SG 078/26
Japan designates several persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as Class I Specified Chemical Substances.
In 2025, Japan consulted on its proposal to designate chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts and LC-PFCA-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances (SafeGuardS 155/25).
On May 22, 2026, Japan issued Cabinet Order No. 171 (time-limited for free viewing in the Kanpō (Official Gazette)) to amend the nation’s Enforcement Order of the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture, etc. (‘the Order’, Cabinet Order No. 202 of 1974)
What does this order require?
Key changes in Cabinet Order No 171 include:
- Introducing the POP chemicals mentioned above as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under Article 1, items 41-44, in the Order
- Prohibiting the import of products that contain these POP chemicals (see Table 1 below)
- Clarifying that the use of LC-PFCAs, their salts and LC-PFCA-related substances in fire extinguishers, fire extinguisher agents for fire extinguishers and foam extinguishing agents must comply with technical standards as prescribed by ministerial ordinance
| Entry to Article 7 of the Order | POP Chemical | Products prohibited from import |
|---|---|---|
| 24 and 25 |
|
|
| 26 |
|
|
| 27 |
|
|
Table 1
Who is impacted?
Stakeholders across multiple industries and supply chains are affected, including manufacturers, users, importers and exporters of these POP substances, as well as products that contain or are contaminated by them.
When does it apply?
This amendment will become effective on November 22, 2026 – six months after the day of its publication in the Kanpō.
Details of the approved Cabinet Order can also be found in the Ministry of Economy, Traded and Industry (METI) website.
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