Japan's Government Releases Feedback Results on Proposed Testing Method Revisions for New Chemicals

On 11 March, 2026 Jointly by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan. Specific contacts: 1. Chemical Safety Measures Office, Pharmaceutical Review and Control Division, Pharmaceutical Affairs Bureau, MHLW. 2. Chemical Substance Safety Office, Chemical Substance Management Division, Industrial Safety and Security Group, METI. 3. Environmental Health and Safety Division, Minister's Secretariat, MOE This announcement on the e-Gov Public Comment portal (case ID 595225046) discloses the results of the voluntary public call for opinions on the draft "Partial Revision of the Method of Testing for New Chemical Substances, etc." 1. Category: Environmental conservation. 2. Procedure: Voluntary call for opinions (not mandatory under the Administrative Procedure Act). 3. Number of opinions received: 1. 4. Revisions made based on opinions: None The procedure solicited feedback on proposed partial amendments to the testing methods required for new chemical substances under Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL / Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture, etc.). These methods cover hazard assessments (e.g., toxicity, ecotoxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation) for pre-manufacture/import notifications and evaluations. Key timeline: 1. Draft publication: December 25, 2025. 2. Opinion submission deadline: January 24, 2026 (23:59). 3. Results announcement: March 11, 2026.