Japan adds CCS CO2-containing gas to export control list

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has amended the Export Trade Control Order to add carbon dioxide-containing gas intended for CO2 sequestration (CCS) to the list of goods requiring ministerial approval for export.

• Main announcement: METI has added “carbon dioxide-containing gas arising from CO2 recovery processes for the purpose of CO2 sequestration” to Export Trade Control Order Annex 2 (item 35-5) as goods requiring approval by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry when exported; the Cabinet approved the partial amendment today and the amendment will be promulgated on 19 November 2025 and enter into force on 19 January 2026.
• Background and details: This domestic measure implements the 2009 amendment to the 1996 London Protocol (related to prevention of marine pollution by dumping), which Japan accepted in May 2024; METI published three related PDFs (outline, draft decree & reasons, comparison table) and provided departmental contacts for export control (Trade Management Division) and CCS policy (CCS Policy Office).