G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
6 October  2020 
(20-6846) Page: 1/26 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original:  English  
 
  
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  (2020) 
JAPAN 
The following communication, dated 29 September 2020 , is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Japan.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Table of Contents  
 
1   MARINE PRODUCTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 2 
1.1   Import Quota Items  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 2 
1.2   Import Approval Items  ................................ ................................ ................................  5 
2   AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS  ................................ ................................ ........................  7 
3   MEDICINES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  9 
4   PROPELLANT POWDERS  ................................ ................................ ...........................  10 
5   NUCLEA R GOODS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 11 
6   WEAPONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  12 
7   WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS  ................................ ................................ ...................  14 
8   SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED HAZARDOUS  
WASTE S, WASTES, CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS  ................................ ..........................  15 
8.1   Import Quota Items  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 15 
8.2   Import Approval Items  ................................ ................................ ..............................  17 
9   CULTURAL PROPERTY  ................................ ................................ ...............................  18 
10   ALCOHOL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  19 
11   ROUGH DIAMONDS  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 20 
12   CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM IRAQ  ................................ ....... 21 
13   ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA  ................................ ...............................  22 
14   WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM THE LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA  ....................  23 
15   CHARCOAL FROM SOMALIA  ................................ ................................ ....................  23 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  16   CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO CHEMICAL WEAPONS 
PROGRAMME AND CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY MOVED FROM THE  
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ...............................  24 
17 MERCURY AND MERCURY -ADDED PRODUCTS  ................................ ...........................  25 
 
 
1  MARINE  PRODUCTS  
1.1  Import Q uota Items  
Outline of systems  
1.  The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry  (hereinafter referred to as “METI”)  shall designate 
and publish a list of items of goods for which allocations of import quota are required in accordance 
with Article 3 of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL ORDER.  Importers of the items set out in the list  
shall be approved by the METI to import them according to  Article 4 of the Order.  T he approval of 
import shall not be granted until importers apply for and obtain allocations of import quota in 
accordance with  Article 9  of the Order. 
 
The list of import quota items shall be made public by the METI in the Official Gazette, the Official 
Bulletin of Economy, Trade and Industry and the International Trade Bulletin.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required fo r the following marine pro ducts ("ex" indicates that only a part of the 
heading is covered).  
 
HS No.  Description of Goods  
ex 03.01  
ex 03.02  
ex 03.03  
ex 03.04  
ex 03.05  Herring, Cod, Yellow tail, Mackerel, Sardine, Horsemackerel, Saury, roes of Cod and Niboshi  
(small boiled and dried fish for seasoning), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine  
ex 03.07  Scallops, adductors of shell fish, cuttle fish and squid (excluding "Mongoika")  
ex 12.12  
ex 20.01  
ex 20.08  
ex 21.03  Edible seaweeds and its foo d preparations  
 
3.  In principle, the approval system applies to the products originating or shipped in all countries.  
 
4.  In principle, import of the products listed in 2 above shall be restricted quantitatively.  
 
5.  The approval  system is a statutory requirement of Article 4.1.(1) and Article 9.1  of the IMPORT 
TRADE CONTROL ORDER.  The list of controlled items shall be published as an IMPORT NOTICE in 
the Official Gazette.  It is possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative 
approval . (Within the Government, consent shall be required from the Minister of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Fisheries  (hereinafter referred to as “MAFF”)  who has jurisdiction for these products. ) 
 
Procedures  
6.  In principle, the approval  system applies to the products originat ing or shipped in  all countries.  
 
I. The information about the application  for import quota allocation  shall be published in the 
Official Gazette, the Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade and  Industry and the International 
Trade Bulletin.  The total amount of import quota shall be published in the Official Bulletin of 
Economy, Trade and Industry and others.  Import quota items are classified as follows:  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  Items           Originating country  
 
- Herring, Cod, Yellow tail, Mackerel, Sardines, Horse-  All countries  
 mackerel, Sauries, roes of Cod and Niboshi (small    (country of demand  
  boiled and dried fish for seasoning), live,     to export)  
  fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine 
 
- Scallops, adductors of shell -fish, cuttle -fish and    All countries  
  squid (excluding " Mongo ika")                                (country of demand  
            to export)  
 
- Edible seaweeds and its food preparations     All countries  
            (country of demand  
            to export)  
 
An application for import licensing is not necessary  in such cases where  the value of a cargo 
should be estimated below Yen 180,000 and should be of no -commercial value.  In these  
cases, a declaration shall be sen t to customs, and a confirmation shall be received from the 
customs bureau.  
 
II. The size of quota shall be determined, taking into account the balance of domestic supply and 
demand.  When the METI designates  the size of quota , it shall first obtain consen t from the 
MAFF , who has jurisdiction for the product.  
 
 The scale of import quota is determined on a one -year basis, based on the forecast of domestic 
supply and demand.  A certificate of import quota is issued for each application made by 
importers.  If more than one application is submitted, the same number of certifications of 
import quota is issued in one import quota application procedure for a one -year period.  
 
