JAPAN
Regulation of new chemical substances
Overview
Japan has two laws that require new chemical notification before manufacturing or import:
1) Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL) applies to commercial chemicals, and
2) Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL) is specific to chemicals in workplace.
A new chemical substance that is not on each inventory may need to be notified in Japan under both laws.
CSCL focuses on the prevention of environmental pollution. This law controls manufacturing and import of a chemical substance, which may have unreasonable risk on human health or flora and fauna in the environment.
This law authorizes three authorities to administer the law: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) and Ministry of the Environment (MOE).
New chemical notification system in ISHL focuses on carcinogens. It authorizes MHLW to issue regulatory rules that allow the agency to control carcinogens to protect workplace laborers from the exposure.
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