Publication of the National Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste

　The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) was adopted at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (held in Bonn, Germany, in September 2023) with the aim to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment and human health. This is a new framework that succeeds the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The Framework presents a comprehensive plan with five strategic objectives and 28 targets aiming at the management of chemicals throughout their life cycles* by multi-stakeholders (Governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, industries, academia, etc.) in multi-sectors (agriculture, environment, health, education, finance, development, construction, labor, etc.). (*the process from production, use, recycling, through to disposal)

　Following the adoption of the GFC, Japan established the “GFC Liaison Committee of Relevant Ministries and Agencies” within the government to develop a National Plan of Action for the GFC. The GFC National Plan of Action has been prepared based on discussions at the "Policy Dialogue on Chemicals and the Environment," a forum for the exchange of views among citizens, workers, business operators, finance, government officials, and academic experts.

　To realize the GFC’s principle of multisectoral approaches, based on the GFC National Plan of Action, Japan will promote chemicals management by deepening collaboration with the relevant ministries and agencies. In addition, the GFC National Plan of Action will be submitted to the GFC Secretariat and Japan’s efforts will be actively disseminated to other countries by utilizing relevant opportunities, such as the first meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG1.0) of the GFC to be held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from June 24 in 2025.