On December, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly announced the commencement of a public consultation period for two important draft regulations concerning the management of Dechlorane Plus. The consultation will run until January 25, 2025. The drafts address the establishment of technical standards for handling Dechlorane Plus and the required anti-pollution measures to be marked on its containers, packaging, or transport documents.

Draft Ordinance on Setting Technical Standards for Handling Dechlorane Plus

The draft outlines that the handling of Dechlorane Plus must strictly adhere to the following technical standards to ensure environmental safety:

1. Transfer Handling: Conducted on indoor concrete or synthetic resin-covered floors, or using enclosed equipment. Trays or other measures must be implemented to prevent scattering or leakage.
2. Equipment Use: Equipment should be enclosed, dedicated to Dechlorane Plus use, and equipped with local exhaust systems and other leak prevention measures at openings. Equipment must be regularly cleaned to ensure no residue remains.
3. Emission Monitoring: Handlers must annually sample and analyze emitted gases and liquids to monitor Dechlorane Plus emissions and implement reduction measures based on the results.
4. Storage Requirements: Storage containers should be sealed, sturdy, securely placed, and clearly marked with content information.
5. Regular Inspections: Regular inspections of the equipment and storage containers are required to ensure there are no leaks or damages, with immediate repairs made to any discovered issues.

Notice on Information to be Marked on Containers, Packaging, or Transport Documents of Dechlorane Plus to Prevent Environmental Pollution

This draft requires clear marking of the following information on containers, packaging, or transport documents of Dechlorane Plus:

1. Dechlorane Plus is a Class I specified chemical substance.
2. Clearly state the content of Dechlorane Plus and necessary safety precautions, such as measures to prevent leakage and scattering.
3. Packaging or labels should include detailed information about the legal entity or individual handling Dechlorane Plus.

The MHLW, METI, and MOE encourage the public to submit their comments and suggestions before the deadline. This feedback will be used to refine the final regulations, ensuring that these measures effectively protect public health and environmental safety.

The drafts are expected to be officially implemented on February 18, 2025, at which time Dechlorane Plus will be officially classified as a Class I specified chemical substance, subject to stricter regulation and control.

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