JP CSCL — Designation of Monitoring Chemical Substances
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Continuous review and annual reporting requirements
Overview
A Monitoring Chemical Substance under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) is a substance that is persistent and has low bioaccumulation potential, but raises concerns about hazard or environmental persistence. The system is designed to track and manage environmental exposure by requiring businesses to report their manufacturing and import volumes, thereby preventing environmental contamination before it occurs. Businesses subject to the system must report their manufacturing and import volumes annually, and the government uses this data to reassess the safety of the substance, moving it to the Priority Assessment Chemical Substances category or imposing manufacturing restrictions where necessary.
Enforcement Timeline
April 1 to April 30 each year: The period for reporting the previous fiscal year's manufacturing and import volumes.
Ongoing: Deliberation council evaluations by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry regarding the designation or removal of Monitoring Chemical Substances.
Immediately following an official notice: When a new substance is designated as a Monitoring Chemical Substance through an official gazette notice, the reporting obligation takes effect immediately.
Ongoing: Risk assessments and revisions to chemical management guidance associated with decisions to move a substance into the Priority Assessment Chemical Substances category.
Business Impact
Businesses must report their manufacturing and import volumes of designated substances every year and take measures to limit their release into the environment. Companies need a system in place to continuously monitor the latest list of designated substances and confirm whether their products contain any of them.