China conditionally resumes Japanese sea food imports

Aquatic products originating from 10 prefectures including Fukushima excluded

Based on the ongoing long-term international monitoring of Japan's Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharge, and independent sampling and testing by China showing no abnormalities, and Japan's commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of aquatic products exported to China, in accordance with China's food safety laws and regulations and the principles of the WTO's Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, China has decided to conditionally resume imports of aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) from certain regions of Japan, China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced on Sunday.

Effective immediately, imports of aquatic products originating from Japan will be resumed, except for those from the 10 prefectures including Fukushima, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba.

Japanese enterprises exporting aquatic products to China must comply with China's regulations on the registration of overseas food production enterprises. Aquatic product enterprises whose imports were previously suspended must reapply for registration in China, and only products manufactured after obtaining registration may be exported to China. For edible aquatic animals, their aquaculture and packaging enterprises must also reapply for registration in China, and exports to China may commence only after registration is completed.

When declaring imports of Japanese aquatic products, the following documents issued by Japanese authorities must be submitted: a health certificate, a certificate of compliance for radioactive substance testing, and a certificate of origin.

Chinese customs authorities will implement strict supervision of aquatic products imported from Japan. If any non-compliance with China's relevant laws, regulations, or food safety standards is detected, or if Japan fails to effectively fulfill its official supervisory responsibilities, control measures will be promptly implemented to ensure the health and safety of Chinese consumers.

The announcement No. 103 of 2023 issued by the GAC is simultaneously repealed.