Japan to expand the scope of substances subject to labelling and safety data sheets under the ISHL

Japan has approved a significant expansion of the number of chemical substances required to carry mandatory labelling and safety data sheets (SDS) under the Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL). This regulatory update, which will be implemented progressively until 2028, strengthens hazard communication obligations in the workplace and will have a direct impact on manufacturers, importers and other operators handling chemical substances in the country.

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has confirmed a revision of the regulatory framework applicable to chemical hazard communication in the workplace. Specifically, an expansion of the scope of substances subject to labelling and the mandatory provision of safety data sheets has been approved, in accordance with the Industrial Safety and Health Law and its implementing regulations.

The amendment is implemented through changes to the Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance and the Ministerial Ordinance for the Partial Elimination of the Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance. These revisions not only increase the number of substances covered by labelling and SDS obligations, but also introduce adjustments to the requirements related to their proper management and communication.

One of the key elements of this update is the progressive expansion of the list of chemical substances subject to these obligations. The aim is to ensure that workers have more complete and up to date information on the risks associated with the substances they handle, thereby improving occupational risk prevention in industrial facilities and workplaces.

To facilitate compliance by companies, the entry into force of the new obligations has been designed on a phased basis. According to the established timeline, the expanded scope will be applied in stages over the coming years, with full implementation scheduled for 2028.

At Siam, we closely monitor this type of regulatory development in Japan, particularly those related to the Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL), as they may directly affect companies that export, manufacture or supply chemical substances to the Japanese market. Anticipating new labelling and safety data sheet requirements is essential to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid disruptions to international operations.