Japan Proposes Ban on Three Persistent Organic Pollutants

GENEVA - Oct. 31, 2025 - PRLog -- SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 155.25 to inform stakeholders that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and other competent authorities intend to designate three persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under the Law Concerning the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture, also known as the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL).

These POPs are:
- Chlorpyrifos
- Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs)
- Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids including salts and related compounds (LC-PFCAs)

This proposal follows decisions made at the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in May 2025, where these substances were added to Annex A (Elimination) of the Convention with limited exemptions.

If adopted, the measure will prohibit the manufacture and import of chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC-PFCAs and specified products containing them from 2026, unless designated for approved or essential uses. The draft also outlines technical standards for handling affected products.

The proposed import bans will apply to a range of products, including insect repellents for wood, adhesives, paints, sealants, textiles, lubricants, firefighting foams, floor coverings, waxes and photographic films.

Public consultation on the proposal will remain open until November 2, 2025.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders stay informed about global chemical safety and regulatory changes. SafeGuardS 155.25 provides a detailed overview of Japan's proposed restrictions and their alignment with the Stockholm Convention.

For further details, stakeholders are encouraged to review SafeGuardS 155.25.

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SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing (https://www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing) services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Japan Intends to Ban Three POP Chemicals SafeGuardS (https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/10/safeguards-15525-japa...).

Subscribe today (https://www.sgs.com/en/newsletters/subscription-center-form) and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420 (tel:%20+852%202774%207420)
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sgs-connectivity-and-products/?viewAsMember=true)

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SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.