Chemicals Management

The OECC strives to promote appropriate chemicals management in line with international frameworks through facilitating collaboration activities, connecting domestic and international stakeholders.

Chemicals are widely used in production. If handled improperly however, they can be harmful to the environment and human health. International initiatives are being conducted to ensure that all relevant parties manage a wide variety of chemicals in an appropriate manner. To contribute to the promotion of these initiatives, the OECC, through a project of the Ministry of the Environment, is engaged in building networks, disseminating information, and other activities to enhance collaboration between the parties concerned with chemicals management in Japan and those overseas.

Roles of the OECC

The OECC runs the “Network for Strategic Response on International Chemical Management” (referred to as the “Network”), which was established by the Ministry of the Environment and consisted of concerned parties from the Japanese administrations and industries. In order to promote international collaboration activities in chemicals management, we provide information on international and national chemical trends and host relevant meetings with policy makers and experts from China, Japan and Korea. By continuously conducting these series of activities and gaining knowledge, we contribute to the promotion of efficient and consistent collaboration.

Our Business

Operation of the Network for Strategic Response on International Chemical Management

In addition to basic administrative tasks such as membership registration for the Network, the OECC collects and organizes information on domestic and foreign initiatives related to chemicals management and disseminates the information through websites and email newsletters. The e-newsletter is distributed about four times a year and shares domestic and international information particularly relevant to domestic companies, providing easy-to-understand expositions even for those new to chemical management. As of July 2024, more than 5,000 subscribers are registered. On the Network’s website, back issues of the email newsletters, materials from past seminars, Q&A and other materials are posted. Experienced experts also contribute to articles on the website with their insights, future prospects, recommendations and other topics which are posted twice a year as column pieces.

Projects we were engaged in:

Network for Strategic Response on International Chemical Management

Holding Seminars Attended by Government Officials from Individual Countries

To provide information on the latest trends in chemicals management policies outside of Japan, we invite speakers from the governments and related organizations from target countries and hold seminars for domestic stakeholders twice a year. The seminar has so far covered advanced trends in Europe, the U.S. and other regions and countries, as well as initiatives showcasing the status of chemicals management in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, India, China and Korea. It provides unique opportunities for the participants to obtain real local information, ask questions directly, and exchange opinions. In recent years, the seminars have been held online, allowing a wider range of audiences to participate.

Projects we were engaged in:

Support for Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management among China, Japan and Korea

In China, Japan, and Korea, there are mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between the various environmental administrations. In the field of chemicals management, information exchanges and policy dialogues have continuously been active since 2007. The OECC is playing a secretariat role by utilizing our track records of supporting cooperations among China, Japan and Korea in a variety of fields. Specifically, at the annual Tripartite Policy Dialogue and experts’ meetings, we support the relevant parties at every stage, such as preparation, hosting and coordination, in order to ensure cooperation among the relevant parties proceeds smoothly and achieves positive results.