JP Act on Promotion of Green Purchasing
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Fully enforced since April 2001 (Annual basic policy and criteria updates)
Overview
The Act on Promoting Green Purchasing by the National Government and Other Entities requires public bodies, including the national government and independent administrative agencies, to give priority to purchasing environmentally friendly goods and services (green products) when procuring goods and services. Strict criteria are set for individual product categories, including paper products, office equipment, home appliances, vehicles, and uniforms, based on a basic policy that is revised by Cabinet decision each fiscal year.
Enforcement Timeline
May 2000: The Act on Promoting Green Purchasing is promulgated.
April 2001: The act takes full effect, beginning mandatory green procurement by national government bodies.
February each year: The Cabinet approves the Basic Policy on Promoting Green Purchasing, revising criteria and adding new product categories in response to technological progress and market trends.
February 2024: The basic policy is revised again, strengthening criteria to reflect plastic resource circulation and supply chain emissions calculation.
Business Impact
Supply chain businesses seeking to participate in the public procurement market must be able to prove and disclose that their products meet the latest criteria under the Act, including energy efficiency standards and the proportion of recycled materials used.