Japan Consults on PFHxS Restrictions Under Chemical Substances Control Law

Consultation on Regulation of PFHxS and Related Substances
On January 21, 2026, three Japanese government ministries opened a public consultation on a specific list of chemicals proposed for regulation or prohibition as perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS; CAS No. 355-46-4) and related substances. The measure amends the Chemical Substances Control Law in fulfilment of obligations under Cabinet Order No. 416 of 2025 and the Stockholm Convention. The consultation closed on February 19, 2026.
The proposal identifies 117 specific PFHxS-related substances across four categories: metal and ammonium salts and related sulfonamides; halides and amide derivatives; acrylate and methacrylate copolymers; and complex reaction products. Substances regulated as Class I Specified Chemical Substances are banned from use, manufacture, and import, with very limited exceptions. The ban on imports extends to products containing these substances.
Source: IAEG WG9 Newsletter, February 2026