Japan Strengthens the Control over Hazardous Chemicals

On November 28, 2023, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Environment jointly announced that the cabinet has approved the partial amendment to the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL).

• PFHxS, its isomers, or its salts have been officially listed as the Class I Specified Chemical Substances in CSCL;
• The following 10 products are designated as prohibited from import when using the Class I Specified Chemical Substances.
  • Waterproof or oil-proof fabrics;
  • Etching agents for metalworking;
  • Etching agents for semiconductor manufacturing;
  • Surface treatment agents for electroplating and their additives;
  • Anti-reflective agents for semiconductor manufacturing;
  • Etch resist for semiconductors;
  • Waterproofing agents, oil-proofing agents, and fiber protectants;
  • Firefighting equipment;
  • Waterproof or oil-proof clothing; and
  • Waterproof or oil-proof carpets.
• For products designated as using the Class I Specified Chemical Substances, those with set technical standards must comply with national technical standards. Firefighting equipment using PFHxS, its isomers, or its salts has been temporarily designated as needing to meet technical standards.

This decree was published on December 1, 2023. Article 1 will come into effect from February 1, 2024, and Articles 2 and 3 from June 1, 2024. This amendment significantly strengthens the control over the use and import of hazardous chemicals, showing Japan's determination in environmental protection and public health.

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