Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has released official data for the 2023 fiscal year on the domestic production and import volumes of three categories of chemical substances: General Chemical Substances, Priority Assessment Chemical Substances, and Monitoring Chemical Substances. This publication, in line with the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL), aims to enhance lifecycle management of chemicals, promote regulatory transparency, and mitigate potential risks to human health and the environment.

Categorized Data Enhances Regulatory Clarity

The CSCL classifies chemical substances into three categories based on their risk levels, each with specific disclosure requirements:

• General Chemical Substances: These are considered low-risk chemicals with limited environmental or health impacts. Disclosure is required under Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the CSCL.
  

• Priority Assessment Chemical Substances: These substances are subject to evaluation due to potential persistence, bioaccumulation, or toxicity. If annual production or import exceeds 100 metric tons, disclosure is mandated under Article 9, Paragraph 2.
  

• Monitoring Chemical Substances: Identified as having long-term environmental accumulation risks, these chemicals must be disclosed if production or import volumes exceed 1 metric ton annually, according to Article 13, Paragraph 2.
  

This disclosure initiative highlights Japan’s commitment to robust chemical management under the CSCL. By enforcing transparency and data accessibility, METI seeks to promote industry accountability, encourage reduction of high-risk chemical use, and support evidence-based policymaking and public engagement in chemical safety.

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