Reference source : e-GOV Public Comment Portal - Japan
Japan Product restrictions / prohibitions METI MHLW Public Consultation Stockholm Convention Ministry of Environment MOE Enforcement
Update 19 May 2026:
On 19 May 2026, Japan's MHLW, METI and MoE published the results of public consultation. The ministries published the information on the country’s e-GOV Public Comment Portal. According to the published information the final order is scheduled to be promulgated on 22 May 2026 and will become effective on 22 November 2026.
Update 20 March 2026:
On 20 March 2026, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of the Environment (MoE) published the second consultation notice on the country’s e-GOV Public Comment Portal. This consultation period ended on 18 April 2026. While ministries proposed this order will be promulgated in May 2026 and enforced in November 2026 (likely after 6 months of promulgation).
On the promulgation day, immediate provision allows MHLW, METI, and MOE to begin council consultations to define long-chain PFCA-related substances before full enforcement. More information can be accessed here.
Original News:
On 3 October 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MoE) jointly released a draft proposal to designate three chemicals as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). The draft proposal was published on the same day on Japan’s e-GOV Public Comment Portal.
Following the decision at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) held in April–May 2025, Japan plans to designate the following three substances as Class I Specified Chemical Substances:
Previous update in February 2025
Key Insights from the draft
Details which are proposed in the draft are:
|
Chemical |
Products to be banned from import |
|
Chlorpyrifos |
Wood preservatives and insecticides |
|
MCCPs |
Plasticizers for resins; flame retardant additives; lubricants and hydraulic oils; paints; adhesives and sealants; water repellents; textile protectants |
|
Long-chain PFCAs and related substances |
Photographic films; lubricants; paints; water/oil repellents; adhesives; fire extinguishers and foams; waxes; water/oil-repellent treated fabrics, clothing, and carpets |
Obligations for Stakeholders
Once officially designated as Class I Specified Chemical Substances, these chemicals will be restricted from being manufactured, imported, and used, as well as used in products that include them, will be prohibited. They can only be utilized under essential circumstances or when a specific permit is obtained.
Comment Period and Enforcement Dates
Stakeholders are invited to comment on this draft till 2 November 2025. The ministries has not published the enforcement dates yet, but implementation is scheduled to start in the fiscal year 2026.