Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of

Resources

(Act No. 48 of April 26, 1991)

Table of Contents

Chapter I General Provisions (Article 1 and Article 2)

Chapter II Basic Policy, etc. (Articles 3 to 9)

Chapter III Designated Resources-Saving Industries (Articles 10 to 14)

Chapter IV Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industries (Articles 15 to 17)

Chapter V Specified Resources-Saved Products (Articles 18 to 20)

Chapter VI Specified Reuse-Promoted Products (Articles 21 to 23)

Chapter VII Specified Labeled Products (Article 24 and Article 25)

Chapter VIII Specified Resources-Recycled Products (Articles 26 to 33)

Chapter IX Specified By-products (Articles 34 to 36)

Chapter X Miscellaneous Provisions (Articles 37 to 41)

Chapter XI Penal Provisions (Articles 42 to 44)

Supplementary Provisions

Chapter I General Provisions

(Purpose)

Article 1 The purpose of this Act, in light of the circumstances in Japan, a

country largely dependent on imports for major resources and where, along

with the recent development of the national economy, the heavy use of

resources generates an enormous amount of Used Products, etc. and By-

products, a considerable part of which are disposed of while a considerable part

of the Recyclable Resources and Reusable Parts are not utilized but also

disposed of, is to ensure the effective utilization of resources and to take

necessary measures to reduce the generation of Used Products, etc. and By-

Products and promote the utilization of Recyclable Resources and Reusable

Parts in order to contribute to waste reduction and environmental preservation,

thereby contributing to the sound development of the national economy.

(Definitions)

Article 2 (1) The term "Used Products, etc." as used in this Act shall mean

products that are collected or disposed of after being used or without being

used (excluding radioactive substances and articles contaminated thereby).

(2) The term "By-products" as used in this Act shall mean products generated as

by-products from the manufacture, processing, repair or sale of products,

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supply of energy or construction work for civil engineering or building

(hereinafter referred to as "Construction Work") (excluding radioactive

substances and articles contaminated thereby).

(3) The term "Reduction of Generation of By-products, etc." as used in this Act

shall mean to reduce the generation of By-products arising from the use of raw

materials, parts and other articles for manufacture or processing of products

(excluding Fuels prescribed in Article 2, paragraph 2 of the Act on Rational

Use of Energy (Act No. 49 of 1979); hereinafter referred to as "Raw Materials,

etc.") by rationalizing the use of Raw Materials, etc., and to promote the

utilization of the whole or part of the By-products arising from the use of Raw

Materials, etc. as Recyclable Resources.

(4) The term "Recyclable Resources" as used in this Act shall mean such Used

Products, etc. or By-products that are useful and are available or can be made

available as raw materials.

(5) The term "Reusable Parts" as used in this Act shall mean such Used Products,

etc. that are useful and are available or can be made available as parts or other

components of products.

(6) The term "Recycling" as used in this Act shall mean to change the condition of

the whole or part of such Used Products, etc. that are useful, so as to make

them available as Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts.

(7) The term "Designated Resources-Saving Industry" as used in this Act shall

mean an industry designated by Cabinet Order, for the respective types of Raw

Materials, etc. specified by Cabinet Order, as an industry for which Reduction

of Generation of By-Products, etc. is technically and financially possible and is

particularly necessary for ensuring the effective utilization of resources

pertaining to the Raw Materials, etc. and of Recyclable Resources pertaining to

the By-products, and for the respective types of By-Products arising from the

use of such Raw Materials.

(8) The term "Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industry" as used in this Act

shall mean an industry designated by Cabinet Order, for the respective types

of Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts specified by Cabinet Order, as an

industry for which the utilization of Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts is

technically and financially possible and is particularly necessary for ensuring

the effective utilization of the Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts.

(9) The term "Specified Resources-Saved Product" as used in this Act shall mean

a product specified by Cabinet Order as a product for which it is particularly

necessary to ensure the rational use of relevant Raw Materials, etc., promote

the long-term use of the product, and reduce the generation of Used Products,

etc. pertaining to the product, with the aim to ensure the effective utilization of

resources pertaining to Raw Materials, etc. of the product.

(10) The term "Specified Reuse-Promoted Product" as used in this Act shall mean

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a product specified by Cabinet Order as a product for which it is particularly

necessary to promote the utilization of the whole or part of the product as

Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts after it is collected or disposed of after

being used or without being used, with the aim to ensure the effective

utilization of the Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts.

(11) The term "Specified Labeled Product" as used in this Act shall mean a

product specified by Cabinet Order as a product for which it is particularly

necessary to label the product for Sorted Collection (which means collecting

products by sorting them by type; hereinafter the same shall apply) so as to use

the whole or part of the product as Recyclable Resources after it is collected or

disposed of after being used or without being used, with the aim to ensure the

effective utilization of the Recyclable Resources.

(12) The term "Specified Resources-Recycled Product" as used in this Act shall

mean a product (including those products that are used as parts of other

products) specified by Cabinet Order as a product for which it is technically

and financially possible for a person who operates a business of manufacturing,

processing, repairing or selling the product (with respect to those products

used as parts of other products, the respective products or such other products)

after it is collected or disposed of after being used or without being used, to

implement Voluntary Collection (which means collecting by oneself or

entrusting collection to another party; hereinafter the same shall apply), it is

also technically and financially possible to implement the Recycling of the

whole or part of the product after Sorted Collection, and such Recycling is

particularly necessary for ensuring the effective utilization of relevant

Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts.

(13) The term "Specified By-product" as used in this Act shall mean a By-product

arising from the supply of energy or Construction Work, which is specified by

Cabinet Order for the respective industries specified by Cabinet Order, as a

By-product for which it is particularly necessary to promote the utilization of

the whole or part of the By-product as Recyclable Resources, with the aim to

ensure the effective utilization of the Recyclable Resources.

