Three POP Chemicals Regulated in Japan

Three POP chemicals have been designated as Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances in Japan. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) January 25, 2025 - SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 006.25, highlighting Japan’s designation of three persistent organic pollutant (POP) chemicals as Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances.

Methoxychlor is a bioaccumulative pesticide toxic to aquatic life. Dechlorane plus is a flame retardant commonly used in electronics and cars, and UV-328 is a stabilizer associated with adverse liver and kidney effects in animals.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) consulted in December 2023 over the proposed designation of these POP chemicals as Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances, resulting in Cabinet Order No.382 on December 18, 2024, which amends the country’s Enforcement Order of the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture, etc. (Cabinet Order No. 202 of 1974)

Among the important provisions of the December 2024 Cabinet Order No. 382 are:

• The designation of methoxychlor, dechlorane plus and UV-328 as Class I Specified Chemical Substances
• The prohibition of the importation of products that contain dechlorane plus and UV-328 from June 18, 2025
• An exemption until February 26, 2030, on the use of dechlorane plus in the manufacture of insulation materials for equipment falling under the Ministry of Defense Establishment Act

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 006.25 includes a useful table listing the applications of methoxychlor, dechlorane plus and UV-328 which are prohibited from entering Japan, as well as a time-limited link to a free view of the Cabinet Order in Japan’s Official Gazette and a link to it on the official METI website.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 006.25 for more details.

SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Japan Regulates Three POP Chemicals SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/01/safeguards-00625-japan-regulates-three-pop-chemicals]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.

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