On September 9, 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ministry of the Environment jointly released a draft proposal to ban 138 perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-related compounds. These compounds are proposed to be designated as class I specified chemical substances under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture.
- Public Comment Period: Open until October 9, 2024, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback.
- Finalization and Implementation: The final version of the ministerial order is expected to be published in November 2024 and come into effect on January 10, 2025.
- Health Risks: PFOA, also known as C8, is classified as ‘carcinogenic to humans’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
- Affected Products: PFOA-related compounds are used in various products, including lubricants, paints, cosmetics, food packaging, nonstick pans, and fire-fighting foam.
Source: https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/pcm/download?seqNo=0000279412