Chapter II Basic Policy, etc.

(Basic Policy)

Article 3 (1) For the purpose of comprehensively and systematically promoting

the reduction of generation of Used Products, etc. and By-products as well as

the effective utilization of resources through the use of Recyclable Resources

and Reusable Parts (hereinafter referred to as "Effective Utilization of

Resources" in this Chapter), the competent minister shall formulate and

publicize a basic policy for the promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources

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(hereinafter referred to as the "Basic Policy").

(2) The Basic Policy shall provide for targets regarding the rationalization of the

use of Raw Materials, etc. for the respective types of products and of By-

products, targets regarding the utilization of Recyclable Resources and

Reusable Parts for the respective types thereof, matters regarding the

promotion of long-term use of the respective types of products, matters

pertaining to dissemination of knowledge on the meaning of the promotion of

Effective Utilization of Resources that contributes to environmental

preservation, and other matters concerning the promotion of Effective

Utilization of Resources, by taking into consideration the technical level

related to the Effective Utilization of Resources and other circumstances.

(3) The competent minister shall revise the Basic Policy when it is necessary to

do so due to any changes in the circumstances referred to in the preceding

paragraph.

(4) The provisions of paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis

to the revision of the Basic Policy under the preceding paragraph.

(Responsibility of Business Operators, etc.)

Article 4 (1) A person who operates a business at a factory or workplace

(including those pertaining to Construction Works; hereinafter the same shall

apply) and a person who operates a business of selling products (these persons

shall hereinafter be referred to as "Business Operators") or a client of a

Construction Work shall endeavor to ensure the rational use of Raw Materials,

etc. when operating the business or placing an order for the Construction Work,

and to utilize Recyclable Resources and Reusable Parts.

(2) A Business Operator or a client of a Construction Work shall endeavor to

promote the long-term use of the products pertaining to the respective business,

and also endeavor to promote the utilization of the whole or part of the

products pertaining to the respective business as Recyclable Resources or

Reusable Parts after they are collected or disposed of after being used or

without being used, or promote the utilization of the whole or part of the By-

products arising from the business or the Construction Work as Recyclable

Resources.

(Responsibility of Consumers)

Article 5 Consumers shall endeavor to use products as long as possible and to

promote the utilization of Recyclable Resources and Reusable Parts, and shall

also cooperate in the measures taken by the State, local governments, and

Business Operators in order to achieve the purpose of this Act.

(Securing Funds, etc.)

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Article 6 (1) The State shall endeavor to take measures such as securing funds

necessary to promote the Effective Utilization of Resources.

(2) The States shall, in procuring products, give necessary consideration to the

promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources and Reusable Parts.

(Advancement of Science and Technology)

Article 7 With the aim to achieve advancement of science and technology that

will contribute to the promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, the State

shall endeavor to take necessary measures such as promoting research and

development and disseminating the results thereof.

(Measures to Increase Public Understanding, etc.)

Article 8 The State shall, through educational and publicity activities, endeavor

to increase the public understanding of the promotion of Effective Utilization of

Resources and to ask for public cooperation for the implementation of such

activities.

(Responsibility of Local Governments)

Article 9 Local governments shall endeavor to promote Effective Utilization of

Resources according to various socioeconomic conditions in their areas.

Chapter III Designated Resources-Saving Industries

(Standards of Judgment for Designated Resources-Saving Business Operators)

Article 10 (1) For the purpose of promoting the reduction of generation of By-

products through the rational use of Raw Materials, etc. pertaining to

Designated Resources-Saving Industries and the utilization of Recyclable

Resources pertaining to such By-products, the competent minister shall

establish, in the ordinance of the competent ministry, standards of judgment

for a person who operates, at a factory or workplace, a business that falls

within a Designated Resources-Saving Industry (hereinafter referred to as

"Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator"), with regard to necessary

measures to be taken systematically for Reduction of Generation of By-

products, etc. and other measures.

(2) The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be

established by taking into consideration the status of reduction of generation of

By-products through the rational use of Raw Materials, etc. pertaining to the

Designated Resources-Saving Industry, the technical level related to the

reduction of generation of By-products through the rational use of Raw

Materials, etc. and other circumstances, as well as the status of utilization of

Recyclable Resources pertaining to the By-product, the technical level related

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to the promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources and other circumstances.

Necessary revisions shall be made to the standards depending on the change in

these circumstances.

(3) The competent minister shall, when he/she intends to establish the standards

of judgment prescribed in paragraph 1 or make a revision prescribed in the

preceding paragraph, consult with the Minister of the Environment from the

perspective of environmental preservation for the promotion of recycling of

resources.

(Guidance and Advice)

Article 11 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to ensure the proper implementation of Reduction of Generation of By-

Products, etc. by Designated Resources-Saving Business Operators, provide

Designated Resources-Saving Business Operators with necessary guidance and

advice with regard to Reduction of Generation of By-Products, etc., by taking

into consideration the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph 1 of the

preceding Article.

(Preparation of Plans)

Article 12 A Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator whose production

quantity for a given business year of a product specified by Cabinet Order

meets the requirements specified by Cabinet Order shall, pursuant to the

provision of the ordinance of the competent ministry, prepare a plan on the

implementation of the measures to be taken systematically for Reduction of

Generation of By-products, etc. which are specified in the standards of

judgment prescribed in Article 10, paragraph 1, and submit the plan to the

competent minister.

