This report evaluates the implementation status of the 2017 amendment to the Chemical Substances Control Law and examines future directions for chemical substance management policies.
The 2017 amendment's main provisions included revising the quantity calculation method for the special provision system for low-volume new chemical substances, changing to a system based on environmental emission volumes. This resulted in a significant reduction in the number of applications and quantity adjustments by the government, achieving approximately an 80% reduction. This has improved predictability for businesses and enabled more efficient system operation. Additionally, general chemical substances with strong toxicity were newly categorized as "specified general chemical substances," introducing obligations for guidance, advice, and information provision to businesses.
The report evaluates that these reform measures have been implemented smoothly and have contributed significantly to the optimization of chemical substance management. However, as future challenges, it points out the importance of utilizing information about chemical substances for safer product development and resource circulation. In particular, toward achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), further advancement in chemical substance management is required, necessitating continued examination of incentive provision and policy support methods for businesses.
The report recommends considering the next system review around 2030 while continuing to monitor the current system's operational status. It concludes that it is important to aim for further development of Japan's chemical substance management system while considering international trends.