Key takeaway
What This Development Means
Japan is introducing stringent regulations on Dechlorane Plus to meet international commitments under the Stockholm Convention. Effective from February 2025, the regulations will impose strict handling, labelling, and record-keeping requirements. The public can submit feedback on the proposals until 25 January 2025.
What is Dechlorane Plus, and why is its regulation significant in Japan?
Dechlorane Plus is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) widely used as a flame retardant in various industrial and consumer products. It has been recognised for its resistance to environmental breakdown and its potential to bioaccumulate in living organisms. Studies have linked the substance to long-term toxicity risks, including adverse effects on human health and ecosystems.
How will the new regulations on Dechlorane Plus in Japan impact businesses and the public?
The upcoming regulations, effective from 18 February 2025, will have significant implications for businesses and the public. For businesses, particularly those in manufacturing, logistics, and product development, the measures impose stringent requirements on handling, storage, labelling, and emission monitoring. Companies must use sealed systems for managing Dechlorane Plus, prevent spills through robust containment measures, and maintain meticulous records of emissions for at least five years. Non-compliance may result in severe legal penalties.
The Japanese government has unveiled plans to introduce stricter regulations on Dechlorane Plus, classifying it as a Type 1 Specified Chemical Substance under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). Effective from 18 February 2025, the move aligns with the decisions made during the 11th Meeting of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in May 2023, which listed Dechlorane Plus as a substance for elimination. The new regulations will prohibit its manufacture, importation, and use, except in narrowly defined cases approved by law.
Enhanced Safety Standards For Handling Dechlorane Plus
The upcoming ordinances will introduce rigorous technical standards to safeguard public health and the environment from the risks posed by Dechlorane Plus. Key measures include:
Employing sealed systems to handle the substance and prevent accidental emissions or spills.Implementing robust measures to prevent leaks or spills during transfer processes.Conducting annual monitoring of emissions and maintaining detailed records for a minimum of five years.
Furthermore, all containers, packaging, and shipping documents must feature labelling that details precautions for preventing environmental contamination. These measures ensure Japan’s compliance with its obligations under the Stockholm Convention.
Public Consultation Opens
From 27 December 2024 to 25 January 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) will invite public feedback on the draft ordinances. Submissions can be made through the e-Gov platform, via email, or by post, following strict guidelines for submission.
Implementation Timeline
The regulations are scheduled to be officially published in February 2025 and enforced from 18 February 2025. With the classification of Dechlorane Plus as a Type 1 Specified Chemical Substance, its use will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances specified by law. Businesses dealing with the substance must comply fully with these measures or face legal repercussions.
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