(Recommendation and Order)

Article 13 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds the manner in

which a Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator whose production

quantity meets the requirements specified by Cabinet Order implements the

Reduction of Generation of By-products, etc. pertaining to the Designated

Resources-Saving Industry to be significantly lacking in light of the standards

of judgment prescribed in Article 10, paragraph 1, recommend the Designated

Resources-Saving Business Operator to take necessary measures for Reduction

of Generation of By-products, etc. pertaining to the Designated Resources-

Saving Industry, while presenting the grounds for his/her judgment.

(2) When the Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator that has received

a recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the

recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

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(3) In the case where the Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator that

has received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take any

measures pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds even

after the competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of the

preceding paragraph, that the Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator

has not followed the recommendation, the competent minister may, when

he/she finds that Reduction of Generation of By-products, etc. pertaining to the

Designated Resources-Saving Industry to be significantly affected, order the

Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator to take measures pertaining

to the recommendation, after hearing opinions of Councils, etc. (which means

organs prescribed in Article 8 of the National Administrative Organization Act

(Act No. 120 of 1948)) specified by Cabinet Order.

(Relationship with the Minister of the Environment)

Article 14 The competent minister shall liaise closely with the Minister of the

Environment in implementing measures necessary for ensuring the proper

implementation of Reduction of Generation of By-Products, etc. by Designated

Resources-Saving Business Operators if the implementation of these measures

relates to the measures for appropriate management of waste.

Chapter IV Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industries

(Standards of Judgment for Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business

Operators)

Article 15 (1) For the purpose of promoting the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to Designated Resources-Reutilizing

Industries, the competent minister shall establish, in the ordinance of the

competent ministry, standards of judgment for a person who operates, at a

factory or workplace, a business that falls within a Designated Resources-

Reutilizing Industry (hereinafter referred to as "Designated Resources-

Reutilizing Business Operator"), with regard to the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts.

(2) The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be

established by taking into consideration the status of utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to the Designated Resources-

Reutilizing Industry, the technical level related to the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts and other circumstances. Necessary revisions

shall be made to the standards depending on any change in these

circumstances.

(3) The provision of Article 10, paragraph 3 shall apply where the competent

minister intends to establish the standards of judgment prescribed in

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paragraph 1 or make the necessary revisions prescribed in the preceding

paragraph.

(Guidance and Advice)

Article 16 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to ensure the proper implementation of the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts by Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business

Operators, provide Designated Resources-Utilizing Business Operators with

necessary guidance and advice with regard to the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts, by taking into consideration the standards of

judgment prescribed in paragraph 1 of the preceding Article.

(Recommendation and Order)

Article 17 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds the manner in

which a Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business Operator whose production

quantity or price of Construction Work meets the requirements specified by

Cabinet Order utilizes Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to

the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industry to be significantly lacking in

light of the standards of judgment prescribed in Article 15, paragraph 1,

recommend the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business Operator to take

necessary measures for the utilization of Recyclable Resources or Reusable

Parts pertaining to the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industry, while

presenting the grounds for his/her judgment.

(2) When the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business Operator that has

received a recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not

follow the recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

(3) In the case where the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business Operator

that has received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take

any measures pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds

even after the competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of

the preceding paragraph, that the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business

Operator has not followed the recommendation, the competent minister may,

when he/she finds that the utilization of Recyclable Resources or Reusable

Parts pertaining to the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industry to be

significantly affected, order the Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business

Operator to take measures pertaining to the recommendation, after hearing

opinions of Councils, etc. specified by Cabinet Order.

Chapter V Specified Resources-Saved Products

(Standards of Judgment for Specified Resources-Saving Business Operators)

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Article 18 (1) For the purpose of promoting the reduction of generation of Used

Products, etc. pertaining to Specified Resources-Saved Products, the competent

minister shall establish, in the ordinance of the competent ministry, standards

of judgment for a person who operates a business of manufacturing, processing,

repairing or selling a Specified Resources-Saved Product (hereinafter referred

to as "Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator"), with regard to the

reduction of generation of Used Products, etc.

(2) The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be

established by taking into consideration the status of reduction of generation of

Used Products, etc. pertaining to the Specified Resources-Saved Product, the

technical level related to the reduction of generation of Used Products, etc. and

other circumstances. Necessary revisions shall be made to the standards

depending on the change in these circumstances.

(3) The provision of Article 10, paragraph 3 shall apply where the competent

minister intends to establish the standards of judgment prescribed in

paragraph 1 or make the necessary revisions prescribed in the preceding

paragraph.

(Guidance and Advice)

Article 19 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to promote the reduction of generation of Used Products, etc. pertaining

to Specified Resources-Saved Products, provide Specified Resources-Saving

Business Operators with necessary guidance and advice with regard to the

reduction of generation of Used Products, etc., by taking into consideration the

standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph 1 of the preceding Article.

(Recommendation and Order)

Article 20 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds the manner in

which a Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator whose production

quantity or sales volume of a Specified Resources-Saved Product meets the

requirements specified by Cabinet Order reduces the generation of Used

Products, etc. pertaining to the Specified Resources-Saved Product to be

significantly lacking in light of the standards of judgment prescribed in Article

18, paragraph 1, recommend the Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator

to take necessary measures for the reduction of generation of Used Products,

etc. pertaining to the Specified Resources-Saved Product, while presenting the

grounds for his/her judgment.

(2) When the Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator that has received a

recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the

recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

(3) In the case where the Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator that has

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received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take any

measures pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds even

after the competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of the

preceding paragraph, that the Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator

has not followed the recommendation, the competent minister may, when

he/she finds the reduction of generation of Used Products, etc. pertaining to the

Specified Resources-Saved Product to be significantly affected, order the

Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator to take measures pertaining to

the recommendation, after hearing opinions of Councils, etc. specified by

Cabinet Order.

