Japan Invites Public Comments on Proposed Amendments to Designated Chemical Substances Under the Chemical Substances Control Act

Japan has opened a voluntary public consultation on a draft proposal to amend part of the list of chemical substances designated as not falling under regulated categories of the Act on the Examination and Regulation of Manufacture and Use of Chemical Substances (CSCL). The proposal is jointly issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of the Environment. The draft concerns revisions to chemical substances currently recognized as not meeting the criteria of Article 2, Paragraphs 2 or 3 of the CSCL, as well as substances deemed unnecessary for further evaluation under Article 2, Paragraph 5. The consultation period runs from December 26, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Supporting materials, including a list of eligible chemical substances, a summary paper, and reference documents, have been released to assist stakeholders in submitting informed opinions. This process aims to enhance transparency and ensure that Japan’s chemical management framework remains aligned with scientific assessment and regulatory needs.