Trade Control

Overview

• Trade Control Policy -Overview(PDF:78KB)

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 thepeople, 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

• Deregulatory Measures in Import and Export Procedures as a Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (March 5, 2020)
• The 27th Asian Export Control Seminar Held (February 19, 2020)
• Relaxation of Import and Export Procedures and other Treatment as Responses to the Novel Coronavirus Epidemic (February 14, 2020)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Amend the Export Trade Control Order (November 19, 2019)
• Category of Inward Direct Investment Act, etc to be Revised and Modified (September 26, 2019)
• Addition of Businesses Required to Submit Prior Notification Concerning Inward Direct Investment, etc. (May 27, 2019)
• New Listing of South Sudan in Appended Table 3-2 of the Export Trade Control Order (April 9, 2019)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Amend the Export Trade Control Order (December 14, 2018)
• Cabinet Decision on the Bill for the Cabinet Order for Partial Revision of the Foreign Exchange Order and the Export Trade Control Order (November 6, 2018)
• METI Launches E-learning Program in Academic and Research Institutes in the Field of Security Export Control (May 29, 2018)
• Cabinet Decision on the Bill of the Cabinet Order for Partial Revision of the Export Trade Control Order (November 17, 2017)
• Promulgation of the Cabinet and Ministerial Orders and the Public Notices for the Enforcement of the Revised Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (March 3, 2017)
• Cabinet Decision on the Bill for the Act of Partial Revision of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (March 3, 2017)
• Cabinet Decision on the Bill of the Cabinet Order for Partial Revision of the Export Trade Control Order (February 17, 2017)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Revise the Export Trade Control Order (November 1, 2016)
• Cabinet Decision on the Bill of the Cabinet Order to Partially Revise the Export Trade Control Order (July 29, 2016)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Revise the Export Trade Control Order (March 29, 2016)
• Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Revise Japan’s Foreign Exchange Order and Export Trade Control Order (July 28, 2015)
• Partial Revision of the Export Trade Control Order (July 22, 2014)

Sanctions

• Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (April 9, 2019)
• Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (April 7, 2017)
• Extension of Ban on Imports from and Exports to North Korea, Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (March 31, 2015)

End User List

• Review of the End User List (May 8, 2020)
• Review of the End User List (April 26, 2019)
• Review of the End User List (May 2, 2018)
• Review of the End User List (May 24, 2017)
• Review of the End User List (March 4, 2016)
• Review of the End User List (January 22, 2016)
• Review of the End User List (April 15, 2015)
• Review of the End User List (April 1, 2014)

Reports

• Overview of the 8th Interim Report of the Subcommittee on Security Export Control, under the Industrial Structure Council’s Trade Committee (October 8, 2019)(PDF:1,286KB)

Others

• Important Notice for Trade License Applicants in Kanto Area (February 3, 2020)
• The 26th Asian Export Control Seminar Held (March 4, 2019)
• The 25th Asian Export Control Seminar Held (March 6, 2018)
• The 24th Asian Export Control Seminar Held (March 2, 2017)
• The 23rd Asian Export Control Seminar was Held (March 2, 2016)
• The 22nd Asian Export Control Seminar was Held (February 20, 2015)
• The Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology (April 1, 2014)
• The 21st Asian Export Control Seminar was Held (March 3, 2014)

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)