Chapter VI Specified Reuse-Promoted Products

(Standards of Judgment for Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator)

Article 21 (1) For the purpose of promoting the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to Specified Reuse-Promoted Products,

the competent minister shall establish, in the ordinance of the competent

ministry, standards of judgment for a person who operates a business of

manufacturing, processing, repairing or selling a Specified Reuse-Promoted

Product (hereinafter referred to as "Specified Reuse-Promotion Business

Operator"), with regard to the promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources

or Reusable Parts.

(2) The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be

established by taking into consideration the status of utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to the Specified Reuse-Promoted

Product, the technical level related to the promotion of utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts and other circumstances. Necessary revisions

shall be made to the standards depending on the change in these circumstances.

(3) The provision of Article 10, paragraph 3 shall apply where the competent

minister intends to establish the standards of judgment prescribed in

paragraph 1 or make the necessary revisions prescribed in the preceding

paragraph.

(Guidance and Advice)

Article 22 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to promote the utilization of Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts

pertaining to Specified Reuse-Promoted Products, provide Specified Reuse-

Promotion Business Operators with necessary guidance and advice with regard

to the promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources or Reusable Parts, by

taking into consideration the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph 1

of the preceding Article.

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(Recommendation and Order)

Article 23 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds the manner in

which a Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator whose production

quantity or sales volume of a Specified Reuse-Promoted Product meets the

requirements specified by Cabinet Order utilizes Recyclable Resources or

Reusable Parts pertaining to the Specified Reuse-Promoted Product to be

significantly lacking in light of the standards of judgment prescribed in Article

21, paragraph 1, recommend the Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator

to take necessary measures for the promotion of utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to the Specified Reuse-Promoted

Product, while presenting the grounds for his/her judgment.

(2) When the Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator that has received a

recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the

recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

(3) In the case where the Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator that has

received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take any

measures pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds even

after the competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of the

preceding paragraph, that the Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator

has not followed the recommendation, the competent minister may, when

he/she finds the promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources or Reusable

Parts pertaining to the Specified Reuse-Promoted Product to be significantly

affected, order the Specified Reuse-Promotion Business Operator to take

measures pertaining to the recommendation, after hearing opinions of Councils,

etc. specified by Cabinet Order.

Chapter VII Specified Labeled Products

(Standards of Judgment for Specified Labeling Business Operators)

Article 24 (1) For the purpose of promoting the utilization of Recyclable

Resources pertaining to Specified Labeled Products, the competent minister

shall establish, in the ordinance of the competent ministry, standards for

labeling regarding the following matters for the respective Specified Labeled

Products.

(i) Materials, ingredients or other matters to be indicated for Sorted Collection.

(ii) The labeling method and other matters to be observed, when indicating the

matters listed in the preceding item, by a person who operates a business of

manufacturing, processing or selling a Specified Labeled Product (including

business operators who order the manufacture of Specified Labeled Products

to be used for their businesses; hereinafter referred to as "Specified Labeling

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Business Operator").

(2) The provision of Article 10, paragraph 3 shall apply where the competent

minister intends to establish the standards for labeling prescribed in the

preceding paragraph or make the necessary revisions prescribed in the

preceding paragraph.

(Recommendation and Order)

Article 25 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds that any Specified

Labeling Business Operator (excluding small-sized enterprise operators

prescribed in Article 2, paragraph 5 of the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic

Act (Act No. 154 of 1963) and those specified by Cabinet Order, whose amount

of income as specified by Cabinet Order meets the requirements specified by

Cabinet Order) does not indicate the matters listed in item 1 of paragraph 1 of

the preceding Article to be specified by the ordinance of the competent ministry

under the said paragraph (hereinafter referred to as "Matters To Be

Indicated") or observe the matters listed in item 2 of the said paragraph to be

specified by the ordinance of the competent ministry under the said paragraph

(hereinafter referred to as the "Matters To Be Observed"), recommend the

Specified Labeling Business Operator to indicate the Matters To Be Indicated

or observe the Matters To Be Observed.

(2) When the Specified Labeling Business Operator that has received a

recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the

recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

(3) In the case where the Specified Labeling Business Operator that has received

a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take any measures

pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds even after the

competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of the preceding

paragraph, that the Specified Labeling Business Operator has not followed the

recommendation, the competent minister may, when he/she finds the

promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources pertaining to the Specified

Labeled Product to be significantly affected, order the Specified Labeling

Business Operator to take measures pertaining to the recommendation, after

hearing opinions of Councils, etc. specified by Cabinet Order.

Chapter VIII Specified Resources-Recycled Products

(Standards of Judgment for Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operators)

Article 26 (1) For the purpose of promoting the utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts pertaining to Specified Resources-Recycled

Products, the competent minister shall establish, in the ordinance of the

competent ministry, standards of judgment for a person who operates a

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business of manufacturing, processing, repairing or selling a Specified

Resources-Recycled Product (including those who operate a business of

manufacturing, processing, repairing or selling products that use Specified

Resources-Recycled Products as parts and are specified by Cabinet Order;

hereinafter referred to as "Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator"),

with regard to the following matters.

(i) Matters concerning how to ensure the effective implementation of Voluntary

Collection of Used Specified Resources-Recycled Products (which means

Specified Resources-Recycled Products that are collected or disposed of after

being used or without being used; hereinafter the same shall apply) and the

implementation method.

(ii) Matters concerning the targets for Recycling of Used Specified Resources-

Recycled Products and the implementation method.

