Chemical Management

Chemicals are vital to modern society, delivering numerous benefits through their diverse applications. However, they may pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not managed properly. Once released into the environment, chemicals can disperse globally through atmospheric and aquatic pathways, bioaccumulate within food chains and circulate through markets in products containing hazardous substances.

Effective management of chemicals requires a holistic approach that addresses the entire lifecycle of chemicals—from production to disposal—and depends on voluntary and collaborative efforts by various stakeholders including governments, industry, and civil society, across multiple sectors.

We offer solutions and policy recommendations, ranging from fundamental research to supporting the negotiation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, to promote the sound management of chemicals in Japan and throughout Asia.

Service Overview

1. Contribution to International Framework Negotiations
   We contribute to the development of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) for the sound management of chemicals and waste by supporting the negotiations. Specifically, we participate as members of the Japanese government delegation in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) which drafts the provisions of MEAs, as well as in the Conference of the Parties (COP) to relevant conventions, which oversee their implementation after the conventions enter into force.
2. Development and Implementation of National Legislations and Regulatory Systems
   We provide comprehensive technical and policy support for the development of Japan’s legal and regulatory frameworks related to chemical and waste management. Our services include providing technical and legal advice to formulate or amend legislation, develop National Implementation Plan (NIP) and assist in the establishment of regulatory standards and guidelines that align with the provisions of the MEAs to ensure their effective implementation at the national level.
3. Capacity Building for Developing Countries
   We identity the specific needs of developing countries regarding the management of chemicals and waste, and explore the applicability of advanced environmental technologies of Japan as potential solutions. By fostering collaboration among private sector entities, international development agencies, and governments, we promote the deployment of sustainable and tailored measures that help strengthen local expertise, institutional systems, and long-term capacity for effective chemical and waste management at both national and international levels.

Key Features

1. Addressing Emerging Environmental Challenges Related to Chemicals and Waste Management:
   Drawing on our extensive experience in supporting the implementation of MEAs – such as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Minamata Convention on Mercury – we have been actively engaged in addressing emerging environmental challenges related to chemicals and waste. Our efforts include advancing measures to combat plastic pollution, contributing to the implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), promoting the operationalization of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) and promoting Sustainable Nitrogen Management through both domestic and international initiatives.
2. Robust Networks and Collaborative Expertise:
   One of our core strengths is our extensive network of partners, developed through years of engagement with academic experts, industry associations, private sector stakeholders, foreign government officials and international organizations. This well-established network enables us to integrate the latest global insights and multidisciplinary expertise into our activities.

Project Examples