FCM services
The Law for partial revision of the Food Sanitation Law, etc., promulgated by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 13, 2018, introduced a positive list system for food utensils, containers and packaging. Under this system, only substances that have been evaluated for safety may be used. It came into effect on June 1, 2020, with transitional measures expiring on May 31, 2025. As of June 1, 2025, the system has been fully enforced.
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Utensils, Containers, and Packaging｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Under the Law, synthetic resins and their additives must be included in the Positive List and must comply with the specified limits on blending amounts and other requirements.
Although the law was promulgated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of June 2025, the Consumer Affairs Agency is responsible for its implementation. Some reference information in English is available on the Consumer Affairs Agency website.
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食品用器具・容器包装のポジティブリスト制度について(2025年6月1日以降) | 消費者庁
With the revision of the law, a list of permitted substances (Positive List) has been established, and the use of any substance not included in the list is prohibited.Communication of relevant information among businesses is also required for those who sell, manufacture, or import apparatus, containers, and packaging. Those who sell, manufacture, or import raw materials are required to make efforts to support communication.
There are no specific rules regarding how information should be communicated. However, in cases where confidential information is included in the components of containers and packaging and the substance information cannot be disclosed, providing a certificate issued by a highly reliable third party is considered an effective alternative.
The Food Contact Materials Safety Center was established within the Japan Chemical Innovation Institute (JCII) to promote the smooth and efficient management and operation of food contact materials. It was founded against the backdrop of the authoritative industry associations that previously existed, including the Japan Hygienic Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association (JHOSPA), the Japan Hygienic PVC Association (JHPA), and the Japan Hygienic PVDC Association (JHAVDC).
The Center is responsible for promoting public-private partnerships and issuing food contact material conformity certificates to its members. This voluntary certification by JCII serves as a useful tool for communicating compliance with the Food Sanitation Law.
Any company, organization or individual must hold and maintain membership to be eligible for the services provided by JCII Safety Center. Foreign companies are required to have either a branch office in Japan or a Japan-based liaison to obtain the JCII membership.
Media Services, Ltd acts as a Japan-based liaison and offers support for JCII membership registration, certificate applications product testing, as well as the related consulting services.
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