(iii) Matters concerning the take-back of Used Specified Resources-Recycled

Products where such take-back is required by municipal governments, the

take-back method, and coordination with municipal governments.

(iv) Other matters necessary for Voluntary Collection and Recycling.

(2) The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be

established by taking into consideration the status of Voluntary Collection and

Recycling pertaining to the Used Specified Resources-Recycled Product, the

technical level related to Recycling, the status of collection and disposal

implemented by municipal governments and other circumstances. Necessary

revisions shall be made to the standards depending on the change in these

circumstances.

(Recognition of Voluntary Collection and Recycling of Used Specified

Resources-Recycled Products)

Article 27 (1) When a Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator intends

to implement Voluntary Collection and Recycling of a Used Specified

Resources-Recycled Product independently or jointly with another Specified

Resources-Recycling Business Operator, it may obtain from the competent

minister recognition to the effect that it conforms to all of the following items,

pursuant to the provision of the ordinance of the competent ministry.

(i) The Voluntary Collection and Recycling conform to the standards of

judgment prescribed in paragraph 1 of the preceding Article.

(ii) The person who conducts necessary acts for the Voluntary Collection and

Recycling conforms to the standards specified by the ordinance of the

competent ministry.

(iii) The person prescribed in the preceding item owns has a facility that

conforms to the standards specified by the ordinance of the competent

ministry.

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(iv) With respect to the Voluntary Collection and Recycling pertaining to the

application filed by two or more Specified Resources-Recycling Business

Operators engaged in businesses that fall within the same industry, the

following requirements are satisfied.

(a) The Voluntary Collection and Recycling ensure fair competition between

the two or more Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operators and

other business operators in the same industry.

(b) The Voluntary Collection and Recycling are not significantly harmful to

the interests of general consumers and related business operators.

(2) A person who intends to obtain the recognition set forth in the preceding

paragraph shall, pursuant to the provision of the ordinance of the competent

ministry, submit to the competent minister a written application in which the

following matters are described and other documents specified by the

ordinance of the competent ministry.

(i) The name and address of the applicant, and for a juridical person, the name

of its representative.

(ii) The type of the Used Specified Resources-Recycled Product subject to

Voluntary Collection and Recycling.

(iii) The targets for Voluntary Collection and Recycling.

(iv) The person who conducts necessary acts for Voluntary Collection and

Recycling, and the facility to be used for such necessary acts for Voluntary

Collection and Recycling.

(v) The methods for Voluntary Collection and Recycling, and other matters

concerning the content thereof.

(3) The competent minister shall, when he/she finds that the Voluntary

Collection and Recycling pertaining to an application for recognition set forth

in paragraph 1 conform to the items of the said paragraph, give the recognition

set forth in the said paragraph.

(Recognition of Change)

Article 28 (1) When a Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator that has

obtained the recognition set forth in paragraph 1 of the preceding Article

(hereinafter referred to as "Recognized Specified Resources-Recycling Business

Operator") intends to change matters listed in items 2 to 5 of paragraph 2 of

the said Article (excluding minor changes specified by the ordinance of the

competent ministry), it shall obtain recognition from the competent minister.

(2) The provisions of paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 of the preceding Article shall

apply mutatis mutandis to the recognition of change set forth in the preceding

paragraph.

(Rescission of Recognition)

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Article 29 The competent minister may, when he/she finds that the Voluntary

Collection and Recycling pertaining to the recognition set forth in Article 27,

paragraph 1 have become impossible to conform to any of the items of the said

paragraph, rescind the recognition.

(Relationship with the Fair Trade Commission)

Article 30 (1) Where the competent minister intends to grant recognition under

Article 27, paragraph 1 (including the recognition of change under Article 28,

paragraph 1; hereinafter the same shall apply in the next paragraph and the

next Article) with respect to the Voluntary Collection and Recycling pertaining

to the application filed by two or more Specified Resources-Recycling Business

Operators engaged in businesses that fall within the same industry, the

minister may, when he/she finds this necessary, request opinions from the Fair

Trade Commission about the measures to be taken for the Voluntary Collection

and Recycling pertaining to the application.

(2) The Fair Trade Commission may, when it finds this necessary, state its

opinions to the competent minister as requested under the preceding

paragraph about the measures to be taken for the Voluntary Collection and

Recycling, for which the competent minister has granted recognition under

Article 27, paragraph 1.

(Consideration under the Waste Management and Public Cleaning Act)

Article 31 The Minister of the Environment shall, when applying the provisions

of the Waste Management and Public Cleaning Act (Act No. 137 of 1970), give

due consideration so as to ensure the smooth implementation of the Voluntary

Collection and Recycling pertaining to the recognition granted under Article 27,

paragraph 1.

(Guidance and Advice)

Article 32 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to promote Voluntary Collection and Recycling of Used Specified

Resources-Recycled Products, provide Specified Resources-Recycling Business

Operators with necessary guidance and advice with regard to Voluntary

Collection and Recycling of Used Specified Resources-Recycled Products, by

taking into consideration the standards of judgment prescribed in Article 26,

paragraph 1.

(Recommendation and Order)

Article 33 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds the manner in

which a Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator whose production

quantity or sales volume of a Specified Resources-Recycled Product or a

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product specified by Cabinet Order under Article 26, paragraph 1 that uses a

Specified Resources-Recycled Product as its part meets the requirements

specified by Cabinet Order implements the Voluntary Collection and Recycling

of the Specified Resources-Recycled Product to be significantly lacking in light

of the standards of judgment prescribed in the said paragraph, recommend the

Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator to take necessary measures

for the Voluntary Collection and Recycling of the Specified Resources-Recycled

Product, while presenting the grounds for his/her judgment.