III. The certificate of import quota is issued to importers such as traders.  Importers shall submit 
an application for a certificate of import quota to the METI.  After obtaining the certificate of 
import quota, importers receive certificates of import approva l by the METI based on the 
certificate of import quota.  Then importers can import the goods concerned after submitting 
the import approval to the customs bureau.  
 
 Actual importation corresponding to the import quota is confirmed by the report of 
importat ion, which importers submit to the METI.  Importers are requested to submit such 
reports according to the application procedure of import quota.  
 
 Unused allocations, in principle, are not added to quotas for a succeeding period as the 
allocation is determ ined based on the forecast of domestic supply and demand.  However, as 
an exception, it shall be allowed to add to quota of the succeeding period only on condition 
that an importer has no responsibility for the cause of unused allocations or that prohibiti on 
from the exporter's side leads to unused allocations, etc.  
 
 The names of importers to whom a certificate for an import quota issued are published in the 
Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade and Industry and the International Trade Bulletin.  
 
IV. Publica tion of the information concerning procedures shall take place at least 21 days prior to 
the first day of accepting applications.  
 
V. After receipt of an application of import quota, the METI shall process it as quickly as possible.  
It would take about 3 weeks to carry out the process required by the METI.  
 
VI. An application for an import quota shall be made prior to the import declaration.  After issuance 
of the certificate of import quota by the METI, with the certificate of import approval issued 
by the METI, it would be possible for an importer to declare an import anytime, even on the 
very day of the issuance of the certificate of import quota.  
 
VII. Consideration of an import quota application shall be carried out only by the METI.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  VIII. The level  of the import quota is determined so that the necessary amount of goods will be 
imported.  However, in the case where the level of import quota is smaller than the total 
quantity applied for by importers, the capability of an importer is mainly taken into  account, 
specifically, the importer's experience of obtaining an import quota and importing goods, 
based on certificate of import quota.  For new importers, a certain portion of import quota is 
available to allocate on a "first -come first -served" basis.  
 
 Applications for  an import quota are examined on receipt.  
IX-XI. Not applicable.  
 
7.  Not applicable.  
 
8. No application shall be refused if the standard criteria (e.g. the period of application, the eligibility 
of application, the documentation for appli cation) comply with the procedures.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Qualification for application for a certificate of import quota is described on the application form.  
In principle, importers who are qualif ied for application should meet any of the following three cases:  
 
(1) An importer who has experience of obtaining the certificate of import quota and of importing 
goods based on  the certificate of import quota;  
 
(2) An importer who is ordered to get materials by associations of seafood processors, which are 
admitted by Fisheries Agency, to obtain materials to be processed by the processors;  
 
(3) An importer who has experience of importing foods listed in Sections 1 to 4 of the Customs Tariff 
Schedule and intends to import items subject to import quota with a definite plan.  
 
There is no system of registration of pe rsons or firms permitted to engage in importation.      
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10. An application for import quota allocation should be submitted to the METI.  Another requirement 
is a certificate demonstrat ing that an applicant meets the application criteria.  
 
11.  A current certificate of import approval by the METI, which are issued  on the certificate for an 
import quota issued by the METI , is required upon actual importation.  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee  or administrative charge for a permit.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required in connection with the issuance of permits.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The validity term of a certificate of import quota, issued by the METI, is six months, and tha t of 
a certificate on import approval, issued by the METI based on the certificate for an import quota, is 
six months.   
 
In the case of an application of an extension for certificates of import quota, the METI may receive 
the application.  
 
In the case of an application of an extension of less than two months for a certificate of import 
approval, the customs bureau may receive the application for the extension, and in the case of more 
than two months, the METI may receive it.  
 
15.  A penalty for an importer who has not utilized all or a portion of a licence is as follows:  
  
In cases where an allocation is made for importers who import these products on their own 
initiatives, or on a first -come, first -served basis, allocation will not be made i n the following year for 
such an importer who has utilized less than 80 per cent of the allocated quota without any justifiable 
reason.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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In cases where an allocation is made for  importers who import these products on behalf of users, 
application for quota  in the following year will be limited to the level of actual import performance 
for such an importer who has utilized less than 80 per cent of the allocated quota without any 
justifiable reason.  
 
16.  Licences may not be transferred.  
 
17.  In principle, t here are no other conditions attached to the issu e of a licence . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation.  
 
19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
1.2  Import Approval Items  
Outline of  systems  
1.  The METI shall designate and publish a list of items of goods for which import approval must be 
obtained, to comply with Article 3  of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL ORDER.  A person wishing to 
import an item published in the above -mentioned list shall be subject to import approval for imports 
provided for in Article 4.  
 
The list of items shall be made public  by the METI in the Official Gazette, the Official Bulletin of 
Economy, Trade and Industry  and International Trade Bulletin.  
 
