Japan, APAC · Public Comment
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) proposed amendments to the Export Trade Control Order and related regulations to add long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), chlorpyrifos, and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) to the list of export-controlled chemicals. The proposal aligns Japan’s export controls with the latest amendments to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Substances / Products in Scope
Previously, these substances were not subject to Japan’s export licensing requirements. The proposal would introduce export controls for newly listed POP chemicals following their international listing under the Stockholm Convention, expanding the scope of controlled substances under Japan’s foreign trade regulations.
Key Dates & Compliance Deadlines
- Official Publish/Release Date: June 22, 2026
- Effective Date: Proposal released for public consultation in June 2026
- Public Comment Period: 18 June 2026 – 17 July 2026 (30-day public consultation)
- Compliance Deadline: Not yet established. The requirements will apply after the final regulations are adopted and enter into force.
Affected Industries
- Chemical manufacturers
- Exporters and importers
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Aerospace
- Electrical equipment
- Plastics
- Wire & cable
- Coatings
- Lubricants
- Flame retardants
- Industrial machinery
- Companies exporting controlled chemicals or products from Japan
Who Is Affected
- Japanese manufacturers
- Exporters
- Trading companies
- Distributors
- Logistics providers
- Multinational companies exporting chemicals, mixtures, or articles containing the listed substances from Japan
Prohibitions, Restrictions & Exemptions
The proposal would require export authorization/licensing for covered chemicals and products under Japan’s export control regime. It does not create a general domestic ban, but exports would become subject to regulatory controls. Specific exemptions would be detailed in the final amended regulations.
What Companies Should Do
- Identify products and materials containing LC-PFCAs, chlorpyrifos, or MCCPs.
- Review export classifications and supply chains.
- Prepare to obtain export licenses where required.
- Monitor publication of the final METI regulations.
- Engage suppliers to confirm substance content and update compliance documentation.
This medium-priority update affects automotive OEMs and suppliers with operations or sales exposure in Japan, APAC. Compliance and product stewardship teams should review applicability against current BOMs and supply agreements, and note the compliance dates above.
Reach out to our regulation experts on chemical and product regulatory compliances