JP Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) — 2024 Amendment
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Effective April 1, 2024
Overview
The 2024 amendment to the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) is aimed at strengthening controls on hazardous substances such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and responding more quickly to international trends in chemical substance management. The amendment enhances the notification and review process for new chemical substances manufactured or imported into Japan, and revises the criteria used to select substances for ongoing screening and risk assessment among existing chemical substances. The framework requires stricter emission controls and data management across the chemical industry and its supply chains.
Enforcement Timeline
May 2024: The amendment bill passes the Diet.
June 2024: The amended law is promulgated.
April 1, 2025: Amended provisions begin phased implementation, including a revised process for selecting Priority Assessment Chemical Substances.
Throughout fiscal 2025: Requirements are strengthened for reviewing existing chemical substances and submitting hazard assessment data for PFAS and related substances.
April 1, 2026: The amended law takes full effect, completing the transition to the new notification and management framework.
Business Impact
Companies need to closely examine how information on chemical substances contained in their products is communicated through the supply chain. Businesses engaged in import and export in particular should pay close attention to newly designated substances under the CSCL.