Purposes and covera ge of licensing  
2.  Approval s are required for the following marine products:  
 
(1) Marine animals and their preparations  
 HS Nos.  ex01.06, ex02.08, ex02.10, ex15.04, ex15.21, 16 .01, ex16.02, ex23.01, 23 .09 
 
(2) Fish, crustaceans, other aquatics and their preparations  
 HS Nos . ex02.08, ex02.10, 03 .01, 03 .02, 03 .03, 03 .04, 03 .05, 03 .06, 03 .07, ex15.04, 15 .06, 
16.04, 16.05, ex21.06 , ex23.01, 23 .09 
 
(3) Products of animal origin (marine animals, fish, crustaceans and mollusc)  
 HS Nos.  05.04, 05 .06, 05 .07, 05 .08, ex05.11 
 
(4) Seaweeds and their preparations  
 HS Nos.  ex12.12, ex20.01, ex20.08 , ex21.03  
 
(5) Whales and their preparations  
 HS Nos.  ex01.06, ex02.08, ex02.10, ex15.04, ex15.21, 16 .01, ex16.02, ex23.01, 23 .09 
 
(6) Salmon and (salmon) trout  and their preparations  
 HS Nos.  ex03.01, ex03.02, ex03.03, 03 .04, ex03.05, ex16.04 
 
(7) Bluefin tuna (only fresh and chilled Bluefin tuna farmed in Atlantic Ocean and the 
Mediterranean)  
       HS Nos.  ex03.02, ex03.04 
 
(8) Southern bluefin tuna (only fresh and chilled Southern bluefin tuna)  
 HS Nos.  ex03.02, ex03.04 
 
3.(1) The approval system applies to paragraphs 2 .(1) to 2 .(4) for only those products shipped from 
waters outside those of Japan (always excepting the case of shipment from harbours of foreign 
countries and the case of import by fishing boats which have left Japanese territory, not having G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  been trans shipped the g oods from fishing boats which have left places other than Japanese 
territory).  
 
(2) The approval system applies to paragraph 2 .(5) for those products coming from  all countries . 
 
(3) The approval system applies to paragraph 2 .(6) for those products coming from the People's 
Republic of China, North Korea and Chinese Taipei.  
(4) The approval system applies to paragraph 2 .(7) for those products coming from the 
non-member countries of the I CCAT  (if places of origin  are these countries).   
 
(5) The approval system applies to paragraph 2 .(8) for those products coming from the 
non-member countries of the  CCSBT .  
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
 
The objective of measures described in 2 .(1)-(4) is to ens ure that the fish products caught by foreign 
fishermen and imported to Japan do not adversely affect fishing activities by Japanese fishermen.   
 
The objective of measures described in  2.(5) is to comply with the obligations under the CITES . 
 
The objective of measure s described in 2 .(6) is to observe the provisions of Article 66 of UNCLOS, 
regarding the principles of the anadromo us stocks with reference to the state of its origin. The 
objective of restriction of 2 .(7) above is to observe the resolution of the ICCAT.  
 
The objective of measures described in  2.(8) is to comply with the resolution of the CCSBT , which 
restricts the import of  southern bluefin tuna from non-CCSBT  members to CCSBT  members.  
 
5. The approval syst em is a statutory requirement of Article 4.1  (2) of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL 
ORDER.  The controlled items shall be published as an IMPORT NOTICE in the Official Gazette.  It is 
possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval;  however, consent 
shall be required from the MAFF  who has jurisdiction for these products.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  No quantitative limit on the importation of a product . 
 
(a) The items subject to import approval cannot be imported without a certificate of import 
approval.  An importer shall apply for import approval, in advance of importation, taking into 
consideration around two weeks of the processing time.  
 
(b) Examination  needs sufficient time, therefore, an approval cannot be granted immediately on 
request.  
 
(c) Importers may apply for import approval in any time of the year.  
 
(d) Application s for import approval are considered only by the METI. 
 
8.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  All persons,  firm or institution which fulfils the legal requirements are equally eligible to apply for 
and obtain import approval.  
 
Documen tational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  An application and state of reason should be submitted  to the METI.   
 
In case of products listed under paragraph 2 .(5)-(8), an importer shall submit the confirmation 
issued by the Fisheries Agency . G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  11.  A current certificate of import approval by the METI is required upon actual importation.  
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  A license is valid for  six months from the date of issue .  The METI may designate a validity term 
different from th is or extend the validity as required by certain circumstances . 
 
An applicant has to approach customs bureau in the case of an application for extension of less th an 
two months of validity,  and in the case of more than two months , to the METI. 
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section .  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
2  AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS  
Outline of systems  
1.  The system of tariff rate quota is stipulated in the Customs Tariff Law, the Temporary Tariff 
Measures Law , the Cabinet Order on Tariff Rate Quota (hereinafter referred to as "TRQ") System 
and other related regulations. Specific procedures below are stipulated in the above Cabinet Order.  
 
(1) A list of products and their quantity under the TRQ system are determined and publicized.  
 
(2)  Applicants that intend to obtain allocations of quota for certain agricultural products need to 
apply to the MAFF.  
 
(3)  The MAFF allocates the quota to applic ants by issuing certificates of quota.  
 
(4)  Importers need to submit their certificates to the Directors -General of Custom s when they 
import those products under the TRQ system.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Agricultural products that are subject to the TRQ system are listed below.  
 
