MHLW (Ministry of Healthlabour and Welfare) published government bill No. 175 to amend the current “Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances” (Bill No. 112 of 1973) including revision on limits on azo compounds in April 2015. The proposed date for effectiveness is 1 April 2016.

Scope of household products:

1. Textile products with azo dyes: diapers, diaper covers, underwear, sleepwear, gloves, socks, intermediate garments, outer garments, caps, hats, bedding, floor coverings, tablecloths, collar ornaments, handkerchiefs, towels, bath mats and related products;
2. Leather and/or fur products with azo dyes: underwear, gloves, intermediate garments, outer garments, caps, hats and floor coverings.

Recommended Test Methods:

1. JIS L 1940-1:2014 (ISO 24362-1:2014) – Textiles – Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants – Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants accessible with and without extracting the fibres;
2. JIS L 1940-3:2014 (ISO 24362-3:2014) – Textiles – Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants – Part 3: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants, which may release 4-aminoazobenzene.