(2) When the Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator that has received

a recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the

recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

(3) In the case where the Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator that

has received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take any

measures pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds even

after the competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of the

preceding paragraph, that the Specified Resources-Recycling Business

Operator has not followed the recommendation, the competent minister may,

when he/she finds the Voluntary Collection and Recycling of the Used Specified

Resources-Recycled Product to be significantly affected, order the Specified

Resources-Recycling Business Operator to take measures pertaining to the

recommendation, after hearing opinions of Councils, etc. specified by Cabinet

Order.

Chapter IX Specified By-products

(Standards Judgment for Specified By-product Business Operators)

Article 34 (1) For the purpose of promoting the utilization of Recyclable

Resources pertaining to Specified By-products, the competent minister shall

establish, in the ordinance of the competent ministry, standards of judgment

for a person who operates, at a workplace, a business that falls within an

industry pertaining to a Specified By-product (hereinafter referred to as

"Specified By-product Business Operator"), with regard to the promotion of

utilization of Recyclable Resources.

(2) The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be

established by taking into consideration the status of utilization of Recyclable

Resources pertaining to the Specified By-product, the technical level related to

the promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources and other circumstances.

Necessary revisions shall be made to the standards depending on the change in

these circumstances.

(3) The provision of Article 10, paragraph 3 shall apply where the competent

minister intends to establish the standards of judgment prescribed in

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paragraph 1 or make the necessary revisions prescribed in the preceding

paragraph.

(Guidance and Advice)

Article 35 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to promote the utilization of Recyclable Resources pertaining to Specified

By-products, provide Specified By-product Business Operators with necessary

guidance and advice with regard to the promotion of utilization of Recyclable

Resources, by taking into consideration the standards of judgment prescribed

in paragraph 1 of the preceding Article.

(Recommendation and Order)

Article 36 (1) The competent minister may, when he/she finds the manner in

which a Specified By-product Business Operator whose amount of energy

supply or price of Construction Work meets the requirements specified by

Cabinet Order promotes the utilization of Recyclable Resources pertaining to

the Specified By-product to be significantly lacking in light of the standards of

judgment prescribed in Article 34, paragraph 1, recommend the Specified By-

product Business Operator to take necessary measures for the promotion of

utilization of Recyclable Resources pertaining to the Specified By-product,

while presenting the grounds for his/her judgment.

(2) When the Specified By-product Business Operator that has received a

recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the

recommendation, the competent minister may publicize this.

(3) In the case where the Specified By-product Business Operator that has

received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph 1 does not take any

measures pertaining to the recommendation without justifiable grounds even

after the competent minister has publicized, pursuant to the provision of the

preceding paragraph, that the Specified By-product Business Operator has not

followed the recommendation, the competent minister may, when he/she finds

the promotion of utilization of Recyclable Resources pertaining to the Specified

By-product to be significantly affected, order the Specified By-product Business

Operator to take measures pertaining to the recommendation, after hearing

opinions of Councils, etc. specified by Cabinet Order.

Chapter X Miscellaneous Provisions

(Report and On-site Inspection)

Article 37 (1) To the extent necessary for the enforcement of Article 13 and

Article 17, the competent minister may, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet

Order, have a Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator or Designated

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Resources-Reutilizing Business Operator report the status of their business, or

have an official of the competent ministry enter the office, factory, workplace

or warehouse of a Designated Resources-Saving Business Operator or

Designated Resources-Reutilizing Business Operator to inspect facilities, books,

documents and other objects.

(2) To the extent necessary for the enforcement of Article 20, Article 23, and

Article 25, the competent minister may, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet

Order, have a Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator, Specified Reuse-

Promotion Business Operator, or Specified Labeling Business Operator report

the status of their business pertaining to the Specified Resources-Saved

Product, Specified Reuse-Promoted Product, or Specified Labeled Product, or

have an official of the competent ministry enter the office, factory, workplace

or warehouse of a Specified Resources-Saving Business Operator, Specified

Reuse-Promotion Business Operator, or Specified Labeling Business Operator

to inspect the Specified Resources-Saved Product, Specified Reuse-Promoted

Product, or Specified Labeled Product, books, documents, and other objects.

(3) To the extent necessary for the enforcement of Article 28 and Article 29, the

competent minister may have a Recognized Specified Resources-Recycling

Business Operator report the status of their implementation of the Voluntary

Collection or Recycling of the Used Specified Resources-Recycled Product

pertaining to the recognition, or have an official of the competent ministry

enter the office, factory, workplace or warehouse of a Recognized Specified

Resources-Recycling Business Operator to inspect books, documents and other

objects.

(4) To the extent necessary for the enforcement of Article 33, the competent

minister may, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet Order, have a Specified

Resources-Recycling Business Operator report the status of its implementation

of Voluntary Collection or Recycling of the Used Specified Resources-Recycled

Product, or have an official of the competent minister enter the office, factory,

workplace or warehouse of a Specified Resources-Recycling Business Operator

to inspect books, documents and other objects.

(5) To the extent necessary for the enforcement of the preceding Article, the

competent minister may, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet Order, have a

Specified By-product Business Operator report the status of its business

pertaining to the Specified By-product, or have an official of the competent

ministry enter the office, workplace or warehouse of a Specified By-product

Business Operator to inspect the Specified By-product, books, documents and

other objects.

(6) The official who conducts on-site inspection pursuant to the preceding

paragraphs shall carry a certification for identification and present it to the

person concerned.

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(7) The authority for on-site inspection pursuant to paragraphs 1 to 5 shall not be

construed as being granted for criminal investigation.

