Japan Expands Its Pollutant Release and Transfer Register with 87 Chemicals – Safety Data Sheets Are to Be Updated

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has added to its Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR). As the government stated in its official journal (Japanese only), the register of “Class I Specified Chemicals” now lists 515 chemicals, and the register of “Class II Specified Chemicals” now lists 134 chemicals.

Class I chemicals are classified as those that display long-term toxicity in studies and are also persistent or bioaccumulative. Strict usage limitations and prohibitions apply to these chemicals. Class II chemicals also display long-term toxicity but are not persistent or bioaccumulative.

Companies that market Class I or Class II chemicals must supply their customers with updated safety data sheets. Companies must also submit annual reports to government agencies on Class I chemicals.

METI is planning to implement a numbering system in 2024. A number will be assigned to each chemical in the register, and the number will be included in the safety data sheet. Authorities hope that this approach will provide more transparency and simplify adherence to the requirements of the PRTR law (unofficial translation of the legislation).

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