Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced that 169 chemical substances have been added to the ISHA Newly Announced Chemical Substances list under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, primarily covering substances used in workplaces with potential worker-health impacts.
What Happened
The 169 substances were published on June 26, 2026 (2026年6月26日公示分) and announced by MHLW. The update provides detailed identification data including chemical names, official gazette numbers, CAS numbers, chemical structural formulas, and classification codes to help businesses and research institutions identify and manage the substances.
What’s New
- 169 new chemical substances added to the ISHA Newly Announced Chemical Substances list.
- Detailed identification data (CAS numbers, structural formulas, classification codes, gazette numbers) published to support accurate substance management.
Key Dates & Compliance Deadlines
169 substances published in MHLW official gazette notice.
MHLW formally announced the listing.
Affected Industries
Manufacturing, chemical handling, and research institutions operating in Japan whose workplaces use any of the 169 newly listed substances.
Who Is Affected
Employers and businesses handling any of the 169 newly announced substances in Japanese workplaces; research institutions using the substances.
Substances / Products in Scope
169 newly announced chemical substances under Japan’s Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA); full list available via MHLW’s official gazette notice.
Prohibitions, Restrictions & Exemptions
No prohibitions — this is a notification/identification listing under ISHA’s worker-safety chemical management framework, not a restriction or ban; it supports downstream hazard communication and safety data sheet obligations.
What Companies Should Do
- Cross-check the 169 newly listed CAS numbers against substances used in Japanese operations.
- Update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and workplace chemical management records as needed for any matched substances.
- Monitor for related classification or labeling obligations that may follow from ISHA listing.
This is an identification/notification update rather than a restriction — companies with manufacturing or R&D operations in Japan should verify whether any of the 169 substances are in use and update SDS/workplace records accordingly.
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