(Hearing of Opinions through Appeal Procedure)

Article 38 (1) An award or decision on a request for examination or objection

with respect to an order issued under Article 13, paragraph 3, Article 17,

paragraph 3, Article 20, paragraph 3, Article 23, paragraph 3, Article 25,

paragraph 3, Article 33, paragraph 3, or Article 36, paragraph 3 (excluding

award or decision of dismissal without prejudice) shall be made after giving

advance notice of a considerable period of time to the requester or objector and

holding an opinion hearing open to the public.

(2) The advance notice set forth in the preceding paragraph shall specify the date

and place of the hearing and the content of the case concerned.

(3) When holding an opinion hearing set forth in paragraph 1, the requester or

objector and the interested persons shall be given the opportunity to present

evidence and state their opinions

(Competent Minister, etc.)

Article 39 (1) The competent minister in this Act shall be as follows.

(i) With respect to the formulation of the Basic Policy under Article 3,

paragraph 1 and the revision of the Basic Policy under paragraph 3 of the

said Article: the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Minister of Land,

Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and

Fisheries, Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, and

Minister of the Environment.

(ii) With respect to the establishment of the standards of judgment under

Article 10, paragraph 1, the revision of the standards under paragraph 2 of

the said Article, the guidance and advice prescribed in Article 11, the plan

prescribed in Article 12, the recommendation prescribed in Article 13,

paragraph 1, the publication under Article 13, paragraph 2, the order under

Article 13, paragraph 3, and the collection of reports and on-site inspection

under Article 37, paragraph 1: the ministers who have jurisdiction over

businesses that fall within the respective Designated Resources-Saving

Industries.

(iii) With respect to the establishment of the standards of judgment under

Article 15, paragraph 1, the revision of the standards under paragraph 2 of

the said Article, the guidance and advice prescribed in Article 16, the

recommendation prescribed in Article 17, paragraph 1, the publication under

Article 17, paragraph 2, the order under Article 17, paragraph 3, and the

collection of reports and on-site inspection under Article 37, paragraph 1: the

ministers who have jurisdiction over businesses that fall within the

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respective Designated Resources-Reutilizing Industries.

(iv) With respect to the establishment of the standards of judgment under

Article 18, paragraph 1, the revision of the standards under paragraph 2 of

the said Article, the guidance and advice prescribed in Article 19, the

recommendation prescribed in Article 20, paragraph 1, the publication under

Article 20, paragraph 2, the order under Article 20, paragraph 3, the

establishment of the standards of judgment under Article 21 paragraph 1,

the revision of the standards under Article 21, paragraph 2, the guidance and

advice prescribed in Article 22, the recommendation prescribed in Article 23,

paragraph 1, the publication under Article 23, paragraph 2, the order under

Article 23, paragraph 3, the establishment of the standards for labeling

under Article 24, paragraph 1, the recommendation prescribed in Article 25,

paragraph 1, the publication under Article 25, paragraph 2, the order under

Article 25, paragraph 3, and the collection of reports and on-site inspection

under Article 37, paragraph 2: the ministers who have jurisdiction, pursuant

to the provision of Cabinet Order, over businesses of manufacturing,

processing, repairing or selling the respective Specified Resources-Saved

Products, businesses of manufacturing, processing, repairing or selling the

respective Specified Reuse-Promoted Products, or businesses of

manufacturing, processing or selling the respective Specified Labeled

Products (in the case of business operators who order the manufacture of

Specified Labeled Products to be used for their businesses, such businesses).

(v) With respect to the establishment of the standards of judgment under

Article 26, paragraph 1, the revision of the standards under paragraph 2 of

the said Article, the recognition under Article 27, paragraph 1, the

recognition of change under Article 28, paragraph 1, the rescission of

recognition under Article 29, the opinions under Article 30, the guidance and

advice under Article 32, the recommendation prescribed in Article 33,

paragraph 1, the publication under Article 33, paragraph 2, the order under

Article 33, paragraph 3, and the collection of reports and on-site inspection

under Article 37, paragraph 3 and paragraph 4: the ministers who have

jurisdiction, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet Order, over businesses of

manufacturing, processing, repairing or selling the respective Specified

Resources-Recycled Products or businesses of manufacturing, processing,

repairing or selling the products specified by Cabinet Order under Article 26,

paragraph 1 that use the respective Specified Resources-Recycled Products

as parts, or the Minister of the Environment.

(vi) With respect to the establishment of the standards of judgment under

Article 34, paragraph 1, the revision of the standards under paragraph 2 of

the said Article, the guidance and advice under Article 35, the

recommendation prescribed in Article 36, paragraph 1, the publication under

20

Article 36, paragraph 2, the order under Article 36, paragraph 3, and the

collection of reports and on-site inspection under Article 37, paragraph 5: the

ministers who have jurisdiction, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet Order,

over businesses that fall within industries pertaining to the respective

Specified By-products.

(2) In this Act, the ordinance of the competent ministry shall, with respect to the

matters set forth in item 2 or item 3 of the preceding paragraph, refer to an

order issued by the competent minister under item 2 or item 3 of the said

paragraph, or shall, with respect to the matters set forth in items 4 to 6 of the

said paragraph, refer to, pursuant to the provision of Cabinet Order, an order

issued by the competent minister under items 4 to 6 of the said paragraph.

(3) The authority under this Act may be delegated to the head of a local branch

office pursuant to the provision of Cabinet Order.

Article 40 The competent minister may, when he/she finds this necessary in

order to achieve the purpose of this Act, request necessary cooperation from the

Minister of the Environment for the promotion of utilization of Recyclable

Resources or Reusable Parts in respect of waste management.

