PFAS Series | Japan's New Regulations on PFOA: What Businesses Need to Know

2024.09.06

On July 10, 2024, Japan issued Cabinet Order No. 244, amending the Enforcement Order of the Act on the Examination of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacturing (Cabinet Order No. 202 of 1974). This significant update designates perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers or their salts, and related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances.

Key Details of the Cabinet Order

Effective Date

The new cabinet order will take effect on January 10, 2025. Following this date, products containing PFOA isomers or their salts, as well as PFOA-related compounds, will be prohibited from importation.

Prohibited Products

The following items will be impacted by this regulation:

Antifoaming Agents
Clothing treated with oil- or water-repellent properties
Fabrics treated with oil- or water-repellent properties
Fire Extinguishers and fire extinguishing agents, including foams
Floor Coverings treated with oil- or water-repellent properties
Floor Wax
Oil-Repellent, Water-Repellent, and Antifouling Agents
Optical Fibers and coating agents applied to optical fiber

The Growing Importance of PFAS Compliance

As countries around the world tighten regulations on PFAS substances, it is crucial for businesses to pay increased attention to these chemicals in their products. SGS, a globally recognized testing, inspection, and certification organization, is committed to supporting businesses in meeting these evolving regulatory requirements.

SGS's PFAS Services

SGS offers a comprehensive range of services to help organizations mitigate risks associated with PFAS:

Total Fluorine and Total Organic Fluorine Screening: Rapid assessments to understand PFAS content in products.
Targeted PFAS Quantitative Analysis: Detailed testing to identify specific PFAS substances and their concentrations.

Introducing the Green Mark PFAS Assessment Service

In response to market needs, SGS has launched the Green Mark PFAS Assessment Service. This initiative includes:

Testing and evaluation of 233 PFAS substances.
A requirement for customers to provide a Bill of Materials (BOM) or to sign a declaration confirming the compliance of fluorinated polymers in their products.

Once certified, products can display the Green Mark label, which includes a QR code for easy verification of certification validity at any time.

With Japan's new regulations on PFOA set to take effect in 2025, businesses must proactively assess their products for compliance. Partnering with SGS can provide the necessary support to navigate these regulatory changes and ensure sustainability.

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