Background

The GFC replaces the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which was introduced in 2006 with the goal of promoting global chemical governance through the prevention or reduction of waste and chemical dangers. In order to create the plan through policy discussions, Japan formed an inter ministerial liaison council in April 2024 that brought together government agencies (agricultural, environment, and health), businesses, academic institutions, and civil society. In accordance with international norms, the strategy places a high priority on lifecycle management, which covers the manufacture, use, and disposal of chemicals. 

A major step toward establishing global chemical safety was taken on February 18, 2025, when Japan’s Ministry of the Environment announced the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) –For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste-Domestic Implementation Plan (Draft). Public comments on the draft plan can be sent by mail or through the e-government platform until March 21, 2025. The plan, which is in line with the international GFC that Germany approved in September 2023, places a strong emphasis on multi-sector cooperation in chemical lifecycle management to protect human health and the environment. 

Five Strategic Goals

The draft outlines Japan’s roadmap under the GFC’s five core objectives:

Strategic Goal A: Legal Framework and Governance Capacity

1. By 2030: Strengthen domestic laws to prevent/minimize chemical hazards, combat illegal trade, and enforce notification, regulation, and prohibition of exports for domestically banned chemicals.

2. Enhance capabilities of poison control centers with comprehensive chemical risk response training.

3. Phase out highly toxic pesticides by 2035.

Strategic Goal B: Data Transparency and Knowledge Sharing

1. By 2030: Develop and implement education and training on the safety, sustainability, safer alternatives, and the benefits of risk reduction for chemicals and waste.

2. By 2035: Generate and publicly release comprehensive data on chemical properties, production, and emissions.

3. Promote the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

Strategic Goal C: Prioritizing High-Risk Issues

Establish clear timelines and action plans for addressing priority high-risk chemicals.

Strategic Goal D: Safer Alternatives and Sustainable Solutions

1. By 2030: Boost support for safer and more sustainable agricultural practices, including agroecology, integrated pest management, and the use of non-chemical alternatives where appropriate.

2. By 2030: Major economic and industrial sectors will develop and implement sustainable strategies for the management of chemicals and waste, prioritizing substances of concern, reducing their impact along the supply chain, and minimizing their input wherever possible.

3. By 2035: Implement policies encouraging safer alternatives and circular economy approaches throughout their entire lifecycle, including the application of available best technologies, green procurement, and circular economy approaches.

Strategic Goal E: Resource Integration and Global Cooperation

1. By 2030: Internalize costs of proper chemical and waste management.

2. By 2030:Strengthen synergies between chemical governance and global issues like climate change and biodiversity.

3. By 2035: Mainstream the proper management of chemicals and waste through the implementation of plans, budgets, and development strategies and assistance policies and procedures across all relevant sectors.

Next Steps

Japan intends to update its domestic plan in light of international developments and present a progress report at the 2026 GFC International Conference. To improve the draft, the Ministry of the Environment encourages interested parties to actively engage in the consultation process. 

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