Under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) recently released a significant notice requiring pertinent enterprises to submit reports by September 30, 2024, on the estimated production, extraction, refining, and use of designated substances in 2025. Its goal is to abide by the terms of the 1992-established and 1995-ratified Chemical Weapons Convention. Japan has been progressively carrying out its responsibilities, which include reporting and consenting to foreign inspections.

Reporting Items

• Estimated production, extraction, refining, and use of Class I designated substances in 2025.
• Estimated production of Class II designated substances in 2025

According to the notice, enterprises that meet any of the following conditions need to submit reports on the estimated production and usage of substances for 2025:

For Class I designated substances:

• Estimated production, extraction, refining, or use of the designated substance exceeds the reporting threshold in 2025.
• Production, extraction, refining, or use of the designated substance exceeded the reporting threshold in any year from 2021 to 2023.
• A report on the estimated production, extraction, refining, and use has already been submitted in 2024.

For Class II designated substances:

• Estimated production of the designated substance exceeds the reporting threshold in 2025.
• Production of the designated substance exceeded the reporting threshold in 2023.
• A report on the estimated production has already been submitted in 2024.

Furthermore, if the estimated production, extraction, refining, or use is below the reporting threshold but is later expected to exceed it, enterprises must also submit a report on the estimated quantities 30 days before exceeding the threshold. This requirement also applies to substances produced as by-products.

Designated substances

Reporting thresholds

Note: If the concentration threshold column shows “None,” reporting is required regardless of the amount.

Circumstances Requiring Submission of a Change Report

If the actual production, extraction, refining, or use is anticipated to exceed the previously projected quantities, enterprises must submit a change report 30 days before the following circumstances occur:

• The estimated increase exceeds twice the reported amount (applicable to both Class I and Class II designated substances).
• The estimated increase exceeds ten times the reporting threshold (applicable to Class I designated substances).
• The estimated increase exceeds 200 tons (applicable to Class II designated substances).

Through these measures, the METI continues to strengthen the regulation of chemical substances, ensuring compliance with domestic and international regulations and chemical safety.