Tariff item number  Description of products  
ex04.01, ex04.03, ex04.04, ex18.06, 
ex19.01, ex21.01, ex21.06  Other dairy products for general use  
ex04.02  Skimmed milk powder (For other purposes)  
ex04.02  Skimmed milk powder (For school lunch)  
ex04.02  Evaporated milk  
ex04.04  Mineral concentrated whey  
ex04.04  Whey and modified whey (For feeding purposes)  
ex04.04  Prepared whey (For infant formula)  
ex04.05  Butter and butteroil  
ex07.13  Dried leguminous vegetables  
ex11.08 , ex19.01  Starches, inulin, and their preparations  
ex12.02  Ground -nuts 
ex12.12  Tubers of konnyaku  
ex21.06  Prepared edible fat  
ex50.01 , ex50.02  Silk-worm cocoons and Raw silk  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  3.  The TRQ  system applies to products originating in and coming from any country, except for 
prepared edible fat which has country specific quota for New Zealand.  
 
4.  The TRQ system was established as a result of the Uruguay Round Agreements and is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The TRQ system charges a lower duty rate on 
imports of certain products with certificates up to a certain quantity and allows imports without 
certificates of TRQ by applying the out -of-quota duty rate.   
 
5.  The T RQ system is a statutory requirement based on the following law and regulation.  
 
-  The Customs Tariff Law (Article 9.2) . 
-  The Temporary Tariff Measures Law (Article 8.5) . 
-  The Cabinet Order on Tariff Rate Quota System . 
-  The Decree -law by the MAFF on TRQ Administration on Various Products such as Maize  
Products that are subject to the TRQ system are designated by the Ca binet Order. It is not 
possible for the government to abolish the system without a legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  In principle, the approval system applies to the products originating or shipped in all countries.  
 
I. The information concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of filling application for TRQ is 
stipulated in the Decree -law and published on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Fisheries,  the Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade and Industry and the 
International Trade Bulletin. The amount of quotas and the names of importers to which 
quotas are allocated are published. There are no exceptions or derogations from the 
requirement.  
 
II. The size of quotas is determined on a yearly or si x-monthly basis. There are some  cases where 
the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licenses are issued for importers a few 
times a year . All the issued licenses are valid until the end of the fiscal year.  
 
III. Certificates of quota are not only issued to domestic producers, but also to importers and 
others. If importers do not actually use allocated quotas, quotas allocated to those importer s 
in the succeeding period can be affected. Unused quotas are not added to quotas for a 
succeeding per iod. 
 
 The names of importers to whom certificates of quota are issued are published on the website 
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries , the Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade 
and Industry and the International Trade Bulletin.  
 
IV. Publication of the information concerning procedures shall take place at least 90 days prior to 
the first day of accepting applications.  
 
V. An application for TRQ will be processed as quickly as possible, within a maximum of 60 days 
after a receipt of the app lication.  
 
VI. Importers can declare an import subject to TRQ anytime on and after the date of the issuance 
of certificates of quota.  
 
VII. Consideration of the applications for TRQ is carried out by a single administration organ, the 
MAFF.  
 
VIII. The allo cation of quotas is determined so that the necessary amounts of products are 
imported. However, in the case where the total amount applied exceeds the in -quota amount 
as a whole, certain elements are taken into account to determine the allocation of quotas , 
such as a plan for usage of products concerned, the actual import and usage in the previous 
period.  Several applications for quotas are examined simultaneously.  
 
IX. Certificates for quotas are also required in the case of prepared edible fat, where the country 
specific quota is established. Certificates are not issued automatically and the same 
procedures will apply with other products.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 9 - 
   
X-XI. Not applicable . 
 
7.  At the out -of-quota duty rate, certificate of TRQ is not required and there are no limitations 
regardi ng quantity.  
 
8.  No application is refused so long as that application meets the ordinary criteria.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Only qualified importers are able to apply for TRQs. The information regarding the el igibility of 
importers to whom certificates of quota are issued is published on the website of the Ministry of 
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries , the Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade and Industry and the 
International Trade Bulletin . 
 
There is no syst em of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation  under TRQ.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  Information concerning application for TRQs has been published on the website of the Ministry 
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries .  
 
11.  Certificates are required upon actual importation.  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge for applying for TRQ.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required regarding the issuance of certificates  of TRQ . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  In principle, the period of the validity of a certificate is one year or six months, and is stipulated 
in the Cabinet Order on TRQ System.  
 
15.  If importers do not utilize all or a part of allocated quotas, quotas allocated to those importers 
for the succeeding period can be affected.  
 
16.  A certificate of TRQ may not be transferred.  
 
17.  There is no other condition attached to the issuance of a  certificate of TRQ. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There is no administrative procedure required prior to importation other than the issuance of a 
certificate of quota.  
 
19.  There is no requirement regarding foreign exchange .  
 
3  MEDICINES  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required for the following medicines and chemical products:  
 
 HS No.   Description of Goods  
 
 ex 3002 .30      Foot-and-mouth disease vaccine  (excluding those for clinical trial)  
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  3.  The approval  system applies to products coming from all countries.  
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The approval system 
exists to protect the life and health of animals. A certificate for an import approval shall be issued 
to a person obtaining permission by the MAFF which has jurisdiction for good listed above.   
 
