Japan chemical regulation updates continue to reshape the regulatory landscape in Japan. These recent developments reflect a dual approach: simplifying procedures for low-risk substances while tightening restrictions on hazardous chemicals and improving transparency.

For companies operating in or trading with Japan, these changes highlight the need for continuous regulatory monitoring and robust compliance strategies.

Streamlining Requirements for Low-Risk Substances

As part of its effort to reduce administrative burden, Japan plans to expand its Non-Notifiable Substances List by adding approximately 90 chemicals.

This initiative is designed to ease reporting obligations for substances considered low risk. While this move simplifies certain compliance processes, it does not eliminate safety oversight. Regulatory authorities will continue to ensure that appropriate checks remain in place where necessary.

Overall, this update reflects a broader intention to make the regulatory system more efficient without compromising safety.

Increasing Restrictions on High-Risk Chemicals

Alongside simplification efforts, Japan is reinforcing its control over hazardous substances.

New restrictions have been introduced for several chemicals known for their persistence and potential health risks, including chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain PFCAs. These substances have raised growing environmental and toxicological concerns globally.

In parallel, Japan is preparing a significant regulatory step with the planned ban of 117 PFHxS-related substances, expected to come into force in June 2026. As part of the broader PFAS group, these chemicals are particularly concerning due to their long-term persistence in the environment and potential accumulation in living organisms.

Taken together, these measures signal a clear alignment with international efforts to phase out persistent and bioaccumulative substances.

Structural Updates to the CSCL Framework

Beyond individual substance restrictions, Japan is also modernizing its regulatory infrastructure.

Updates to the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) aim to enhance transparency and improve access to chemical data. One key change includes extending the disclosure period for new chemical substances, along with diversifying the methods used to share this information with stakeholders.

These adjustments are expected to facilitate better communication across the supply chain and support more informed decision-making.

Enhanced Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Requirements

In addition, Japan is strengthening its requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) related to poisonous and harmful substances.

The objective is to improve the consistency and quality of hazard communication. More reliable and standardized safety information will ultimately support better risk management practices in industrial and operational settings.

What This Means for Companies

These regulatory updates illustrate a broader shift: while certain processes are becoming more streamlined, the overall compliance landscape is growing more complex.
These developments require companies to strengthen their compliance monitoring systems.

Companies must now navigate:

• expanding substance restrictions
• evolving reporting obligations
• increasing expectations for data transparency and quality

This combination reinforces the need for structured chemical data management and proactive compliance strategies.

Updates to GHS Classification, Labelling and SDS Standards

In addition to these regulatory developments, Japan has also updated its GHS-based chemical management standards with the publication of JIS Z 7252:2025 and JIS Z 7253:2025.

These revised standards replace the 2019 editions and align Japan’s system with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 9, introducing important changes to hazard classification and communication requirements.

Key updates to hazard classification (JIS Z 7252:2025)

Several classification rules have been revised, including:

• updated explosive hazard categories (Explosives 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C)
• introduction of a new hazard class: chemicals under pressure (Categories 1–3)
• expanded classification for flammable gases, including Flammable Gas 1A and 1B

These changes may require companies to reassess existing substance and mixture classifications.

Updates to labels and SDS (JIS Z 7253:2025)

Hazard communication requirements have also been updated, including:

• adjustments to hazard statements (H-statements)
• updates to precautionary statements (P-statements)
• clarifications for label elements and SDS content

Companies may need to review SDS Section 2 and label information to ensure alignment with the new requirements.

Transition timeline

• Publication: December 25, 2025
• Transition period: until December 24, 2030
• Full application: December 25, 2030

While the transition period is relatively long, early alignment is recommended to avoid large-scale updates closer to the deadline.

More information about the Japan GHS update can be found in our dedicated article.

Conclusion

These Japan chemical regulation updates demonstrate a clear shift toward both simplification and stricter chemical control. Simplification measures coexist with stricter controls, reflecting both efficiency goals and heightened safety priorities.

At the same time, updates to GHS classification and hazard communication standards add another layer of complexity for companies managing SDS and labels.

For businesses, the challenge lies in keeping pace with these changes while maintaining compliance across multiple jurisdictions. In this context, digital tools and centralized regulatory management systems are becoming essential to ensure accuracy, consistency, and long-term compliance.