Japan Announces Partial Revision of the Names of Chemical Substances that Don't Require Notification

On March 31, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) jointly issued a notification regarding the non-requirement of evaluation or notification for specific inorganic compounds and organic polymer compounds under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). The notification clarifies that certain compounds not falling under Article 2, Paragraphs 2 or 3 of the law will not be subject to notification or evaluation under Article 8, Paragraph 1, Item 3, in accordance with Article 2, Paragraph 5.
The update specifically outlines revised classifications and reference numbers for inorganic compounds, maintaining most of the previously listed items with only minor amendments. It also provides detailed conditions under which organic polymer compounds—such as those with a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 or more and insoluble in water, acids, alkalis, and solvents—are exempt. Compounds with molecular weights less than 1,000 and content under 1% are also included in the exemption, provided they meet solubility criteria. This revision helps clarify the applicability of Japan's CSCL and provides regulatory relief for manufacturers and importers handling low-risk substances.