On May 1st 2014, Japan rescinded the designation of 1,2,5,6,9,10-Hexabromocyclododecane (MITI No. 3-2254) as a monitoring substance via Joint Notice No.4 of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of Environment (MOE).
In accordance with Article 1 of the amended Enforcement Decree of Chemical Substance Control Law., hexabromocyclododecane and endosulfan were added to the list of Class I Specified Chemical Substances.
The use of Class I specified chemical substances (30 substances in total) in Japan is allowed in exceptional circumstances provided criteria for “Essential Use” are met and the substance is indispensable in the manufacture of products which have been confirmed to pose no risk of environmental pollution. Additionally, as specified in the amended enforcement decree, four types of product containing hexabromocyclododecane will be prohibited from import from Oct 1st, 2014:
flame retardant treated fabric
treated compound additives for flame retardant treatment of fabric
foamed polystyrene particles
flame retardant curtain
