Japan - New positive lists for plastic utensils, containers and packaging

On 30 April 2020, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) published the new positive lists for substances used in the manufacturing of utensiles, containers and packaging (UCPs) in Annex I of the Public Notice No.196 of Reiwa 2 (2020). These positive lists consists of two parts:

• Table 1 of Annex I: Base polymers
• Table 2 of Annex I: Additives

From 1 June 2025 on, it is forbidden to manufacture or import UCPs, in Japan, if the base polymers and additives are not listed on the corresponding positive lists. The MHLW in Japan is still working on the submission process for new base polymers/ additives to be added to the positive list.

In case you have any questions with regards to the new positive lists, please contact our Food Contact Materials Team or our colleagues in Japan.