The Industrial Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare recently proposed revisions to the relevant ordinances of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, concerning substances subject to labeling and submission of Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The aim is to enhance the control of chemical substances in workplaces and ensure public safety and health.
Key Revisions
Article 18 of the Enforcement Order of the Industrial Safety and Health Act will be revised to add 36 chemical substances, including octanoic acid, titanium tetrachloride, and barium metaborate, as obligation targets. These substances will also be listed in Appendix 2 of the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations. Anyone transferring or providing the listed substances or their products must comply with the labeling and SDS delivery obligations under the Industrial Safety and Health Act. The new regulations are expected to take effect from April 2028.
List of newly added substances subject to labeling and SDS delivery obligations:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11305000/001597533.pdf
Background of the Revisions
Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, necessary preventive and management measures must be taken for chemical substances that may endanger the health or safety of workers. The current ordinance determines obligation targets based on substances classified as hazardous or harmful by the government as of March 31, 2024. The proposed revision extends the classification deadline to March 31, 2025.
Public Consultation
In accordance with the Handling Methods for Establishing Standards and Certification Systems, this revision will include a public comment session, particularly seeking opinions from foreign stakeholders.
Public Comment Session Time: December 9, 2025, 15:30–16:30
Location: Special Conference Room 16, 5th Floor, Central Government Building No. 5 (1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Participation Methods: In-person or online (limited to Webex/Teams)
Interested parties are welcome to submit applications to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare by December 5, 2025. Applications must include name, contact information, affiliation, and a summary of opinions.
Further Information
