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Laws Related to Imports
(1) Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law
Under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. While imports and exports are as a rule unregulated, this law provides the minimum necessary management and coordination necessary to promote the normal growth of foreign trade. It requires approval and confirmation for certain specific goods. Goods that require approval include non-free items such as shore fish, cod roe and Chinese silk, animals and plants covered under the Washington Convention, and ozone depleting substances covered in the Montreal Protocol. The Japan Electronic open network TRAde control System (JETRAS) which allows applications for import and export to be carried out on the net has been in operation since April 2000.
(2) Regulations under major domestic laws
- Food Sanitation Law
Importers of foods, additives, eating utensils and toys, etc. are required to give
notification to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare quarantine station, and receive a sanitation inspection.
- Domestic Animal Infectious Disease Control Law
When importing cloven-hoofed animals, horses, chickens, ducks, turkeys or their
bones, meat or fat, it is required to submit a request for quarantine to the animal quarantine station and receive an inspection by a livestock disease prevention officer.
- Plant Protection Law
When importing seedlings, seeds, bulbs, tubers, fruit or vegetables, etc., it is required to notify the plant quarantine station and receive an inspection. The importation of quarantine pests is prohibited.
- Pharmaceutical Affairs Law
Import of pharmaceuticals, quasi-pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medial equipment requires that importers be licensed, and receive approval or a license for each item. Further, all ingredients in cosmetics are required to be listed on packaging.
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