On December 12, 2023, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, together with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Environment, published a drafted amendment to the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL) for public comments. This draft amendment aims to restrict the production, import and use of Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 to safeguard public health and the environment. Public comments will close at January 10, 2024.
- Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 have been listed in the Class I Specified Chemical Substances. Technically speaking, the manufacture and import of these three substances are prohibited from the autumn of 2024. However, these substances can be manufactured or imported with official permits.
- The import and use of products containing Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 is prohibited in Japan.
Chemical Substance Products Prohibited from Import 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,13,13,14,14-dodecachloro-1,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,10,10a,11,12,12a-dodecahydro-1,4:7,10 Dimethanodibenzo [a,e]cyclooctene, (Dechlorane Plus) Additives for enhancing flame retardant performance of resin;
Silicone rubber;
Lubricating oil;
Adhesives and tapes;
Components, casings, wires, and cables of electronic and electrical products2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6 ditertpentylphenol (UV-328)
Paints and varnishe;
Lubricating oil;
Adhesives, tapes and gland packing;
UV absorbers for plastics - Methoxychlor, Dechlorane, and UV-328 are prohibited to be used except for specified uses (necessary uses).
Methoxychlor, Dechlorane, and UV-328 are deleterious to human health and the environment. Therefore, the Japanese government impose restrictions on these substances to lower their impacts. The European Union has proposed to add these three substances to the Annex A of the Stockholm Convention of POPs. Methoxychlor, as an organochlorine pesticide, has been prohibited in China.
