JP — Regulation of Class II Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL)
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Continuously in effect (updated as needed)
Overview
Regulation of Class II Specified Chemical Substances under the CSCL targets substances that are poorly degradable and toxic to humans or to flora and fauna in the living environment, despite low bioaccumulation potential — aiming to prevent environmental contamination and health damage before it occurs. Businesses handling designated substances are legally required to pre-notify manufacturing and import volumes, comply with technical guidelines, and maintain facilities to control environmental emissions.
Enforcement Timeline
1986 — CSCL amendment creates the Class II Specified Chemical Substance category (initial designations included trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene). 2009 — Major CSCL revision adds toxicity assessment criteria for flora/fauna and revises the evaluation process. Ongoing — Substances are designated in stages based on evaluation results from the Monitoring Chemical Substances list, with periodic updates to maintenance guidelines.
Business Impact
Businesses manufacturing or importing Class II Specified Chemical Substances (e.g., trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride) are required to submit annual notifications of planned and actual volumes. Handling facilities must implement emission suppression equipment (recovery and containment systems) and operational management under technical guidelines, facing compliance review and administrative guidance risks.