Published: 2002
Key Benefits:
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
17
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
19
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
