This report summarizes the results of a survey for promoting proper enforcement of the Chemical Substances Control Law (Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture) conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in FY 2024.
The Chemical Substances Control Law is an important law aimed at preventing environmental pollution by chemical substances and appropriately managing the risks of chemical substances to human health and ecosystems. This survey examined issues and countermeasures for proper enforcement and effectiveness improvement of the law.
The survey conducted detailed analysis of the chemical substance notification system under the Chemical Substances Control Law, understanding of emission and transfer volumes, risk assessment methods, and the status of business operator initiatives. Additionally, consistency with international chemical substance management systems and directions for system improvement based on the latest scientific knowledge were also examined.
Survey results revealed that while voluntary chemical substance management initiatives by business operators have achieved certain results, challenges exist including improving response capabilities of small and medium enterprises, rapid response to new chemical substances, and enhancement of risk communication.
Additionally, the necessity was pointed out for constructing efficient information management and sharing systems utilizing digital technology, standardization of regulations through international coordination, and technology development support through industry-academia-government collaboration.
The survey results are expected to be utilized as important reference materials for future improvement of chemical substance regulatory policies and strengthening of enforcement systems.