Japan Aligns with Stockholm Convention

Following recent decisions by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the Japanese government has launched initiative to designate  some hazardous substances as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). 
Consultation has been opened on December 18, 2025, specifically targeting three substance groups: 

• Chlorpyrifos (CAS No. 2921-88-2)
• Chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths C14–17 and chlorination levels ≥45% by weight (MCCPs).
•  Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts, and related compounds with carbon chain lengths C9–21.

Designation as Class I Specified Chemical Substances effectively prohibits the manufacture and use of these chemicals. Furthermore, the proposal lists specific products that will be prohibited from import if they contain these substances:

• Chlorpyrifos: Wood insecticides.
•  MCCPs: Plasticizers for resins; flame-retardant additives for textiles, resins, and rubber; lubricating, cutting, and hydraulic oils; paints; adhesives; sealants; and water-repellent agents.
• Long-chain PFCAs: Professional-use photographic films; lubricating oils; paints; water/oil-repellent agents; adhesives; sealants; fire-extinguishing agents/foams; waxes; and water/oil-repellent textiles, clothing, and floor coverings.

Next steps
This regulatory action aligns Japan’s framework with international obligations under the Stockholm Convention. Non-compliance may result in mandatory recovery orders to prevent environmental contamination. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the proposal until February 6, 2026.

Further details on the proposed restrictions and product categories are available in the WTO TBT Notification and the official Japanese public comment portal.