Article 9(1)With regard to the measures to be taken by manufacturers, etc. of fluorocarbons for the manufacture, etc. of substances alternative to fluorocarbons and other rational use of fluorocarbons, the competent minister is to establish the standards of judgment for manufacturers, etc. of fluorocarbons, and publicize them in order to promote the rational use of fluorocarbons.

(2)The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph are to be established in line with the guidelines referred to in Article 3, paragraph (1) and taking into consideration the status of development of substances alternative to fluorocarbons and other circumstances, and are to be revised if necessary depending on any changes in these circumstances.

(3)If the competent minister intends to establish the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph (1), the minister must consult with the Minister of the Environment in advance. The same applies when the competent minister intends to change or abolish the standards of judgment.

(4)If the Minister of the Environment finds it necessary to promote the reduction in emissions of fluorocarbons, the Minister may state opinions to the competent minister on the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph (1).

Article 10If the competent minister finds it necessary to promote the rational use of fluorocarbons, the minister may provide manufacturers, etc. of fluorocarbons with necessary guidance and advice on measures for the manufacture, etc. of substances alternative to fluorocarbons and other rational uses of fluorocarbons, taking into consideration the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 11(1)If the competent minister finds that the status of measures taken by a manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons (limited to that whose production or import volume of fluorocarbons, etc. satisfies the requirements specified by order of the competent ministry; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) for the manufacture, etc. of substances alternative to fluorocarbons and other rational uses of fluorocarbons is significantly inadequate in light of the standards of judgment prescribed in Article 9, paragraph (1), the minister may recommend that the manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons take necessary measures for the manufacture, etc. of substances alternative to fluorocarbons and other rational use of fluorocarbons, giving the grounds for the minister's judgment.

(2)If a manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons which has received a recommendation as prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the recommendation, the competent minister may publicize to that effect.

(3)When a manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons which has received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph (1) still does not take the recommended measures without reasonable grounds even after the competent minister has publicized the fact that it has not followed the recommendation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, and if the minister finds that the rational use of fluorocarbons will be significantly harmed, the minister may order the manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons to take the recommended measures after hearing the opinions of councils (meaning organs prescribed in Article 8 of the National Government Organization Act (Act No. 120 of 1948)) specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 12(1)With respect to designated products, the competent minister is to establish and the standards of judgment for manufacturers, etc. of designated products with regard to the reduction of the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in each designated product, and publicize them, in order to promote the rational use of fluorocarbons.

(2)The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph are to be established in line with the guidelines referred to in Article 3, paragraph (1) and taking into consideration the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in the designated product which has the least environmental impact of fluorocarbons used, future prospects for technological development with regard to reduction in the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in the designated product and other circumstances, and are to be revised if necessary depending on any changes in these circumstances.

(3)If a competent minister intends to establish, amend or repeal the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph (1), the minister must hear opinions of the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(4)If the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry find it particularly necessary to reduce emissions of fluorocarbons, they may state opinions to the competent minister about changing the standards referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 13(1)If the competent minister finds it necessary to significantly reduce the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in designated products which a manufacturer, etc. of designated products (limited to that whose production or import volume of the designated products manufactured by them satisfies the requirements specified by order of the competent ministry; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) manufactures, in light of the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, they may indicate reduction goals to the manufacturer, etc. of designated products and recommend that they reduce the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in the designated products.

(2)The provisions of Article 11, paragraphs (2) and (3) apply mutatis mutandis to a recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term "manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "manufacturer, etc. of designated products".

Article 14With respect to designated products, the competent minister is to establish the following matters for each designated product, and give public notice thereof, in order to promote the rational use of fluorocarbons:

Article 15(1)If the competent ministers find that a manufacturer, etc. of designated products has not provided indications of the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in accordance with the public notice made pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article with respect to designated products which they manufacture, the ministers may recommend that the manufacturer, etc. of designated products provide indications of the environmental impact of fluorocarbons used in the designated products in accordance with the public notice made pursuant to the provisions of that Article.

(2)The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of Article 11 apply mutatis mutandis to a recommendation prescribed in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term "manufacturer, etc. of fluorocarbons" in these provisions is deemed to be replaced with "manufacturer, etc. of designated products".

Article 16(1)With regard to measures to be taken by managers of class I specified products during the use, etc. of class I specified products to be managed (meaning class I specified products the use, etc. of which managers of class I specified products have the responsibility to manage; hereinafter the same applies in this Section) for the proper management of the fluorocarbons, the competent minister is to establish standards of judgment for managers of class I specified products and publicize them, in order to promote the proper management of fluorocarbons used in class I specified products.

(2)The standards of judgment prescribed in the preceding paragraph are to be established in line with the guidelines referred to in Article 3, paragraph (1) and taking into consideration the status of use, etc. of class I specified products, the impact on the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming caused by fluorocarbons emitted during the use, etc. of class I specified products, the status of development of products which use substances alternative to fluorocarbons and other circumstances, and are to be revised if necessary depending on any changes in these circumstances.

Article 17If a prefectural governor finds it necessary to promote the proper management of fluorocarbons used in class I specified products, the governor may provide managers of class I specified products with necessary guidance and advice on the use, etc. of class I specified products, taking into consideration the standards of judgment prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 18(1)If a prefectural governor finds that the status of the use, etc. of class I specified products to be managed by a manager of class I specified products (limited to that satisfies the requirements specified by order of competent ministry, taking into consideration the type and quantity of class I specified products to be managed and other circumstances; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) is significantly inadequate in light of the standards of judgment prescribed in Article 16, paragraph (1), the governor may recommend that the manager of class I specified products take necessary measures for the use, etc. of the class I specified products to be managed, giving the grounds for the governor's judgment.

(2)If a manager of class I specified products who has received a recommendation as prescribed in the preceding paragraph does not follow the recommendation, the prefectural governor may publicize to that effect.

(3)When a manager of class I specified products who has received a recommendation prescribed in paragraph (1) still does not take the recommended measures without reasonable grounds even after the prefectural governor has publicized the fact that the manager has not followed the recommendation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, and if the prefectural governor finds that the proper management of fluorocarbons used in class I specified products will be significantly harmed, the prefectural governor may order the manager of class I specified products to take the recommended measures.

