Japan – Restrictions on PFOA and its Salts Approved

Vol. 1242 | 10 May 2021

On 21 April 2021, the Ministries of Japan published Cabinet Order no. 144 of 2021 to amend the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacturer, etc. to regulate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and certain PFOA-containing products. This Cabinet Order shall be effective on 22 Oct 2021.

According to the amendment, PFOA and its salts will be added to the group of substances regulated as Class I Specified Chemical Substances. Under Japan’s Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture, etc., substances are classified as Class I if they are persistent, highly bio-accumulative, or have a risk of long-term toxicity to humans. The import, manufacture or sale of products containing Class I substances is prohibited.

The following products are designated as products that cannot be imported if they contain "PFOA" or its salt, which is Class I Specified Chemical Substances (Article 7 of the Chemical law Enforcement Ordinance):

1. Water-resistant and oil resistant paper
2. Water-repellent and oil repellent textiles
3. Cleaning agents
4. Anti-reflection agents used in the manufacturer of semiconductors
5. Paints and varnish
6. Water and oil repellent
7. Adhesives and sealing fillers
8. Fire extinguisher, fire-extinguishing agent, and fire-extinguishing foam
9. Toner for printer
10. Water-resistant and oil resistant clothes
11. Water-repellent and oil repellent floor covering
12. Floor waxes
13. Photographic paper

Details of the Orders can be viewed at: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2021/0416_001.html

For additional questions, please contact:

Dr. Kathy Leung
Tel: +(852) 2854 8163
Email: Kathy.Leung@intertek.com

Ms. Vienna Chow
Tel: + (852) 2854 8151
Email: Vienna.chow@intertek.com