5.  The approval system is a statutory  requirement of Article 4.1(2)  of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL 
ORDER.  Legislation leaves the designation of products subject to licensing up to administrative 
discretion. It is possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  A person who has obtained permis sion from the Director -General, Food Safety and Consumer 
Affairs  Bureau,  the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries , or a person who has been 
commissioned to import the item by the person who has obtained the permission . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  An application and state of reason for import license should be submit ted to the METI . 
 
11.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products section.  
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
4  PROPELLANT POWDERS  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required for the following propellant powders:  
 
 HS No.   Description of Goods  
 
 36.01   Propellant powders, prepared explosives, safety  
 36.02   fuses, etc.  
 ex 36 .03 
 
3.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The approval system is 
for security purposes. A certificate for an import approval shall be issued to a person and obtained 
by manufacturing or selling permission.  
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section. 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.   
 
7.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Only a person who has obtained manufacturing or selling permission is eligible to apply for an 
import approval .  
 
The eligibility for an import approval  comes under any one of the above. There is no other 
registration system.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
11.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products section.  
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
5  NUCLEAR GOODS  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required for the following nuclear goods:  
 
 HS No.   Description of Goods  
 
 26.12   Nuclear materials, nuclear fuel, nuclear reactors,  
 ex 28 .44  instruments and apparatus containing nuclear   
 ex 81 .09  fuel materials, for measuring or detecting  
 ex 84.01  ionising  radiations, tubes of zirconium, etc.  
 ex 90 .30 
   
3.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 12 - 
  4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The approval system is 
for security purposes. A certificate for an import approval  shall be issued to a person who deals with 
refinement, processing, establishing nuclear reactors, or reprocessing, after having obtained the 
described permission.  
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines.   
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  A person who refines, processes, establishes nuclear reactors or reprocesses aft er having 
obtained the described  permission is eligible to apply for an import approval . 
 
The eligibility for an import approval  comes under any one of the above.  There is no other 
registration system.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for applicat ion for a licence  
10.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
11.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products section.  
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.   See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
6  WEAPONS  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required for the follow ing weapons:  
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 13 - 
   
 
HS No.  Description of Goods  
ex 84 .11 
ex 84 .12 
87.10 
ex 88 .02 
ex 89 .06 
93.01 
93.02 
93.03 
ex 93.04 
ex 93 .05 
ex 93 .06 
ex 93 .07 Weapons, ammunition and parts thereof, etc.  
 
3.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The approval system is 
for security purposes . A certificate for an import approval  shall be issued to a person who is entrusted 
imports by public bodies in the state or at local level, or who obtains manufacturing permission.  
5.  See reply in the  medicines.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not a pplicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  See reply or import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  A person who is entrusted to import by public bodies  in the state or at local level, or who obtains 
manufacturing permission is eligible to apply for an import approval . 
 
The eligibility for an import approval  comes under any one of the above.  There is no other registration 
system.   
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
11.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products sec tion. 
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 14 - 
  7  WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
Outline of systems  
1.  The METI shall designate and publish a list of items of goods for which import approval must be 
obtained, to comply with Article 3 of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL ORDER.  A person wishing to 
import an item published in the above -mentioned  list shall be subject to import approval for imports 
provided for in Article 4.  
 
The list of items shall be made p ublic by the METI in the Official Gazette, the Official Bulletin of 
Economy, Trade and Industry and International Trade Bulletin.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required for:  
 
(1) Animals and plants included in Appendix I of the Conv ention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (here inafter referred to as " CITES "), plus their 
parts and derivatives.  
 
(2) Animals and plants belonging to species listed in Appendix  II of the CITES, plus their parts 
and derivatives (for plants, only those parts and derivatives specified in Appendix  II). 
 
(3)   Animals and plants belonging to species listed in Appendix  III of the CITES, plus their parts 
and derivatives.  
 
3.  In principle, t he approval system applies to paragraph 2 .(1), (2) and (3) with regard to that 
coming from members of CITES . 
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The approval system 
shall function to perform the duty  of the CITES.  
 
5. The approval system is a statutory requirement of Article 4.1(2) of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL 
ORDER.  Legislation leaves the designation of products subject to licensing up to administrative 
discretion. It is possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) The items subject to import approval cannot be imported without a certificate of import 
approval.  An importer shall apply for import approval, in advance  of importation, taking into 
consideration around one weeks of the processing time.  
  
(b) Examination needs sufficient time, therefore, an approval cannot be granted immediately on 
request.  
 
(c) Importers may apply for import approval in any time of the ye ar. 
 
(d) Applications for import approval are considered only by the METI.  
 