Article 19(1)A manager of class I specified products (limited to that specified by order of the competent ministry as a business operator whose calculated amount of leaked fluorocarbons (meaning the amount of leaked fluorocarbons calculated in the manner specified by order of the competent ministry as the amount of fluorocarbons emitted during the use, etc. of class I specified products; the same applies hereinafter) is considerably large; hereinafter the same applies in this Section) must report the calculated amount of leaked fluorocarbons and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry to the ministers with jurisdiction over the business of the manager of class I specified products (hereinafter referred to as "competent minister for the business" in this Section and Article 100) every fiscal year pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)With respect to a business operator engaged in business in which it allows the use of specific trademarks, trade names or other indications, specifies the methods related to the sale of goods or the provision of services, and provides guidance on management on an ongoing basis pursuant to contracts that are based on standard general conditions which provide for matters specified by order of the competent ministry concerning the use, etc. of class I specified products to be managed, where a person who participates in the business (hereinafter referred to as a "franchisee" in this paragraph) will become the manager of class I specified products (a business operator engaging in this type of business is hereinafter referred to as a "chain business operator" in this paragraph), the provisions of the preceding paragraph apply by deeming the franchisee's use, etc. of class I specified products to be managed as the chain business operator's use, etc. of class I specified products to be managed.

(3)When a competent minister for the business receives a report under the provisions of paragraph (1), the competent minister for the business is to notify the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of the matters relating to the report.

Article 20(1)The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry are to record the matters of which notice is given pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article in a file stored on a computer, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of the Environment and Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)If the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry record matters pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, they are to notify, without delay, the competent minister for the business of the matters recorded in the file referred to in that paragraph (hereinafter referred to as "matters recorded in the file" in this Section) which pertain to managers of class I specified products engaged in business under the jurisdiction of the competent minister for the business, and are to notify the prefectural governor of the matters recorded in the file which pertain to the places of business located in the prefectural areas under the jurisdiction of the prefectural governor, respectively, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of the Environment and Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(3)The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry are to aggregate, without delay, the matters recorded in the file pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of the Environment and Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(4)The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry are to notify, without delay, the competent minister for the business and the prefectural governor of the results of the aggregation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, and publicize the results.

(5)Upon receiving a notice under the provisions of paragraph (2), the competent minister for the business and the prefectural governor may aggregate the matters contained in the notice and publicize the results.

Article 21(1)Upon publication under the provisions of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article, any person may request the competent ministers to disclose the matters recorded in the file which have been publicized and are possessed by the competent ministers, on or after the day of the publication.

(2)A request referred to in the preceding paragraph (hereinafter referred to as a "disclosure request" in this paragraph and the following Article) must be made by clarifying the following matters:

Article 22If a disclosure request is made, the competent minister must promptly disclose to the person making the disclosure request the matters pertaining to the disclosure request.

Article 23(1)A manager of class I specified products may provide the competent minister for the business with information on the status of increase or decrease in the calculated amount of leaked fluorocarbons and other information pertaining to the report, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, together with a report under the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1), in order to contribute to further understanding of the information publicized pursuant to the provisions of Article 20, paragraph (4) or disclosed pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article.

(2)A competent minister for the business is to notify the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of any information provided pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(3)The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry are to record any information notified pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph in the file prescribed in Article 20, paragraph (1), pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of the Environment and Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(4)When the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry record any matters pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, they are to notify and publicize, without delay, the competent minister for the business of the matters recorded in the file referred to in the paragraph that pertain to managers of class I specified products engaged in business under the authority of the competent minister for the business, and are to notify and publicize the prefectural governor of the matters recorded in the file which pertain to the places of business located in the prefectural areas under the authority of the prefectural governor, respectively, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of the Environment Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and publicize the matters.

(5)The provisions of the preceding two Articles apply mutatis mutandis in the case of a publication made pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 24A competent minister is to provide managers of class I specified products with necessary technical advice, information and other assistance in order to contribute to ensuring proper calculation of amounts of leaked fluorocarbons or voluntary reduction in emissions of fluorocarbons, and promoting other proper management of fluorocarbons used in class I specified products.

Article 25A person to whom matters recorded in the file are disclosed must pay, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, fees for the disclosure at an amount specified by Cabinet Order, taking the actual costs into consideration.

Article 26(1)A competent minister for the business may have reports under the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) made by magnetic disks (including any object capable of securely recording certain matters in an equivalent manner; the same applies in the following paragraph), pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)A competent ministers may have requests under the provisions of Article 21, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 23, paragraph (5)) made or make disclosures under the provisions of Article 22 (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 23, paragraph (5)) by magnetic disks, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 27(1)Any person who intends to engage in class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operations must be registered with the prefectural governor with jurisdiction over the areas where the operations are to be conducted.

(2)Any person who seeks a registration referred to in the preceding paragraph must submit to the prefectural governor an application containing the following information, with documents specified by order of the competent ministry appended thereto:

Article 28(1)If an application for registration is filed pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the prefectural governor must record the matters set forth in paragraph (2), items (i) through (iii) of the preceding Article, the registration date, and the registration number in the registry of class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operators, except when the prefectural governor denies the registration pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article.

(2)If a prefectural governor makes a registration under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor must notify the applicant to that effect without delay.

Article 29(1)If a person who seeks a registration referred to in Article 27, paragraph (1) falls under any of the following items, if the matters set forth in Article 27, paragraph (2), item (iv) pertaining to an application for registration under the provisions of paragraph (2) of that Article are found not to conform to the standards specified by order of the competent ministry as those sufficient to properly fill class I specified products with fluorocarbons and properly and securely recover fluorocarbons with which class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant, or if an application or appended document includes a false statement on any important matter or fails to state a material fact, the prefectural governor must deny the registration:

(2)If the prefectural governor refuses a registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor must notify the applicant to that effect without delay, indicating the reason.

Article 30(1)Unless a registration referred to in Article 27, paragraph (1) is renewed every five years, it ceases to be effective upon the expiration of the relevant period.

