Japan Passes Bill to Reduce Microplastics in Cosmetics

Takehome: Japan has adopted a bill to reduce microplastics (including microbeads and other tiny plastic particles) to control ocean pollution and protect the environment.

Approved by Japan House of Representatives on June 15th this year, the revised draft of “Disposal of Marine Debris” instructs enterprises and manufacturers to rein in/cease microplastics use in their goods, especially cosmetic and personal care products such as skin care products, facial cleansers and toothpastes, and reduce microplastics emissions. Differing from Korea, New Zealand and China Taiwan, Japan has not imposed a complete ban on the production of cosmetics containing microplastics and not implemented penalties for violations. The bill will take effect on the date of its promulgation (currently uncertain).