PFAS: Japan Restricts PFHxS-Related Compounds Under Chemical Substances Act

On September 17, 2025, Japan notified the WTO of revisions to the Enforcement Order of the Act on the Regulation of Manufacture and Evaluation of Chemical Substances. These changes designate perfluoro(hexane-1-sulfonic acid)-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances requiring authorization for manufacture or import, and prohibit imports of products containing these compounds in applications such as water- and oil-repellent textiles, semiconductor etchants and resists, plating agents, fire-extinguishing foams, and floor coverings.

What this means for business

• Manufacturers and importers of PFHxS-related compounds must obtain prior authorization before placing these chemicals on the Japanese market.
• Importers of finished goods using PFHxS-related compounds must verify compliance and adjust supply chains to avoid prohibited products.
• Companies should review affected product lines, update technical files, and plan for authorization applications or reformulation to maintain market access.

Source: WTO (G/TBT/N/JPN/879)