(2)The provisions of Article 27, paragraph (2), Article 28 and the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)When an application for the renewal referred to in paragraph (1) is filed, and if no disposition for the application has been made by the day on which the period referred to in the same paragraph (hereinafter referred to as the "effective period of registration" in this Article) expires, the previous registration remains in force until a disposition is made, even after the effective period of registration has expired.

(4)In a case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if the renewal of registration is made, the effective period of the registration is to be calculated from the day following the day on which the effective period of previous registration expired.

Article 31(1)If there has been a change (excluding a minor one specified by order of the competent ministry) in any of the matters set forth in the items of Article 27, paragraph (2), the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must notify the prefectural governor to that effect, appending the documents specified by order of the competent ministry, within thirty days from the date of the change.

(2)The provisions of Articles 28 and 29 apply mutatis mutandis if a notification is made pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 32A prefectural governor must make the registry of Class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operators available for public inspection.

Article 33(1)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has come to fall under any of the following items, the person prescribed in the relevant items must notify the prefectural governor (in the case set forth in item (v), the prefectural governor who has registered the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator relating to the discontinued class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operations) to that effect within thirty days from the date of occurrence thereof:

(2)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has come to fall under any of the items of the preceding paragraph, its registration as a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator ceases to be effective.

Article 34If a registration ceases to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 30, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, or if a registration is rescinded pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article, the prefectural governor must cancel the registration of the relevant class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator.

Article 35(1)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator falls under any of the following items, the prefectural governor may rescind their registration, or order the operator to suspend all or part of their business by specifying a period not exceeding six months:

(2)The provisions of Article 29, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis if a disposition is made pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 36Beyond what is provided for in Article 27 through the preceding Article, necessary matters concerning the registration of class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operators is prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

Article 37(1)In maintaining class I specified products, if it is necessary to fill the class I specified products with fluorocarbons as a refrigerant, a class I specified products maintenance operator must entrust a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator with the filling of fluorocarbons; provided, however, that this does not apply if the class I specified products maintenance operator is a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, and conducts the filling of fluorocarbons themselves.

(2)In entrusting the filling of fluorocarbons prescribed in the main clause of the preceding paragraph, a class I specified products maintenance operator must notify the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator of the name and address of the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of class I specified products, of whether the manager of class I specified products uses an input-output device which connects to a computer used by an information processing center prescribed in Article 76, paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as an "information processing center" in this Section) through an electronic telecommunication line, and if an input-output device is used, of the name of the information processing center, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(3)A class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator (including a class I specified products maintenance operator that conducts the filling of fluorocarbons themselves pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to paragraph (1); the same applies in the following paragraph, paragraph (1) of the following Article, paragraphs (1) through (3) of Article 47, and paragraphs (1), (2), (6) and (8) of Article 49) must comply with the standards for filling of fluorocarbons specified by order of the competent ministry if they conduct filling of fluorocarbons after being entrusted with the filling of fluorocarbons as prescribed in the main clause of paragraph (1) or conducts filling of fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to the paragraph.

(4)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has conducted filling of fluorocarbons after being entrusted with the filling fluorocarbons as prescribed in the main clause of paragraph (1) or has conducted filling of fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to the paragraph, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must state the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in a document certifying the filling of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as a "filling certificate" in this paragraph and paragraph (1) of the following Article), and deliver the filling certificate to the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of class I specified products relating to the fluorocarbons, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 38(1)When a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator (limited to one using an input-output device which is connected to a computer used by an information processing center (limited to the information processing center the notice of the name of which has been given pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph through paragraph (3)) through an electronic telecommunication line) fills class I specified products with fluorocarbons and if the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator registers the amount filled and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry for each type of fluorocarbon, using an electronic data processing system, within the period specified by order of the competent ministry after the fluorocarbons are filled, with the approval of the manager of the class I specified products, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator is not required to deliver a filling certificate, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (4) of that Article,.

(2)If a registration under the provisions of the preceding paragraph is made, the information processing center is to give notification, without delay, of the matters relating to the registration to the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of class I specified products relating to the fluorocarbons for which the registration was made, using an electronic data processing system.

(3)The information processing center must record the information registered pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) in a file stored on a computer it uses, and retain the information for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the date on which the registration was made.

(4)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding three paragraphs, necessary matters concerning electronic data processing systems are prescribed by order of the competent ministry.

Article 39(1)In maintaining class I specified products, if it is necessary to recover fluorocarbons with which the class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant, a class I specified products maintenance operator must entrust the recovery of the fluorocarbons to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator; provided, however, that this does not apply if the class I specified products maintenance operator is a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, and recovers the fluorocarbons themselves.

(2)In entrusting the recovery of fluorocarbons prescribed in the main clause of the preceding paragraph, a class I specified products maintenance operator must notify the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator of the name and address of the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of the class I specified products, of whether the manager of class I specified products uses an input-output device which connects to a computer used by an information processing center through an electronic telecommunication line, and if an input-output device is used, of the name of the information processing center, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(3)A class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator (including a class I specified products maintenance operator that recovers fluorocarbons themselves pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to paragraph (1); the same applies in paragraph (6), paragraph (1) of the following Article, Article 46, Article 47, paragraphs (1) through (3), Article 48, Article 49, paragraphs (1), (2) and (6) through (8), Article 59, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 60, paragraph (2), Article 62, paragraphs (3) and (5), Article 69, paragraphs (1) and (5), Article 70, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 71, paragraph (2), Article 73, paragraphs (2) and (4), and Article 75) must comply with the standards for recovery of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 44, paragraph (2) if it recovers fluorocarbons after being entrusted with the recovery of fluorocarbons as prescribed in the main clause of paragraph (1) or recovers fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to the paragraph.

(4)When a class I specified products maintenance operator has a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator recover fluorocarbons with which class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant pursuant to the provisions of the main clause of paragraph (1), and if there are fluorocarbons other than those with which the class I specified products have been filled again as a refrigerant pursuant to the provisions of the main clause of Article 37, paragraph (1), the class I specified products maintenance operator must deliver them to the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator.

(5)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator is requested by a class I specified products maintenance operator to collect the fluorocarbons prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must collect the fluorocarbons, except when there are reasonable grounds for not doing so.

