Japan, MOE solicits public comments on the revision of PFOS-related provisions of the Chemical Substances Control Act 
On July 7, 2021, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) began soliciting public comments on the new addition of PFOA used in specific products to the scope of regulation under the Chemical Substances Control Act. Public comments will be accepted until midnight on August 6, 2021. The following two issues are being sought.
Summary of the two solicitation
1. Items to be labeled on containers, packaging, or invoices of products in which PFOS or its salts are used
In the past, the following items were required to be labeled.
- The fact that PFOS or its salts are used in the product
- That PFOS or its salt is a Class I Specified Chemical Substance
- The content rate of PFOS or its salts
However, through this solicitation, the wording of the above “PFOS or its salt” will be changed to “PFOS or its salt or PFOA or its salt”.
2. Technical standards for fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishers, and foam fire extinguishing agents
Until now, the regulation has been applied to “liquid waste containing PFOS or its salts, or cloth or other unwanted materials to which PFOS or its salts are attached,” but through this solicitation, the wording of the above “PFOS or its salts” is scheduled to be changed to “PFOS or its salts or PFOA or its salts”.
Background of the public comments and the revisions
In Japan, a Cabinet decision to designate PFOA and its salts as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Act was made on April 21, 2021, with an effective date of October 22, 2021. This solicitation for public comments and the revision of the relevant provisions is thought to reflect the revised POPs Convention in domestic Acts.
You can find more info about a Cabinet decision in April, from the following URL.
“PFOA and its Salts Classified as ‘Class I Specified Chemical Substance’ in Japan”
https://enviliance.com/regions/east-asia/jp/report_2185
The website pages of the solicitation of public comments can be viewed at the following URL.
- The solicitation of public comments on items to be labeled on containers, packaging, or invoices of products in which PFOS or its salts are used
https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/servlet/Public?CLASSNAME=PCMMSTDETAIL&id=195210017&Mode=0 - The solicitation of public comments on technical standards for fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishers, and foam fire extinguishing agents
https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/servlet/Public?CLASSNAME=PCMMSTDETAIL&id=195210016&Mode=0