8.  No application shall be refused if the standard criteria (e.g. the period of application, the eligibility 
of application, the documentation for application) comply with the pro cedures ; however, in principle, 
approval shall not be given to the items listed in 2 .(2) and 2 .(3). 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Only importers concerned with museums or zoos, and imports for scientific research, as well as 
imports of artificial propagation animals or plants for businesses, and the imports of animals or 
plants that have been acquired are eligible to apply for import  approval . G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 15 - 
  The eligibility for an import approval  comes under any one of the above .  There is no other 
registration system.    
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  An application and state of reason for import license should be submitted to the METI.  
 
11.  A current certificate of import approval by the METI and cites export permit from exporter are 
required upon actual importation.  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or  administrative charge for applying for certificate of import approval 
by the METI . 
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required regarding the issuance of certificates of import 
approval by the METI.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  In principle, the perio d of the validity of a certificate is six months.  
 
15.  There is not any penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16.  Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  Another condition concerning the issuance of a licence is that when making a declaration to a 
customs bureau, submission to the customs authorities of the original of the export permit or the 
certificate of re -export  is required . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There is no administrative procedure required prior to importation other than the issuance of a 
certificate of import approval by the METI.  
 
19.  There is no requirement regarding foreign exchange.  
 
8  SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED HAZAR DOUS WASTES, 
WASTE S, CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS  
8.1  Import Quota Items  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approval s are required for controlled substances listed in:  Annex A, Group I (excluding Import 
approval items in Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, those used as raw materials for 
producing other substances and those used for laboratory and analytical purpose);  Annex A, Group 
II (excluding Import approval i tems in Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, and those used 
as raw materials for producing other substances);  Annex B (excluding Import approval items in 
Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, those used as raw materials for producing other 
substa nces and those used for laboratory and analytical purpose);  Annex C, Group I (excluding  
Import approval items in Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer  and those used as raw materials 
for producing other substances);  Annex  C, Group II (excluding Import  approval items in Substances 
which Deplete the Ozone Layer, those used as raw materials for producing other substances  and 
those used for laboratory and analytical purpose);  Annex C, Group III (excluding Import approval 
items in Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, those used as raw materials for producing other 
substances  and those used for laboratory and analytical purpose );  Annex E (excluding Import 
approval items in Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, those used as raw materials for 
produ cing other substances , those used for laboratory and analytical purpose and those used for the G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 16 - 
  quarantine  of the export or import of cargo) ; and Annex  F (excluding Import approval items in 
Substances which Deplete the Ozon layer, those used as raw material s for producing other 
substances ) of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
 
3.  See reply in the  medicines section.  
 
4.  In principle, the permit system is intended to restrict the quantity of imports.  The approval  system 
shall function to perform the duty of the Montreal Protocol.  A certificate for an import quota shall be 
issued for transactions that are made based on the control of a treaty.  
 
5.  The permit system is a statutory requirement of A rticle 4.1 (1) an d Article 9.1  of the IMPORT 
TRADE CONTROL ORDER.   The controlled items shall be published as an IMPORT NOTICE in the 
Official Gazette.  Legislation leaves the designation of products subject to licensing up to 
administrative discretion.  It would be possib le for the Government to abolish the system without 
legislative approval.    
 
Procedures  
6.  The permit system applies to products coming from all countries.  
 
I. The information about an import quota's application shall be published in the Official Bulletin 
of Economy, Trade and Industry and the International Trade Bulletin .  The total amount is not 
published.  
 
 An application for import licensing is not necessary,  in cases where the value of a cargo should 
be estimated below Yen 180,000 and should be of no -commercial value.  In these cases, a 
declaration shall be sent to customs, and a confirmation shall be received from the customs 
bureau.  
II. The size of quota s hall be determined based on the performance according to the Protocol.  
The amount of an import quota shall be determined  on a one -year basis.  In principle, for one 
import quota application procedure, an application shall be made once only, and the certif icate 
for an import quota is issued based on this application.  If several applications are made, 
several certificates based on these applications can be issued.  
 
III. Licensed products shall be restricted quantitatively, which performs the duty of the Pro tocol.  
A certificate for an import quota shall be issued to a person who has been through the 
procedure based on the performance according to the objectives of the treaty.  
 
 Whether a certificate of import quota is actually used for imports or not is conf irmed by the 
report of importation which importers are obliged to submit.  
 
 In principle, unused allocations are not added to quotas for a succeeding period as the 
allocation is determined based on the forecast of domestic supply and demand.  However, as 
an exception, it shall be allowed, only on condition that an importer has no responsibility for 
the cause of unused allocations, or that prohibition from the exporter's side leads to unused 
allocation, etc.  
 
IV-VII.  See reply for import quota items in  the marine products section.  
 
VIII. When the scale of an import quota application is within the limit of the size of a quota 
calculated by every application factor, the demand for licences can be fully satisfied.  
Applications are examined on receipt.  
 
IX-XI.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
7.-8.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Only a person who carries out transactions that are made based on the control of a treaty is 
eligible to apply for an import quota.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 17 - 
  The eligibility for an import quota comes under any one of the above .  There is no other registration 
system.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.2  Import A pproval Items  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approval s are required for:   
 
(1) Controlled substances listed in Annex es A, B, C, Group I, Group II, Group III, D, E , and F  of 
the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer coming from non -members 
of the Montreal Protocol on Substance s that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
 
(2) Specified hazardous wastes in item 1 of Section 2 of the Law for the Control of the Export and 
Import of Specified Hazardous Wastes and Other Wastes.  
 