(6)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator recovers fluorocarbons after being entrusted with the recovery of fluorocarbons prescribed in the main clause of paragraph (1) or recovers fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to the paragraph, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must state the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in a document certifying the recovery of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as a "recovery certificate" in this paragraph and paragraph (1) of the following Article), and deliver the recovery certificate to the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of the class I specified products relating to the fluorocarbons, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 40(1)When a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator recovers fluorocarbons with which class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant in maintaining class I specified products (limited to when the input-output device used by the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of the class I specified products is connected to a computer used by an information processing center (limited to an information processing center the name of which has been notified pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph and paragraphs (2) and (3) of Article 38 as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the following paragraph) through an electronic telecommunications line) and if the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator registers the amount recovered and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry with the information management center for each type of fluorocarbon, using an electronic data processing system, with the approval of the manager of the class I specified products pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator is not required to deliver a recovery certificate, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (6) of that Article .

(2)The provisions of paragraphs (2) through (4) of Article 38 apply mutatis mutandis to the registration under the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term "the preceding three paragraphs" in paragraph (4) of the Article is deemed to be replaced with "Article 40, paragraph (1) and the preceding two paragraphs".

Article 41A manager of class I specified products that intends to undertake the disposal, etc. of class I specified products (hereinafter referred to as a "person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products") must deliver the fluorocarbons with which the class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator themselves or by entrusting the delivery to another person, except when the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has confirmed that the class I specified products are not filled with fluorocarbons, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 42(1)A person engaged in construction business (meaning the construction business prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the Construction Business Act (Act No. 100 of 1949)) and intending to undertake demolition work directly from a manager of class I specified products who intends to place an order for construction work to demolish all or part of a building or other structure (excluding any building or other structure in which class I specified products are clearly not in place) (excluding construction work undertaken from another person; hereinafter referred to "demolition work" in this paragraph and Article 92, paragraph (1) ) (the manager is hereinafter referred to as a "party ordering the specific demolition work" in this Article and Article 100, paragraph (1), item (i)) (the person engaged in construction business and intending to undertake such work is hereinafter referred to as a "primary contractor for the specific demolition work") must confirm whether class I specified products are in place in the building or other structure, and explain the results of the confirmation to the party ordering the specific demolition work by delivering documents containing the matters specified by order of the competent ministry. In this case, the primary contractor for the specific demolition work must retain a copy of the document which they delivered for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which they delivered the document.

(2)In a case referred to in the preceding paragraph, the party ordering the specific demolition work must cooperate in the confirmation whether class I specified products are in place, which is conducted by the primary contractor for the specific demolition work.

(3)If a party ordering the specific demolition work has received a document delivered pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the party must retain the document for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which the party received the document.

Article 43(1)If a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products delivers fluorocarbons with which their class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator themselves, the person must deliver a document containing the following information (hereinafter referred to as a "recovery request" in paragraph (3) and Article 105) to the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry:

(2)When a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products entrusts another person with the delivery to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator of fluorocarbons with which their class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant (except when, in the case of transporting the class I specified products relating to the fluorocarbons in order to deliver the fluorocarbons, the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products entrusts only the transport of the class I specified products), and if the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified product has concluded a contract concerning entrustment of the delivery, the person must deliver a document containing the following information (hereinafter referred to as a "written confirmation of entrustment" in this Article, paragraph (1) of the following Article and Article 105) to the person entrusted with the delivery, without delay, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry:

(3)When a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products delivers a recovery request under the provisions of paragraph (1) or a written confirmation of entrustment under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the person must retain a copy of the recovery request or of the written confirmation of entrustment for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which they delivered the written confirmation of entrustment respectively.

(4)When a person who is entrusted to deliver fluorocarbons with which class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant by a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products (including any other persons who is further entrusted with the delivery to a to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator that is sequentially conducted for fluorocarbons relating to the delivery; hereinafter referred to as a "person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons") intends to further entrust the delivery of fluorocarbons relating to the entrustment to another person (except when, in the case of transporting the class I specified products relating to the fluorocarbons in order to deliver the fluorocarbons, only the transport of the class I specified products is entrusted), the person must, in advance, specify the name and address of the person who intends to be further entrusted with the delivery to the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, and receive a document stating that the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products approves the further entrustment of the delivery (limited to that containing the matters specified by order of the competent ministry). In this case, the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products or the person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons must retain a copy of the document which they have delivered or the document which they have received for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which they delivered the document or the day on which they received the document respectively.

(5)If a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons has concluded a contract to further entrust the delivery of fluorocarbons relating to the entrustment, the person must, without delay, enter the name and address of the person who was further entrusted with the delivery and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry in the written confirmation of entrustment for the fluorocarbons, and circulate the written confirmation of entrustment to the person who was further entrusted with the delivery, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(6)When a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons delivers the fluorocarbons relating to the entrustment to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, the person must enter the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in the written confirmation of entrustment for the fluorocarbons, and circulate the written confirmation of entrustment to the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(7)When a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons circulates a written confirmation of entrustment pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the person must retain a copy of the written confirmation of entrustment for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which they circulated the copy.

Article 44(1)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator is requested by a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products to collect the fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 41 directly or via a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons, the operator must collect the fluorocarbons, except when a document has not been delivered pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, a written confirmation of entrustment has not been circulated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6) of the same Article, or when there are other reasonable grounds for not doing so.

(2)In collecting fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must recover the fluorocarbons in accordance with the standards for recovery of fluorocarbons specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 45(1)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has collected fluorocarbons directly from a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, the operator must enter the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in a document certifying the collection of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as a "collection certificate" in this Article, the following Article and Article 105), and deliver the certificate to the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry. In this case, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must retain a copy of the collection certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which they delivered it.

(2)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has collected fluorocarbons from a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products via a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons, the operator must enter the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in a collection certificate, send the collection certificate to the person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products relating to the class I fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, and deliver a copy of the collection certificate to the person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons. In this case, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must retain a copy of the sent collection certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which they sent it.

(3)If a collection certificate has been delivered or sent to a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products must confirm by the collection certificate that the delivery of fluorocarbons has been completed, and retain the collection certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which the certificate was delivered or sent.

