevant products meet the applicable CSCL requirements. Distributors and suppliers should maintain up-to-date chemical data, supply the required product paperwork, and ensure that relevant products are properly labelled in compliance with legal requirements. Users of affected PFAS-containing firefighting supplies should follow the applicable technical standards when using, storing, and handling the products. 

Comment Period and Enforcement Dates 

Interested stakeholders may submit comments by 1 October 2026. The amendments are scheduled to apply from 22 November 2026.