The Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan (MOEJ), is the national authority responsible for environmental policy, regulation, and oversight. Its mandate covers air, water, and soil quality; waste management and recycling; biodiversity conservation; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and environmental impact assessment. MOEJ sets environmental standards, develops national strategies, coordinates with other ministries and local governments, and oversees monitoring and compliance frameworks.
For the chemical and process industries, MOEJ plays a central role in chemicals management and emissions control. It co-administers the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture (CSCL) with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and jointly manages Japan’s Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) system. MOEJ policies influence permitting, reporting, and risk management across the value chain, including greenhouse gas reduction, hazardous substance control, waste and by-product handling, and circular economy initiatives. Its programs and guidance shape compliance requirements and environmental performance expectations for industrial facilities operating in Japan.