(4)If a collection certificate under the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) is not delivered or sent within the period specified by order of the competent ministry, or if a collection certificate which does contain the matters prescribed in paragraph (1) or (2) or which contains a false statement is delivered or sent, the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products must report the prefectural governor to that effect, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(5)If a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons is delivered a copy of the collection certificate under the provisions of paragraph (2), the person must retain the copy of the collection certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which the certificate was delivered.

(6)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs, necessary matters concerning collection certificates are specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 45-2(1)If a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products delivers class I specified products to a person who intends to be engaged in collection of class I specified products for the purpose of demolition and other disposals, or acquisition of all or part of the products with or without compensation for the purpose of using them as part of raw materials, components or other products (hereinafter referred to as "collection, etc.") (hereinafter referred to as a "person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products"), the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products must deliver a copy of the collection certificate delivered or sent pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) to the person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified product, as specified by order of the competent ministry. However, this does not apply if fluorocarbons with which class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant are delivered to the person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products (limited to the person who is a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operators) or if otherwise provided by order of the competent ministry.

(2)If a person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products further entrusts another person with disposal of class I specified products relating to the collection, etc. or transfers to another person all or part of class I specified products relating to the collection, etc. for the purpose of using them as part of raw materials, components or other products, the person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products must circulate a copy of the collection certificate relating to the class I specified products to the person who is further entrusted with the disposal of the class I specified products or transferred the products, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(3)If a copy of the collection certificate under the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs is delivered or circulated to a person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products, the person must retain the copy of the collection certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the date the copy was delivered or circulated.

(4)No person may conduct collection, etc. of class I specified products, except when a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has confirmed that class I specified products are not filled with fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of Article 41, when a copy of a collection certificate has been delivered or circulated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2), and in other cases specified by order of the competent ministry as there is no risk that fluorocarbons with which class I specified products are filled as a refrigerant may be released in the atmosphere.

Article 46(1)When a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator recovers fluorocarbons relating to class I specified products pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 39, paragraph (1), and if there are fluorocarbons other than those with which the class I specified products have been filled again as a refrigerant pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 37, paragraph (1), or if a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator collects fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of Article 39, paragraph (5) or Article 44, paragraph (1), the operator must deliver the fluorocarbons to a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator or a fluorocarbon destruction operator, except when the operator recycles the fluorocarbons themselves pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 50, paragraph (1) and in other cases specified by order of the competent ministry.

(2)In delivering fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator (including a person who is entrusted by the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator to transport fluorocarbons) must transport fluorocarbons in accordance with the standards for transport of fluorocarbons specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 47(1)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must prepare a record, for each type of fluorocarbon, concerning the amount of fluorocarbons with which class I specified products were filled as a refrigerant and the amount of fluorocarbons recovered in the case of the maintenance of class I specified products (excluding the amount of fluorocarbons with which the class I specified products have been filled again as a refrigerant after the recovery; the same applies in paragraph (3)), the amount of fluorocarbons recovered in the case of the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, the amount of fluorocarbons recycled, the amount of those delivered to class I fluorocarbon recycling operators, the amount of those delivered to fluorocarbon destruction operators in the case of engagement in class I fluorocarbon recycling operations pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 50, paragraph (1), and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry, and retain the record at the place of business where their business operations are conducted.

(2)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator has received a request from a manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of class I specified products, a class I specified products maintenance operator, a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products or a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons to inspect the records under the preceding provisions relating to these persons, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must not refuse the request without reasonable grounds.

(3)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, every fiscal year a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must report to the prefectural governor, for each type of fluorocarbon and for the previous fiscal year, concerning the amount of fluorocarbons with which class I specified products were filled as a refrigerant and the amount of fluorocarbons recovered in the case of the maintenance of class I specified products, the amount of fluorocarbons recovered in the case of the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, the amount of fluorocarbons recycled, the amount of those delivered to class I fluorocarbon recycling operators and the amount of those delivered to fluorocarbon destruction operators in the case of engagement in class I fluorocarbon recycling operations pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 50, paragraph (1), and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

(4)If a prefectural governor receives a report under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor must notify the competent ministers of the reported matters, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 48If a prefectural governor finds it necessary to ensure that the entrustment of filling of class I specified products with fluorocarbons under the provisions of the main clause of Article 37, paragraph (1), the entrustment of recovery of fluorocarbons under the provisions of the main clause of Article 39, paragraph (1), the delivery of fluorocarbons under the provisions of paragraph (4) of that Article, Article 41, or Article 46, paragraph (1), the collection of fluorocarbons under the provisions of Article 39, paragraph (5), or Article 44, paragraph (1), or the confirmation and explanation under the provisions of Article 42, paragraph (1) are properly conducted, the governor may provide a class I specified products maintenance operator, a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, a primary contractor for specific demolition work or a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator with necessary guidance and advice on conducting the entrustment of filling or entrustment of recovery, or on the delivery, collection, or confirmation and explanation.

Article 49(1)If a prefectural governor finds that a class I specified products maintenance operator or a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator fails to comply with the provisions of Article 37, paragraph (2) or (4), or Article 39, paragraph (2) or (6), the governor may recommend that these persons take necessary measures.

(2)If a prefectural governor finds that a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator fails to comply with the provisions of Article 38, paragraph (1) or Article 40, paragraph (1) upon their registration under those provisions, the governor may recommend that the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator take necessary measures.

(3)If a prefectural governor finds that a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products or a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons fails to comply with the provisions of Article 43, the governor may recommend that these persons take necessary measures.

(4)If a prefectural governor finds that a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons, or a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator fails to comply with the provisions of Article 45, paragraphs (1) through (5), the governor may recommend that these persons take necessary measures.

(5)If a prefectural governor finds that a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products or a person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified product fails to comply with the provisions of Article 45-2, the governor may recommend that these persons take necessary measures.

(6)If a prefectural governor finds that a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator fails to comply with the standards for filling of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 37, paragraph (3) or the standards for collection of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 44, paragraph (2), or finds that a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator (including a person who is entrusted by the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator to transport fluorocarbons; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph) fails to comply with the standards for transport of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 46, paragraph (2), the governor may recommend that the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator comply with the standards within the time limit set by the governor.

