April 20, 2015
The government of Japan has proposed new restrictions that will prohibit the marketing of household products with azo compounds beyond the criteria specified in the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances and the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances.
The Act designates 24 aromatic amines as harmful substances that, if present in the regulated products, must be present in quantities less than 30 mg/kg.
The textile, leather and fur products regulated as household products include the following:
- Textile Products: Diapers, diaper covers, underwear, sleepwear, gloves, socks, intermediate garments, outer garments, caps, hats, bedding, floor coverings, tablecloths, collar ornaments, handkerchiefs, and towels, baths mats and related products.
- Leather and/or Fur Products: Underwear, gloves, intermediate garments, outer garments, caps, hats and floor coverings.
The proposed entry into force is April 1, 2016.