WTO Circulates Notification of Japan Regarding Certification Criteria for Excellent Design of Plastic Circularity

"On April 24, 2025, World Trade Organization (WTO) circulates the notification of Japan regarding ""Certification Criteria for Excellent Design of Plastic Circularity"" as part of its implementation of the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics. This initiative introduces a system in which competent authorities certify particularly excellent Design for the Environment (DfE) that complies with the national Guidelines for DfE, with the aim of promoting plastic resource circulation. The certification criteria cover four product categories: 1. PET Bottles for Beverages 2. Stationery 3. Household Cosmetic Containers -Criteria: ・Satisfying the reduction standards ・Using recycled plastic or biomass plastic above a certain percentage ・Satisfying recycling requirements -Due to design diversity, uniform certification standards are difficult; therefore, standards will initially focus on shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and hand soap containers. -Only containers that are truly refillable or replaceable are eligible. Eligible container types include: (I) Containers usable for refills and replacements (II) Bottles for replacement, used instead of film containers (III) Rubber containers intended for refilling or replacing main containers 4. Household Cleaning Agents -Criteria: ・Satisfying the reduction standards ・Using recycled plastic or biomass plastic above a certain percentage ・Satisfying recycling requirements -Target cleaning agents include: (I) Laundry detergents (synthetic, soap, and complex soap) (II) Fabric softeners (III) Kitchen detergents (synthetic, soap, and complex soap) (IV) Dishwasher detergent (V) General household and furniture cleaning agents Eligible container types: (I) Containers for refills and replacements (II) Non-refillable containers (III) Bottles for replacement instead of film containers (IV) Rubber containers for refilling/replacement The proposed date of entry into force is January 1, 2026, and the deadline for public comment is 60 days from the date of notification (i.e. June 23, 2025). "