(Transitional Measures)

Article 41 In the case of establishment, revision or abolition of an order

pursuant to this Act, necessary transitional measures (including transitional

measures concerning penal provisions) may be set in that order to the extent

considered reasonably necessary along with the establishment, revision or

abolition.

Chapter XI Penal Provisions

Article 42 A person who has violated an order issued under Article 13,

paragraph 3, Article 17, paragraph 3, Article 20, paragraph 3, Article 23,

paragraph 3, Article 25, paragraph 3, Article 33, paragraph 3 or Article 36,

paragraph 3 shall be punished by a fine of not more than 500,000 yen.

Article 43 A person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished

by a fine of not more than 200,000 yen,

(i) A person who has not made submission under Article 12.

(ii) A person who has not made reports under paragraphs 1 to 5 of Article 37 or

made a false report, or refused, interfered with or avoided inspections under

these paragraphs.

Article 44 When the representative of a juridical person, or the agent, employee

21

or other worker of a juridical person or an individual has committed a violation

set forth in the preceding two Articles with regard to the business of the said

juridical person or individual, not only shall the offender be punished but the

said juridical person or individual shall also be punished by the fine prescribed

in the respective Articles

Supplementary Provisions [Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1 This Act shall come into force as of the date specified by Cabinet Order

within a period not exceeding six months from the day of promulgation.

(Loan without Interest Provided by the State, etc.)

Article 2 (1) The State may, for the time being, provide local governments with

loans without interest, within its budgetary limit, as funds to be allocated for

covering the expenses to be incurred by the local governments in independently

implementing projects to establish facilities for the promotion of effective

utilization of resources through the use of Recyclable Resources or Reusable

Parts, which fall under Article 2, paragraph 1, item 2 of the Act on Special

Measures Concerning Promotion of Development of Social Infrastructure

through Utilization of Income from Sales of Stock of the Nippon Telegraph and

Telephone Corporation (Act No. 86 of 1987), or as funds to be allocated for

covering the expenses for subsidies to be given by the local governments to the

private business operators that carry out such projects.

(2) The period of redemption of the loans provided by the State under the

preceding paragraph shall be a period specified by Cabinet Order not exceeding

five years (including a period of deferment not exceeding two years).

(3) In addition to what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, the method of

loan redemption under paragraph 1, advanced redemption, and other necessary

matters concerning redemption shall be specified by Cabinet Order.

(4) The State shall, when having provided a local government with a loan

pursuant to paragraph 1, provide the same amount of subsidies as the loan

with respect to the project for which the loan has been provided, by providing

the same amount of money as the amount redeemed upon the redemption of

the loan.

(5) With regard to the application of the provision of the preceding paragraph in

the case where a local government has made a redemption of the loan without

interest provided under paragraph 1 ahead of the redemption schedule

determined under paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 (excluding the cases specified

by Cabinet Order), the redemption shall be deemed to have been made on the

due date of redemption.

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Supplementary Provisions [Extract Act No. 89 of November 12, 1993]

[Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1 This Act shall come into force as of the date of enforcement of the

Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993).

(Transitional Measures Concerning Adverse Dispositions Following Appeal,

etc.)

Article 2 Where, prior to the enforcement of this Act, an appeal or other request

has been filed or made under laws and regulations to a council or any other

panel to require that procedures equivalent to the procedures to hold hearings

or grant the opportunity for explanation and other procedures to hear

statements of opinions prescribed in Article 13 of the Administrative Procedure

Act should be implemented, with regard to the procedures to make adverse

dispositions pertaining to the appeal or request, the provisions then in force

shall remain applicable notwithstanding the provisions of relevant Acts revised

by this Act.

(Transitional Measures Concerning Penal Provisions)

Article 13 With regard to the application of penal provisions to acts committed

prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions then in force shall remain

applicable.

(Transitional Measures upon Arrangement of Provisions on Hearings)

Article 14 Procedures for hearings (excluding those concerning adverse

dispositions) implemented under Acts prior to the enforcement of this Act or

procedures incidental thereto shall be deemed to have been implemented under

relevant provisions of respective Acts revised by this Act.

(Delegation to Cabinet Orders)

Article 15 In addition to what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article

in the Supplementary Provisions, necessary transitional measures for the

enforcement of this Act shall be specified by Cabinet Order.

Supplementary Provisions [Extract Act No. 160 of December 22, 1999]

[Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1 This Act (excluding Article 2 and Article 3) shall come into force as of

23

January 6, 2001; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following

items shall come into force as of the dates prescribed in the respective items.

(i) Provisions of Article 995 (limited to the part revising the Supplementary

Provisions of the Act for Partial Revision of the Act on Control of Nuclear

Source Materials, Nuclear Fuel Materials and Reactors), Article 1305, Article

1306, Article 1324, paragraph 2, Article 1326, paragraph 2, and Article 1344:

Date of promulgation.

Supplementary Provisions [Extract Act No. 113 of June 7, 2000] [Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1 This Act shall come into force as of April 1, 2001.

(Effect of Dispositions, etc.)

Article 2 Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted pursuant to the

provisions of the Act on the Promotion of Utilization of Recyclable Resources

prior to the revision by this Act shall be deemed to have been conducted under

the relevant provisions of the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of

Resources revised by this Act.

(Transitional Measures Concerning Penal Provisions)

Article 3 With regard to the application of penal provisions to acts committed

prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions then in force shall remain

applicable.

(Review)

Article 4 Within a period of seven years after the enforcement of this Act, the

government shall review the state of enforcement of the Act on the Promotion

of Effective Utilization of Resources revised by this Act, and shall take

necessary measures based on the review results.

Supplementary Provisions [Extract Act No. 1 of February 8, 2002]

[Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1 This Act shall come into force as of the date of promulgation.

24