GHS Implementation in Japan

Chemical Safety and Regulatory Framework - 化学品の分類および表示に関する世界調和システム

Overview

Japan has implemented GHS through comprehensive regulations covering workplace chemicals, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. The implementation ensures worker safety and environmental protection while facilitating international trade and regulatory harmonization.

Implementation Timeline

Regulatory Authorities

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)

  • Workplace chemical safety
  • Industrial Safety and Health Act
  • Occupational exposure limits
  • Worker health protection

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

  • Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL)
  • Industrial chemical regulation
  • Chemical inventory management
  • International trade coordination

Ministry of Environment (MOE)

  • Environmental protection
  • Chemical release reporting
  • Pollution prevention
  • Ecological risk evaluation

Regulatory Framework

Key Legislation

Japan's GHS implementation involves multiple laws and regulations coordinated across different ministries to ensure comprehensive chemical safety.

Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA)

  • Article 57: Labelling requirements for hazardous chemicals
  • Article 57-2: Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements
  • Ordinance on Prevention of Hazards: Specific implementation rules
  • Notification Requirements: New chemical substance notification

Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL)

  • Chemical substance registration and evaluation
  • Priority chemical substance management
  • Manufacturing and import controls
  • Environmental release monitoring

Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law

  • Toxic substance classification and control
  • Handling and storage requirements
  • Distribution and sale regulations
  • Emergency response provisions

Classification and Labelling Requirements

Mandatory Classification

All hazardous chemicals in Japanese workplaces must be classified and labelled according to GHS principles under ISHA requirements.

Hazard Classification

  • Physical Hazards: 16 classes following GHS Rev. 7
  • Health Hazards: 10 classes including acute and chronic effects
  • Environmental Hazards: Limited implementation for workplace focus
  • Japan-Specific Classes: Additional national requirements

Labelling Elements (Japanese Language)

  • Product Identifier: Chemical name in Japanese and English
  • Signal Words: "危険" (Danger) or "警告" (Warning)
  • Hazard Pictograms: Standard GHS symbols
  • Hazard Statements: H-phrases in Japanese
  • Precautionary Statements: P-phrases in Japanese
  • Supplier Information: Company name and emergency contact

Specific Requirements

  • Notification Substances: 674 substances requiring labelling
  • SDS Target Substances: 2,800+ substances requiring SDS
  • Workplace Posting: Hazard information display requirements
  • Container Labelling: All hazardous chemical containers

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Requirements

安全データシート (Safety Data Sheet)

Japanese SDS must follow the 16-section GHS format with specific local requirements and Japanese language content.

Key SDS Requirements

  • Language: Japanese language mandatory
  • Format: 16-section GHS structure
  • Content: Comprehensive hazard and safety information
  • Updates: When new hazard information becomes available
  • Distribution: Provided to downstream users

Special Requirements

  • CAS Numbers: Include Chemical Abstracts Service numbers
  • Japanese Regulations: Reference applicable Japanese laws
  • Emergency Contacts: 24-hour Japanese emergency number
  • Exposure Limits: Japanese occupational exposure limits

Chemical Notification and Registration

New Chemical Substance Notification

Japan operates comprehensive notification systems for new chemical substances under multiple regulatory frameworks.

ISHA Notification (Article 57-2)

  • Scope: New chemical substances for workplace use
  • Threshold: 100 kg/year manufacturing or import
  • Data Requirements: Hazard classification and SDS
  • Timeline: 30 days before manufacture/import

CSCL Notification

  • Scope: All new chemical substances
  • Threshold: 1 tonne/year manufacturing or import
  • Data Requirements: Biodegradability and bioaccumulation
  • Evaluation: Government safety evaluation

Compliance and Enforcement

Enforcement Framework

Multiple agencies enforce chemical safety regulations with significant penalties for non-compliance.

Enforcement Measures

  • Workplace Inspections: Labour standards office inspections
  • Administrative Guidance: Corrective action requirements
  • Improvement Orders: Mandatory compliance measures
  • Business Suspension: Serious violation penalties
  • Criminal Prosecution: Willful violations

Penalty Structure

  • Administrative Fines: Up to ¥500,000 for individuals
  • Corporate Penalties: Up to ¥10,000,000 for companies
  • Criminal Sanctions: Imprisonment up to 6 months
  • Business Restrictions: Operating license suspension

Resources and Support