(7)A prefectural governor may recommend a class I specified products maintenance operator, person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products or class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator that fails to be engaged in the entrustment of filling or entrustment of recovery, or in the delivery or collection prescribed in the preceding Article without reasonable grounds to be engaged in the entrustment of filling or entrustment of collection, or in the delivery or collection within the time limit set by the governor.

(8)If a class I specified products maintenance operator, a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons, class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, or a person undertaking the collection, etc. of class I specified products that has received a recommendation under the provisions of the preceding paragraphs fails to take the recommended measures without reasonable grounds, the prefectural governor may order them to take the recommended measures.

Article 50(1)A person intending to be engaged in class I fluorocarbon recycling operations must obtain a license from the competent minister for each place of business where the person conducts their business operations; provided, however, that this does not apply if a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator is engaged in class I fluorocarbon recycling operations through facilities or equipment used for recycling of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as "class I fluorocarbon recycling facilities, etc.") and specified by order of the competent ministry, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)A person seeking a license referred to in the preceding paragraph must submit an application containing the following information to the competent minister, with the documents specified by order of the competent ministry appended thereto, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry:

Article 51A competent minister must not grant a license referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article unless the minister finds that the application for the license referred to in the same paragraph conforms to the following items:

Article 52(1)Unless a license referred to in Article 50, paragraph (1) is renewed every five years, it ceases to be effective upon the expiration of the relevant period.

(2)The provisions of Article 50, paragraph (2) and the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)When an application for the renewal referred to in paragraph (1) is filed, and if no disposition for the application has been made by the day on which the period referred to in the same paragraph (hereinafter referred to as the "effective period of the license" in this Article) expires, the previous license remains in effect until a disposition is made, even after the effective period of the license has expired.

(4)In a case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if the license is renewed, the effective period of the license is to be calculated from the day following the day on which the effective period of the previous license expired.

Article 53(1)If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator intends to change any of the matters set forth in Article 50, paragraph (2), items (iii) through (v), the operator must obtain a license permission from the competent ministers, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry; provided, however, that this does not apply if the change is a minor one specified by order of the competent ministry.

(2)The provisions of Article 51 apply mutatis mutandis to the license referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)If there is a minor change specified by order of the competent ministry referred to in the proviso to paragraph (1), or there is a change in any of the matters set forth in Article 50, paragraph (2), item (i) or (ii), or other matters specified by order of the competent ministry, the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must notify the competent minister to that effect within thirty days after the date of change.

Article 54(1)If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator has come to fall under any of the following items, the person specified in the relevant items must notify the competent ministers to the effect within thirty days after the date of occurrence thereof:

(2)If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator has come to fall under any of the items (i) through (v) of the preceding paragraph, the license referred to in Article 50, paragraph (1) granted to the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator ceases to be effective.

Article 55If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator falls under any of the following items, the competent ministers may rescind their license, or order the operator to suspend all or part of their business operations by specifying a period not exceeding six months:

Article 56The competent ministers must maintain a registry of class I fluorocarbon recycling operators that lists the matters set forth in Article 50, paragraph (2), items (i) through (iii), the license date and the license number, and make the registry available for public inspection.

Article 57Beyond what is provided for in Article 50 through the preceding Article, necessary matters concerning licenses granted to class I fluorocarbon recycling operators are specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 58(1)When a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator collects fluorocarbons from a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator pursuant to the provisions of Article 46, paragraph (1) and recycles the fluorocarbons, the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must recycle the fluorocarbons in accordance with the standards for recycling of fluorocarbons specified by order of the competent ministry.

(2)When a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator recycles fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, and there are fluorocarbons that have not been recycled, the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must deliver them to a fluorocarbon destruction operator.

(3)The provisions of Article 46, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the delivery of fluorocarbons under the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, "a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator" in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator".

Article 59(1)If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator recycles fluorocarbons, the operator must enter the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in a document certifying the recycling of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as a "recycling certificate" in this Article), and send the recycling certificate to the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator that has collected the fluorocarbons, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry. In this case, the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must retain a copy of the recycling certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which the recycling certificate was sent.

(2)If a recycling certificate under the provisions of the preceding paragraph is sent to a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, the operator must circulate the recycling certificate to the person prescribed in the following items for the categories of cases set forth respectively in those items without delay. In this case, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator must retain a copy of the circulated recycling certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which the recycling certificate was circulated:

(3)If a recycling certificate is circulated to a class I specified products maintenance operator pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the class I specified products maintenance operator must circulate, without delay, the recycling certificate to the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of the class I specified products relating to fluorocarbons. In this case, the class I specified products maintenance operator must retain a copy of the circulated recycling certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the day on which the certificate was circulated.

Article 60(1)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must prepare a record, for each type of fluorocarbon, concerning the amount of fluorocarbons recycled, the amount of fluorocarbons delivered to a fluorocarbon destruction operator, and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry, and retain the record at the place of business where their business operations are conducted.

(2)If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator has received a request from a manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of class I specified products, a class I specified products maintenance operator, a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons, or a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator to inspect the records under the provisions of the preceding paragraph relating to these persons, the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must not refuse the request without reasonable grounds.

(3)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, every fiscal year a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator must, every fiscal year, report to the competent ministers, for each type of fluorocarbon and for the previous fiscal year, concerning the amount of fluorocarbons recycled and the amount of fluorocarbons delivered to fluorocarbon destruction operators, and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 61If a competent ministers find it necessary to ensure that the delivery of fluorocarbons under the provisions of Article 58, paragraph (2) is properly conducted, the minister may provide a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator with necessary guidance and advice on the delivery.

Article 62(1)If a competent ministers find that a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator fails to comply with the standards for recycling of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 58, paragraph (1), the minister may recommend that the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator comply with the standards within the time limit set by the minister.

(2)If a competent minister finds that a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator (including any person entrusted by the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator to transport fluorocarbons; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph and paragraph (5)) fails to comply with the standards for transport of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 46, paragraph (2) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 58, paragraph (3), the ministers may recommend that the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator comply with the standards within the time limit set by the minister.

(3)If a competent minister finds that a class I specified products maintenance operator, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, or a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator fails to comply with the provisions of Article 59, the ministers may recommend that these persons take necessary measures.

