Japan Takes Bold Step: Ban on 138 PFAS Chemicals Set for January 2025 Draft Proposal Announced

On September 9, 2024, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, alongside the Ministries of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Environment, unveiled a draft proposal aimed at banning Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Classification and Enforcement

The proposal seeks to classify 138 PFAS compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances, leading to a complete prohibition on their manufacture, import, and use.

Timeline for Implementation

This new ordinance is anticipated to be formally adopted in November 2024, with enforcement commencing on January 10, 2025.

Public Engagement

The government concluded its public comment period on October 9, 2024, inviting feedback through online submissions. The complete draft proposal is accessible in Japanese.