Japan has strengthened its control requirements for PFOA.

On July 10, 2024, Japan issued Cabinet Order No. 244 in the nation’s Official Journal (time limited for free viewing) to amend the nation’s Enforcement Order of the Act on the Examination of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacturing, etc. (Cabinet Order No. 202 of 1974) by designating perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers or its salts and PFOA-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances.

The new cabinet order will apply from January 10, 2025; products containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers or their salts, as well as PFOA-related compounds, will be prohibited from importation:

• Antifoaming agents
• Clothing treated with oil- or water repellent properties
• Fabrics treated with oil- or water-repellent properties
• Fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishers, and fire extinguishing foams
• Floor coverings treated with oil- or water-repellent properties
• Floor wax
• Oil-repellent, water-repellent and antifouling agents and fiber protecting agents
• Optical fibers or coating agents applied to optical fiber

SGS supports global environmental compliance, sustainability, and fulfillment of regulatory requirements for businesses worldwide

Currently, countries and regions worldwide are gradually strengthening the control of PFAS substances, and it is recommended that all businesses increase their attention to PFAS in their products. As an internationally recognized testing, inspection, and certification organization, SGS offers services such as total fluorine and total organic fluorine screening, targeted PFAS quantitative analysis, to help businesses mitigate risks.

Furthermore, in response to market demand and compliance needs, SGS has newly introduced the Green Mark PFAS assessment service. This solution includes testing and evaluation of 233 PFAS substances, and requires customers to provide a Bill of Materials (BOM) or sign a declaration form to confirm the compliance of fluorinated polymers in their claimed products.

Upon certification, the Green Mark logo can be displayed on products, packaging, or marketing materials, and the validity of the certification can be easily checked by scanning the QR code on the logo at any time.

Please subscribe and contact us at sl.ticmall@sgs.com in TIC Mall for more details. 

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