(4)If a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator fails to conduct the delivery prescribed in the preceding Article without reasonable grounds, the competent ministers may recommend that the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator conduct the delivery within the time limit set by the minister.

(5)If a class I specified products maintenance operator, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, or a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator that has received a recommendation under the provisions of the preceding paragraphs fails to take the recommended measures without reasonable grounds, the competent ministers may order it to take the recommended measures.

Article 63(1)A person intending to be engaged in fluorocarbon destruction operations must obtain a license from the competent minister for each place of business where the person conducts their business operations.

(2)A person seeking a license referred to in the preceding paragraph must submit an application containing the following information to the competent minister, with the documents specified by order of the competent ministry appended thereto, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry:

Article 64A competent ministers must not grant a license referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article unless the minister finds that the application for the license referred to in the same paragraph conforms to the following items:

Article 65(1)Unless a license referred to in Article 63, paragraph (1) is renewed every five years, it ceases to be effective upon the expiration of the relevant period.

(2)The provisions of Article 63, paragraph (2) and the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)When an application for renewal referred to in paragraph (1) is filed and if no disposition for the application has been made by the day on which the period referred to in the same paragraph (hereinafter referred to as the "effective period of the license" in this Article) expires, the previous license remains in effect until a disposition is made, even after the effective period of the license has expired.

(4)In any case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if the license is renewed, the effective period of the license is calculated from the day following the day on which the effective period of the previous license expired.

Article 66(1)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator intends to change any of the matters set forth in Article 63, paragraph (2), items (iii) through (v), the operator must obtain a license from the competent ministers, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry; provided, however, that this does not apply if the change is a minor one specified by order of the competent ministry.

(2)The provisions of Article 64 apply mutatis mutandis to the license referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)If there is a minor change specified by order of the competent ministry referred to in the proviso to paragraph (1), or there is a change in any of the matters set forth in Article 63, paragraph (2), item (i) or (ii), or other matters specified by order of the competent ministry, the fluorocarbon destruction operator must notify the competent ministers to that effect within thirty days of the date of change.

Article 67If a fluorocarbon destruction operator falls under any of the following items, the competent ministers may rescind their license, or order the operator to suspend all or part of their business operations by specifying a period not exceeding six months:

Article 68The provisions of Articles 54, 56 and 57 apply mutatis mutandis to fluorocarbon destruction operators. In this case, the term "recycling of" in Article 54, paragraph (1), items (v) and (vi) is deemed to be replaced with "destruction of", the term "Article 50, paragraph (1)" in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "Article 63, paragraph (1)", the term "Article 50, paragraph (2), item (i)" in Article 56 is deemed to be replaced with "Article 63, paragraph (2), item (i)", and the term "Article 50" in Article 57 is deemed to be replaced with "Article 63".

Article 69(1)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator is requested by a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator to collect fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of Article 46, paragraph (1), the destruction operator must collect the fluorocarbons, except when there are reasonable grounds for not doing so.

(2)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator is requested by a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator to collect fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of Article 58, paragraph (2), the fluorocarbon destruction operator must collect the fluorocarbons, except when there are reasonable grounds for not doing so.

(3)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator receives an offer from a vehicle manufacturer, etc. or a designated recycling organization (meaning a designated recycling organization prescribed in Article 105 of the End-of-Life Vehicles Recycling Act; the same applies in paragraph (5) and Article 71, paragraph (2)) for the entrustment of destruction of fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of Article 26, paragraph (1) of the End-of-Life Vehicles Recycling Act, the destruction operator must not refuse the offer without reasonable grounds.

(4)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator collects fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2), or if the operator is entrusted with the destruction of fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the operator must destroy the fluorocarbons in accordance with the standards for destruction of fluorocarbons specified by order of the competent ministry.

(5)A fluorocarbon destruction operator may request a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, class I fluorocarbon recycling operator, vehicle manufacturer, etc. or designated recycling organization to pay reasonable fees in relation to the costs required to destroy fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, the class I fluorocarbon recycling operator, the vehicle manufacturer, etc. or the designated recycling organizations must pay the reasonable fees in response to the request.

Article 70(1)When a fluorocarbon destruction operator collects fluorocarbons pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and destroys them, the operator must enter the matters specified by order of the competent ministry in a document certifying the destruction of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as a "destruction certificate" in this Article), and send the destruction certificate to the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator that collected the fluorocarbons, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry. In this case, the fluorocarbon destruction operator must retain a copy of the destruction certificate for the period specified by order of the competent ministry from the date the certificate was sent.

(2)The provisions of Article 59, paragraphs (2) and (3) apply mutatis mutandis to destruction certificates. In this case, the term "the preceding paragraph" in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "Article 70, paragraph (1)".

Article 71(1)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, a fluorocarbon destruction operator must prepare a record, for each type of fluorocarbon, concerning the amount of fluorocarbons destroyed and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry, and retain the record at the place of business where their business operations are conducted.

(2)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator has received a request from a manager of class I specified products ordering the maintenance of class I specified products, a class I specified products maintenance operator, a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products, a person entrusted with the delivery of class I fluorocarbons, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator, a person who has delivered an end-of-life vehicle (meaning an end-of-life vehicle prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (2) of the End-of-Life Vehicles Recycling Act; the same applies in Article 87, item (ii)) to a collection operator, a collection operator, a class II fluorocarbon recovery operator, a vehicle manufacturer, etc. or a designated recycling organization to inspect the records under the provisions of the preceding paragraph relating to these persons, the fluorocarbon destruction operator must not refuse the request without reasonable grounds.

(3)Pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, every fiscal year a fluorocarbon destruction operator must report to the competent ministers, for each type of fluorocarbon, concerning the amount of fluorocarbons destroyed in the previous fiscal year, and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 72If a competent minister finds it necessary to ensure the collection of fluorocarbons under the provisions of Article 69, paragraph (1) or (2), the acceptance of the entrustment of destruction of fluorocarbons under the provisions of paragraph (3) of the same Article, or the destruction of fluorocarbons under the provisions of paragraph (4) of the Article are properly conducted, the minister may provide a fluorocarbon destruction operator with necessary guidance and advice on conducting the collection, acceptance of the entrustment of destruction, or destruction.

