First Meeting of a Study Group on a Technically and Economically Feasible Level for Reduction of the Content of By-product PCBs in Organic Pigments

A report from the Japan Dyestuff and Industrial Chemicals Association (JDICA) revealed that some organic pigments contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) unintentionally generated as by-products in their manufacturing process. In response to this, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI),and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) will organize a joint study group to cope with this problem (see: METI news release dated February 10, 2012, titled "Organic Pigments That Can Unintentionally Contain Polychlorinated Biphenyl" at the following).
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0210_04.html

(1) Purpose of the study group

The purpose of this study group is to discuss and assess a technically and economically feasible level to which the content of PCBs, generated unintentionally as by-products, can be reduced from some organic pigments (such level shall be referred to as the best available technique (BAT) level).

(2) Composition of the study group

This study group will be organized jointly by MHLW, METI, and MOE (for the members of the study group, see Appendix 1 (in Japanese)).

The first meeting will be held at the time and venue indicated below, and a public audience is invited. The second and subsequent meetings may be closed to the public if an open meeting is likely to cause an extreme hindrance to impartial and neutral deliberation, or benefit or prejudice any specific person.

Date:

July 10, 2012 (Tue.), 13:30-15:30

Venue:

METI main building, B2F, lecture hall

Agenda items (tentative)

- The purpose and role of the study group

- The process of study

- Understanding of the actual situation of the presence of by-product PCBs in organic pigments

- Others

Regarding how to apply for public audience seats, please see Appendix 2 (in Japanese).

The study group will compile a report on the BAT level by the end of this year, on the basis of the findings in the investigation into the actual situation of manufacturers and importers of organic pigments (to be reported no later than May 10 or August 10, depending on the type of organic pigments), as well as the results of the hearing with these business entities.

The study group will aim at cooperating with another study group to be separately organized to assess the risks of by-product PCBs in organic pigments, and will discuss the PCB issue jointly when necessary. The study group will report the outcome of study to the relevant councils of the three ministries concerned as appropriate.

• Appendix 1: List of members of the Study Group on Technically and Economically Feasible Level for Reduction of the Content of By-product PCBs in Organic Pigments(PDF:35KB) (in Japanese)
• Appendix 2: How to apply for public audience seats at the first meeting(PDF:51KB) (in Japanese)

July 2, 2012

Chemical Management Policy Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureaus