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Japan: bans Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus and UV-328

JANUARY 2025 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

The Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the Cabinet Decision1 to include three persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). Methoxychlor, dechlorane plus and UV-328 are designated as Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances (effective 18 February 2025) and certain imported products containing dechlorane plus or UV-328 are prohibited in Japan by 18 June 2025.

At the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (COP11)2 held in May 2023, it was decided to add methoxychlor, dechlorane plus, and UV-328 to Annex A (elimination) of the Convention. Japan, as a member country of the Stockholm Convention, is required to regulate these chemicals. As a result of identifying the substances as Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances, they can only be manufactured or imported if authorization is granted. The tables below summarize the potential uses and banned imported products containing dechlorane plus and UV-328. 
 
Table 1: Potential uses of the newly added POPs

Chemical Potential uses3

Methoxychlor

Mainly used as pesticides

Dechlorane Plus

Primarily used as a flame retardant for electrical and electronic products, resins and rubber
UV-328
 Mainly used as an ultraviolet absorber in paints and plastics
 
 
Table 2: Ban of imported products containing dechlorane plus and UV-328

 

Chemical List of banned imported products4 Effective date
Dechlorane Plus*
  • Lubricants;
  • Formulating additives to impart flame-retardant properties to resins;
  • Electronic and electrical equipment parts;
  • Silicone rubber;
  • Adhesives and Tapes.

18 June 2025
UV-328
  • Lubricants;
  • A compounding additive that gives resins the ability to absorb ultraviolet light;
  • Paints and varnishes;
  • Adhesives, tapes and sealants

 

*The usage of dechlorane plus to manufacture of insulation materials for equipment, etc., as specified in Article 4, Paragraph 1, Item 13 of the Ministry of Defense Establishment Act can be allowed until 26 February 2030.

 

[1] METI’s press release – Cabinet Decision

[2] COP11 – Eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention

[3] Background document to designate three POP chemicals

[4] Japanese Gazette on 18 December 2024

 

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Essentials 01-2025