(3) Wastes in item 1 of Section 2 of the Waste Management and Public Clean sing Law (except for 
wastes produced from ship or aircraft navigation in Article 4.2 and for a person who enters 
Japan carrying wastes).  
 
(4) Specified products in item 3 of Section 2 of the Law on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 
and Regula tion. 
 
(5) The chemical substances specified in item 5 of Section 2 of the Law on the Prohibition of 
Chemical Weapons and Regulation.  
 
3. 
 
(1) The approva l system applies to paragraph 2 .(1) with regard to that coming from all countries 
excluding members of  the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
 
(2) The approval system applies to paragraphs 2 .(2) to 2 .(4) with regard to that coming from all 
countries.  
 
(3) The approval system applies to paragraph 2 .(5) with regard to that coming from all countries 
excluding members of the Chemical Weapons Convention.  
 
4.  The approval system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  It exists to 
perform the functions of the Montreal Protocol on Subst ances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the 
Basel Convention on the Control of Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, Waste 
Disposal and the Public Cleansing Law, the Law on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the 
Regulation of Specific Chemical s.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 18 - 
  5.  See reply in the  medicines.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
8. No application shall be refused if the standard criteria (e.g. the period of application, the eligibility 
of application, the documentation for application) comply with the procedures ; however, in principle, 
approval shall not be given to the items listed in 2 .(1) and 2 .(5). 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  See reply for import ap proval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  See reply in the  medicines section.  
 
11.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Other procedu ral requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota  items in the marine products  section . 
 
9  CULTURAL PROPERTY  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals  are required for  designated foreign cultural properties.  
 
3.  The approval system applies to designated foreign cultural properties coming from all countries.  
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The approval system 
shall function to perform the duty of the  Convention on the means of prohibiting and preventing the 
illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property , the Convention for the Protection 
of Cultural Property i n the Event of Armed Conflict, the Protocol to the Convention for the Protection 
of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed conflict  and the Second Protocol to the Hague Convention 
of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Confl ict. 
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section .   
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products section.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 19 - 
  8.  In principle, approval shall not be given.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17.  Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  Not applicable.  
 
10  ALCOHOL  
Outline of systems  
1.  An importer who intends to import alcohol (which contains alcohol of  90 per cent by vol. or higher 
(HS No. 2207.10)) for the purpose of test, research or analysis shall obtain the approval of the METI 
for each im port.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  An importer who intends to import alcohol (which contains alcohol of  90 per cent by vol. or higher 
(HS No. 2207.10)) for the purpose of test, research or analysis shall obtain the approval of the METI 
for each import.  
 
3.  The system applies to products coming from all countries.  
 
4.  This system does not regulate the volume  or value  of imports.  However , the quantity must be  
appropriate judging from the purpose of its use .  The purpose of the approval  system  is to allow 
those who are not the permitted importer s to import alcohol for the purpose of using it for test, 
research or analysis. (In principle , no such approval is required for import of alcohol by an importer 
with the permission of the import business under the Article 16 of  the Alcohol Business Law. ) 
 
5.  The METI gives approval in accordance with Article 17 of the Alcohol Busines s Law.  The system  
does not leave  any administrative discretion to designate which products are subject to the law.  
Legislation is necessary to abolish the licensing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Although there is no import quota, the quantity of imports must b e appropriate judging from the 
purpose of its use.  The approval system  applies to products coming from all countries.   
 
I. An application shall be submitted in accordance with application form No. 17 of the Alcohol 
Business Law , which was  published in the Official Gazette  dated 5 October 2000.  
 
II. There is no import quota.  
 
III-IV. A quota system is not applicable.  
 
V. The process of application is carried out within two weeks.  
 
VI. Importers may declare import any time after they obtain import approval in accordance with 
Alcohol Business Law.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 20 - 
  VII. Approval is given only by the METI.  
 
VIII-IX.  There is no import quota.  
 
X. Not applic able. 
 
XI. Approval shall be granted only when alcohol is imported for the purpose of test, research, or 
analysis.   
7.(a) An importer shall apply for import approval, taking into account the time, which usually takes 
two weeks.  
(b) It usually takes two we eks to ob tain an import approval. It can not be granted immediately on 
request.  
 
(c) There is no limitation.  
 
(d) An importer has to approach only the METI . 
 
8.  No application shall be refused if an application complies with the ordinary  criteria of applic ation 
procedures .  In case that an application for a licence is refused, reasons for the refusal should be 
explained  to the applicant.  The applicant can also request  for examination to the METI in accordance 
with the Administrative Appeal Law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  There is no restriction.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  Application for the import approval shall be submitted to the METI in accordance with the 
application form No.17 of enforcement regulation of the Alcohol Business Law.  
 
11.  A valid certificate of import approval issued by the METI is required upon an actu al arrival.  
 
12.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The import approval should be given to the every conduct of import for the purpose of test, 
research or analysis.  Therefore, importers of alcohol shall obtain approval of the METI for ea ch 
shipment and such approval is valid only for the each occasion of import, and there is no term of 
validity.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a p art of a licence.  
  
