Japan Added Pfoa Isomers Or Salts, And Pfoa-Related Compounds As Class I Specified Substances

On 10 July 2024, Japan published Cabinet Order No. 244 in the nation’s Official Journal to amend the nation’s Enforcement Order of the Act on the Examination of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacturing, etc. (Cabinet Order No. 202 of 1974) by designating perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers or its salts, and PFOA-related substances as Class I Specified Chemical Substances.

This means these substances cannot be manufactured or imported to Japan unless authorization is granted.

According to the Cabinet Order, the following products containing PFOA-related substances shall not be imported to Japan:

1. Fabrics with oil- or water-repellent properties
2. Antifoaming agents
3. Oil-repellent, water-repellent and antifouling agents and fiber protecting agents
4. Optical fibers or coating agents applied to optical fibers
5. Fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishers, and fire extinguishing foams
6. Clothing with oil- and water-repellent properties
7. Floor coverings with oil- and water-repellent properties
8. Floor wax

Effective Date 

10 January 2025 – being 6 months after the publication of this Cabinet Order

References

https://kanpou.npb.go.jp/20240710/20240710g00165/20240710g001650002f.html