Public Comments on Proposed Hazardous Materials Rule Amendments
Overview
Based on the findings of three review panels, comments are being invited on proposed amendments to three rules and notices concerning the regulation of hazardous materials. The amendments would introduce alternating electromagnetic field measurement for testing bottom welds on specified outdoor storage tanks, revise sprinkler requirements for indoor storage facilities handling lithium-ion batteries, and establish measures concerning foam extinguishing agents at self-service fueling stations. Comments must arrive by December 7, 2026; mailed submissions must also arrive by that date. Before comments were invited, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications conducted a preliminary regulatory assessment of the proposed partial amendment to the Rules for the Regulation of Hazardous Materials and the proposed partial amendment to the notice prescribing detailed technical standards. The government plans to promulgate the ministerial ordinance and related instruments after considering the comments received.
Key points
- The proposed amendments are based on the findings of three review panels and other considerations.
- The amendments cover the introduction of alternating electromagnetic field measurement, revisions to sprinkler systems, and measures concerning foam extinguishing agents.
- Comments must arrive by December 7, 2026. Mailed submissions must also arrive by that date.
Overview
Based on the findings of three review panels and other considerations, the proposal would amend the Rules for the Regulation of Hazardous Materials, the Notice Prescribing Detailed Technical Standards for Hazardous Materials, and the Notice Prescribing Detailed Technical Standards for Foam Extinguishing Equipment at Manufacturing Facilities and Other Sites.
Details
The amendments would introduce alternating electromagnetic field measurement for testing bottom welds on specified outdoor storage tanks, revise sprinkler systems at indoor storage facilities for lithium-ion batteries, and establish measures concerning foam extinguishing agents at self-service fueling stations. For an overview of the proposed amendments, see Attachment 2.
Before comments were invited, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications conducted a preliminary regulatory assessment of the proposed partial amendment to the Rules for the Regulation of Hazardous Materials and the proposed partial amendment to the notice prescribing detailed technical standards. See Attachments 6 and 7.
The ministerial ordinance and related instruments are scheduled to be promulgated after considering the comments received.