Japan Aligns with Stockholm Convention, proposed bans on PFHxS

Following recent decisions by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the Japanese government has launched initiative to designate  PFHxS-related substances as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). This designation imposes a general prohibition on the manufacture, import, and use of these substances. Products containing PFHxS-related substances may also face import restrictions or be required to comply with specific technical standards and labeling obligations.

The draft proposal also removes previously permitted exceptional uses for 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (CAS No. 678-39-7). Authorities have determined that these applications no longer meet the "difficult to substitute" criteria, effectively eliminating the exemption.
Further details on the consultation and proposed amendments are available in Japanese on the e-Gov Public Comment portal.