Article 73(1)If a competent minister finds that a fluorocarbon destruction operator fails to comply with the standards for destruction of fluorocarbons prescribed in Article 69, paragraph (4), the minister may recommend that the fluorocarbon destruction operator comply with the standards within the time limit set by the minister.

(2)If a competent minister finds that a class I specified products maintenance operator, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, or a fluorocarbon destruction operator fails to comply with the provisions of Article 70, paragraph (1) or Article 59, paragraph (2) or (3) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of the same Article, the ministers may recommend that these persons take the necessary measures.

(3)If a fluorocarbon destruction operator fails to collect fluorocarbons, fails to accept the entrustment of destruction of fluorocarbons, or fails to destroy fluorocarbons as prescribed in the preceding Article without reasonable grounds, the competent minister may recommend that the fluorocarbon destruction operator collect fluorocarbons, accept the entrustment of destruction of fluorocarbons, or destroy fluorocarbons within the time limit set by the minister.

(4)If a class I specified products maintenance operator, a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator, or a fluorocarbon destruction operator that has received a recommendation under the provisions of the preceding three paragraphs fails to take the recommended measures without reasonable grounds, the competent ministers may order these persons to take the recommended measures.

Article 74(1)If a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator intends to accept the entrustment by a class I specified products maintenance operator for the recovery of fluorocarbons prescribed in the main clause of Article 39, paragraph (1), or is requested by a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products to collect fluorocarbons as prescribed in Article 41, the filling and recovery operator may request the class I specified products maintenance operator or the person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products to pay reasonable fees in relation to the costs required for the recovery of fluorocarbons, transport of fluorocarbons to deliver them to a fluorocarbon destruction operator or a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator, and destruction or recycling of fluorocarbons (hereinafter referred to as the "costs of recovery, etc. of fluorocarbons" in this Article).

(2)When a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator requests payment of fees pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, and if the filling and recovery operator is requested by a class I specified products maintenance operator or a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products to explain the fees in relation to the costs of recovery, etc. of fluorocarbons, the filling and recovery operator must explain the fees in relation to the costs of recovery, etc. of fluorocarbons and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry to the person who requested the explanation.

(3)A class I specified products maintenance operator or a person undertaking the disposal, etc. of class I specified products is to bear the costs of recovery, etc. of fluorocarbons by paying reasonable fees in response to the request of a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator under the provisions of paragraph (1).

(4)If a class I specified products maintenance operator has paid fees pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the operator may request the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of the class I specified products to pay an amount equivalent to that of the fees.

(5)If a class I specified products maintenance operator has recovered fluorocarbons themselves pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 39, paragraph (1), the operator may request the manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of the class I specified products to pay reasonable fees in relation to the costs of recovery, etc. of fluorocarbons.

(6)The manager of class I specified products who ordered the maintenance of class I specified products is to bear the costs of recovery, etc. of fluorocarbons by making payments in response to the request of a class I specified products maintenance operator pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs.

Article 75(1)A class I fluorocarbon recycling operator may request a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator to pay reasonable fees in relation to the costs required to recycle fluorocarbons under the provisions of Article 58, paragraph (1). In this case, the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator is to pay reasonable fees in response to the request.

(2)When a class I fluorocarbon recycling operator or a fluorocarbon destruction operator is requested by a class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator to quote fees payable by the class I fluorocarbon filling and recovery operator upon delivery of fluorocarbons under the provisions of Article 46, paragraph (1), the recycling operator or destruction operator must respond to the request without delay.

Article 76(1)The competent ministers may designate a general incorporated association or a general incorporated foundation that is found to be able to perform operations prescribed in the following Article properly and securely as an information processing center upon receiving an application therefrom.

(2)Upon designation under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the competent ministers must give public notice of the name, address, and location of the office of the information processing center.

(3)If an information processing center intends to change its name or address or the location of its office, they must notify the competent ministers to that effect in advance.

(4)If a notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph is made, the competent minister must give public notice of the matters related to the notification.

Article 77An information processing center is to perform the following operations:

Article 78(1)If an information processing center performs any of the operations set forth in the items of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as "information processing operations"), they must establish rules for information processing operations with regard to matters concerning the methods of performance of and the fees for use of information processing operations and other matters specified by order of the competent ministry (hereinafter referred to as the "rules of operations" in the following paragraph and Article 85, paragraph (1), item (iii)) before commencing the operations, and obtain approval from the competent ministers. The same applies to cases when they intend to change them.

(2)If a competent minister finds that the rules of operations to which the minsters have given approval referred to in the preceding paragraph have become inappropriate to perform information processing operations properly and securely, the minister may order that the rules of operations be changed.

Article 79(1)Each business year, an information processing center must prepare the business plan document and the income and expenditure budget for information processing operations, and obtain approval from the competent ministers pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry. The same applies to cases when they intend to changes them.

(2)After the end of each business year, an information processing center must prepare the business report and the income and expenditure statement for information processing operations, and submit them to the competent ministers pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 80An information processing center must not suspend or abolish the whole or part of their information processing operations without obtaining permission from the competent minister.

Article 81A person who is or was an officer or employee of an information processing center must not divulge any secret which has been obtained in connection with information processing operations.

Article 82An information processing center must keep books, enter matters specified by order of the competent ministry with regard to information processing operations in the books, and retain them, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 83(1)The competent ministers may, to the extent necessary to ensure proper operation of information processing operations, have an information processing center make necessary reports concerning the status of information processing operations or assets, or have their personnel enter the office of the information processing center and inspect the status of information processing operations, or books, documents or other objects.

(2)Personnel who conduct an on-site inspection pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry their identification card and present it to the people concerned.

(3)The authority to conduct on-site inspections under the provisions of paragraph (1) must not be construed as having been granted for criminal investigations.

Article 84The competent ministers may, to the extent necessary to enforce the provisions of this Section, give an information processing center orders necessary for supervision with regard to information processing operations.

Article 85(1)If an information processing center falls under any of the following items, the competent ministers may rescind their designation under the provisions of Article 76, paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "designation" in this Article):

(2)If a competent minister rescinds a designation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the minister must give public notice to that effect.