Japan: Plastic Resource Circulation Act
Covers the entire plastics life cycle: eco-friendly product design, reduction of the 12 most common single-use items (cutlery, straws, toothbrushes, hangers and others), and collection and recycling by municipalities and businesses. Anyone supplying at least 5 tonnes of these items a year must adopt reduction measures.
At a glance
- Legal reference
- Plastic Resource Circulation Act (in force since 1 April 2022)
- Jurisdiction
- European Union
- Area
- EU–Japan: trade and sustainability
- Status
- In force
- Last reviewed
Every date for Japan: Plastics Act
- Entry into force of the Act
Businesses distributing single-use plastic items in Japan (retail, food service, hotels, dry cleaners), manufacturers and those designing plastic packaging and products for that market.
How we helpSustainability & Environmental Transition →- 01Review packaging and single-use items intended for the Japanese market
- 02Coordinate design with the PPWR to use solutions that work in both markets
Frequently asked questions on Japan: Plastics Act
Covers the entire plastics life cycle: eco-friendly product design, reduction of the 12 most common single-use items (cutlery, straws, toothbrushes, hangers and others), and collection and recycling by municipalities and businesses. Anyone supplying at least 5 tonnes of these items a year must adopt reduction measures.
Businesses distributing single-use plastic items in Japan (retail, food service, hotels, dry cleaners), manufacturers and those designing plastic packaging and products for that market.
1 Apr 2022: Entry into force of the Act.
All known deadlines have already passed: the rule is fully operational and compliance must be maintained over time.
Review packaging and single-use items intended for the Japanese market; Coordinate design with the PPWR to use solutions that work in both markets.
Other rules in the same area
Which of these rules really affect your business?
In 60 minutes, free of charge, we cross-reference your sector, size, products and markets with this timeline and tell you which obligations apply to you, by when, and where to start.