16.  See reply for import quota items in the m arine prod ucts section.  
 
17.  See reply for import quota items in the m arine products  section . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  See reply for import quota items in the m arine products section.  
 
19.  See reply for import quota items in the m arine products section.  
 
11  ROUGH DIAMONDS  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 21 - 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals are required for rough diamonds:  HS No. ex 71.02.  
 
3.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
4.  In principle, the approval system is intended to perform the functions of the Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1343 (2001).  
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  See reply for import quota  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  There is no restriction.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  A person wishing to obtain the import approval shall submit to the METI, an application 
document , an application reason paper for import licences  and the Kimberly Process Certificate.  
11.  The Kimberly Process Certificate  (or a certificate import approval by the METI based on Customs’ 
request)  is required upon actual importation.  
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval  items in the marine products  section . 
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota  items in the marine products  section . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota  items in the marine products  section . 
 
12  CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM IRAQ   
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approval is required for cultural property illegally moved from Iraq after 6 August  1990.  
HS Nos. 97.01, 97.02, 97.03, 97.04, 97.05, 97.06.  
 
3. The approval system applies to products coming from Iraq. 
 
4. In principle, the approval system is intended to perform the functions of  United Nations Security 
Council Resolution 1483 (2003).  
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 22 - 
  Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section .  
 
8.  In principle, approval shall not be given.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requireme nts for application for licence  
10.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17.  Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  Not applicable.  
 
13  ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals are required for all of the goods . 
 
3.  The approval system applies to products coming from North Korea . 
 
4.  In principle, the approval system is intended to take the measures decided by the government . 
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  In principle, approval shall not be given.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17.  Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 23 - 
  Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  Not applicable.  
 
14  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM THE LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals are required for weapons and other items.  
 
3.  The approval system applies to products coming from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya . 
 
4.  In principle, the approval system is intended to perform the obligation under  United Nations Security 
Council Reso lution 1970  (2011) . 
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  In principle, approval shall not be given.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17.  Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  Not app licable.  
 
15  CHARCOAL FROM SOMALIA  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals are required for charcoal.  HS No. 44.02 . 
 
3.  The approval system applies to products coming from Somalia . 
 
4.  In principle, the approval system is intended to perform the obligation under  United Nations Security 
Council Resolution 2036  (2012) . 
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 24 - 
  Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  In principle, approval shall not be given.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requiremen ts for application for licence  
10.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17.  Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  Not applicable.  
 
16  CHEMICAL  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO CHEMICAL WEAPONS 
PROGRAMME  AND CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY MOVED FROM THE SYRIAN ARAB 
REPUBLIC  
Outline of systems  
1.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals are required for following products:  
 
(1) Chemical weapons and other items  related to Syria’s chemical weapons programme . 
 
(2) Cultural Property illegally moved from the Syrian Arab Republic after 15 March 2011.  
HS Nos. 97.01, 97.02, 97.03, 97.04, 97.05, 97.06.  
 
3.  The approval system applies to products coming from Syrian Arab Republic . 
 
4.  In principle, the approval system is intended to perform the obligation under  United Nations Security 
Council Resolution s 2118 (2013) and 2199 (2015).  
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products  section . 
 
8.  In principle, approval shall not be given.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
- 25 - 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.-13.  Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17.  Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  Not applicable.  
 
17  MERCURY  AND MERCURY -ADDED PRODUCTS  
Outline of systems  
1. See reply for import approval items in the marine products section.  
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approval s are required for the following forms of mercury  and m ercury -added products : 
 
(a) Mercury  with a mercury concentration of at least 95 per cent by weight  (HS No. 2805.40 ) 
 
(b) Mercury -added products  listed in Annex A of the Minamata Convention on Mercury  
 
3.  The approval system applies Mercury  shipped from non -Parties  to the Minamata Convention on 
Mercury , and the mercury -added products referred to in Annex A  shipped from Parties and non-
Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury . 
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The approval system is 
intended to perform the necessary functions  of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.  
 
5.  See reply in the  medicines  section . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  No quantitative limit on the importation of Mercury . 
 
(a) The Mercury  and m ercury -added products  subject to import approval cannot be imported 
without a certificate of import approval.  An importer must apply for import approval in 
advance of importation, taking into consideration approximately one  week of processing time  
for mercury  (in addition to the period for obtaining written consent from the exporting country)  
and 40 days for mercury -added products . 
 
(b) Examination s require  time, therefore, an appro val cannot be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c) Importers may apply for import approval at any time of year.  
 
(d) Application s for import approval are considered only by the METI. 
 
8. See reply for import quota items in  the marine products section.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  There is no restriction.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/19  
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  Document ational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  See reply in the  medicines section.   
 
11.  A current import approval certificate granted  by the METI is required upon actual importation.  
 
12.-13.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply for import approval items in the marine products section.  
 
16.-17.  See reply for import quota items in the marine products  section .  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19.  See reply for import quota items in  the marine products  section . 
 
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