Trade Control

• Press Releases and Related Information

Overview

1. Purpose of the Policy

The Trade Control Policy is implemented for the purpose of enabling proper development of foreign trade, and maintaining peace and safety in Japan as well as in the international community by exercising the minimum necessary control or coordination measures over free trade, while quickly and accurately taking into consideration regulation needs in internal and external policies pertaining to border control and consistency with internal conditions and appropriate measures regarding collateral, and establishing a proper trade control system.

2. Overview/Background of the Policy

It is a general rule that international trade should be free, but when taking into consideration national security, the safety and security of the people, and the environment, it is necessary to exercise the minimum necessary control and coordination measures at the border.
There has been, in particular, increasing concern regarding the development, usage, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) by international terrorist organizations since the 9.11 attacks in 2001. Furthermore, in view of increasing international awareness over environmental issues, it is necessary for Japan to continue ongoing appropriate measures in trade control.
There is also an increasing need for trade remedy measures in the United States, Europe and Asia. Japan also needs to appropriately execute its trade control policy in adherence with international rules with regard to unfair trade by other countries such as export dumping, and as FTA/EPA negotiations accelerate, there are increasing calls for the formulation and implementation of a system to issue certificates of origin.

In order to handle such issues, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry exercises the following policies.

(1) Trade Control based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law

Exercise of proper trade control by way of appropriate implementation of measures that are in compliance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law, such as screening for import/export permission and approval, and on-site inspection and disposal of illegal exports. Policy also undergoes continuous updates.
Furthermore, Japan actively exchanges information with other countries, and collects information concerning the situation of circumventing exports to countries of concern and relevant sensitive technology that may be targeted for circumventing export , in order to increase effectiveness in trade control.
Japan also acknowledges the importance in cooperating with other countries in introducing an export control systems, and is conducting outreach activities for government officials and industries in Asian countries to increase awareness. And the Government also reviews the export control system and items of export control in accordance with other countries, by participating in the international export control regimes.

(2) Appropriate Implementation of Trade Remedies

The Government prevents unfair damage to its industry and maintains a fair trade environment by appropriately exercising trade remedy measures in compliance with WTO Agreements and the Customs Tariff Act. It also researches and analyzes laws, guidelines, specific cases, and duty imposition processes.

(3) Appropriate Maintenance of Internal Rules pertaining to Certificates of Origin

The Government adjusts and thoroughly establishes internal procedures in issuing certificates of origin.

Press Releases and Related Information

Act Amendment

• Accusation against Tonegawa-Seiko Co., Ltd. on Charges of Violating the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (July 6, 2021)

Sanctions

North Korea

• Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (April 7, 2023)
• Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (April 6, 2021)

Response to the situation in Ukraine

In view of the current international situation over Ukraine, and for the purpose of contributing to the international efforts for achieving international peace aimed at a solution of the issue, export and import measures have been introduced under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act in line with the measures taken by other major countries.

• Japan’s Export and Import measures against Russia and Belarus (Overview)(PDF:120KB)

Details of the measures are provided in the web site below (available only in Japanese).

• Measures related to the situation in Ukraine

End User List

• Review of the End User List (December 6, 2023)
• Review of the End User List (November 4, 2022)
• Review of the End User List (March 10, 2022)
• Review of the End User List (September 17, 2021)

Trade Remedy

• Decision to Extend the Taxable Period of Anti-Dumping Duties on Polyethylene Terephthalate with a High Degree of Polymerization Originating in the People’s Republic of China (January 31, 2023)
• Decision to Impose Anti-Dumping Duties on Hot-dipped Galvanized Steel Wire Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China (December 2, 2022)
• Decision to Extend the Taxable Period of Anti-Dumping Duties on Potassium Hydroxide Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China (August 10, 2021)
• Decision to Impose a Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty on Dipotassium Carbonate Originating in the Republic of Korea (June 18, 2021)

Others

• The 30th Asian Export Control Seminar was Held (February 22, 2024)
• METI Joined Japan-US-ROK Export Control Dialogue (February 22, 2024)
• Japan-Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue Held (July 11, 2023)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Amend the Export Trade Control Order (June 27, 2023)
• Call for Public Comments on the Bill for the Cabinet Order to Partially Amend the Export Trade Control Order (Revision of the Export Control Operation for the Republic of Korea) (April 28, 2023)
• Japan-Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue Held (April 25, 2023)
• Japan-Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue Held (April 14, 2023)
• Circular Notice on Partial Amendment to the Circular Notice on the Operation of the Cabinet Order on Export Trade Control and other circular notices (Review of Export Control to South Korea) (March 23, 2023)
• Japan-Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue Held (March 16, 2023)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Amend the Export Trade Control Order (October 3, 2022)
• 28th Asian Export Control Seminar Held (February 24, 2022)
• METI Issues Sanctions for Violating the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (July 9, 2021)

Resources

• Trade Control Policy Division (in Japanese)
• Security Export Control Policy Division
• Center for Information on Security Trade Controls
• Japan Machinery Center for Trade and Investment

Contact Point

Trade Control Policy Division, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau
For inquiries regarding issues other than Security Export Control
 + 81 3-3501-0538

Security Export Control Policy Division, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau
For inquiries regarding Security Export Control issues
 + 81 3-3501-2800

Related Information

• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)