JP J-Moss — Content Labeling of Specified Chemical Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources)
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Mandatory since July 1, 2006 (JIS C 0950 latest revision applied 2021)
Overview
Under the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, this is Japan's chemical management system requiring designated electrical and electronic equipment to indicate the presence of six specified chemical substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE) in accordance with the JIS C 0950 standard, known as J-Moss. Often described as Japan's equivalent of the EU's RoHS Directive, the system is intended both to inform consumers and to promote proper recycling. Products containing any of the substances above the specified threshold must display an orange content mark and disclose details on the manufacturer's website, while products at or below the threshold may optionally display a green mark.
Enforcement Timeline
July 2006: The system formally begins operation following an amendment to the ministerial ordinance under the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources and the establishment of the original JIS C 0950 standard.
January 2008: JIS C 0950 is revised (second edition), clarifying certain provisions on how the mark is displayed and which components are subject to disclosure.
March 2021: JIS C 0950:2021, the current version of the standard, is issued, maintaining consistency with existing threshold values and exemptions while aligning with the latest international standards.
Business Impact
Manufacturers and importers of the seven designated product categories for the Japanese market—air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, microwave ovens, and personal computers—are required to confirm the presence of the designated substances, apply the appropriate mark, and disclose detailed content information on their website.
Because manufacturers must request content data for the six designated substances from suppliers of parts and raw materials in a format compatible with J-Moss, maintaining a data management and communication system across the supply chain, including tools such as chemSHERPA, is essential.
Failing to apply the required labeling, or distributing products with inaccurate content information, can lead to guidance, corrective recommendations, or orders under the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, along with a loss of public trust and damage to brand reputation.