G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
13 January 2023  
(23-0365) Page: 1/28 
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 (2022)  
JAPAN 
The following communication, dated 10 January 2023 , 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 
1.3   Catch Documentation Scheme  ................................ ................................ .....................  7 
2   AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS  ................................ ................................ .........................  8 
3   MEDICINES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  11 
4   PROPELLANT POWDERS  ................................ ................................ ............................  12 
5   NUCLEAR GOODS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
6   WEAPON S ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  14 
7   WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS  ................................ ................................ ....................  15 
8   SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED HAZARDOUS 
WASTES,  WASTES, CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS  ................................ ...........................  16 
8.1   Import Quota Items  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 16 
8.2   Import Approval Item s ................................ ................................ ..............................  18 
9   CULTURAL PROPERTY  ................................ ................................ ................................  19 
10   ALCOHOL  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  20 
11   ROUGH DIAMO NDS ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 22 
12   CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM IRAQ  ................................ ........  22 
13   ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA  ................................ ................................  23 
14   WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM THE LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA  .....................  24 
15   CHARCOAL FROM SOMALIA  ................................ ................................ .....................  24 
16   CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO CHEMICAL WEAPONS 
PROGRAMME AND CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY MOVED FROM THE  
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ................................  25 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  17   MERCURY AND MERCURY -ADDED PRODUCTS  ................................ ..........................  26 
18   CERTAIN PRODUCTS  FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ..........  27 
 
1  MARINE PRODUCTS  
1.1  Import Quota 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 . Impor ters of the items set out in the list shall be 
approved by the METI to import them according to Article 4 of the Order. The 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 for the following marine products ( "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  
ex 03.09  Herring, Cod, Yellowtail, Mackerel, Sardine, Horse mac kerel, Saury, roes of Cod and Niboshi 
(small boiled and dried fish for seasoning), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine  
Flours and meals of Herring, Cod, Yellowtail, Mackerel, Sardine, Horse mackerel and Saury  
ex 03.07  
ex 03.09  Scallops, adductors of shellfish , cuttlefish and squid (excluding "Mongo -ika") 
Flours of Scallops, adductors of shellfish , cuttlefish and squid (excluding "Mongo -ika") 
ex 12.12  
ex 20.01  
ex 20.08  
ex 21.03  Edible seaweeds and its food 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 requ irement 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 produc ts originating or shipped in all countries.  
 
I. The information about the application for import quota allocation shall be published in 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:  
 
Items           Originating country  
 
- Herring, Cod, Yellowtail, Mackerel, Sardines, Horse   All countries  
 mackerel, Sauries, roes of Cod and Niboshi (small    (country of demand  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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    boiled and dried fish for seasoning), live,     to export)  
  fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine  
Flours and meals of Herring, Cod, Yellowtail, Mackerel,  Sardine, Horse mac kerel and 
Saury            
 
- Scallops, adductors of shellfish , cuttle -fish and    All countries  
  squid (excluding "Mongo -ika")                                (country of demand  
  Flours of Scallops, adductors of shellfish,                                to export)  
cuttlefish and squid (excluding "Mongo -ika")      
      
 
- 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 sent to customs, and a confirmation shall be received from the customs 
bureau.  
 
II. The si ze 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 consent from the 
MAFF, who has jurisdiction for the product.  
 
 The scale of import quota is d etermined on a one -year basis, based on the forecast of domestic 
supply and demand. A certificate of import approval is issued for each application made by 
importers.  
 
III. The certificate of import approval is issued to importers such as traders. Importe rs shall submit 
an application for a certificate of import approval to the METI. 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 b y the report of 
importation, 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 t he 
allocation is determined 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 allocat ions or that prohibition 
from the exporter's side leads to unused allocations, etc.  
 
 The names of importers to whom a certificate for an import approval issued are published in 
the Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade and Industry.  
  
IV. Publication 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 for import quota and approval, the METI shall process it as 
quickly as possible. It would take about  three weeks to carry out the process required by the 
METI.  
 
VI. An application for an import quota and approval shall be made prior to the import declaration.  
After issuance of 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 approval.  
 
VII. Consideration of an import quota and approval application shall be carried out only by the 
METI.  
 
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 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  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 and approval 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 documentati on for application) comply with the procedures.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Qualification for application for a certificate of import approval is described on the application 
form. In principle, importers who are qualified for applica tion 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 approval;  
 
(2) An importer who is ordered to get materials by asso ciations 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 im port items subject to import quota with a definite plan.  
 
There is no system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation.      
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10. An application for import qu ota allocation and approval should be submitted to the METI. Another 
requirement is a certificate demonstrating that an applicant meets the application criteria.  
 
11. A current certificate of import approval 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 approval, issued by the METI, is one year.   
 
In the case of an application of an extension for certificates of import approval, the METI may receive 
the application.  
 
An applicant has to approach customs b ureau in the case of an application for extension of less than 
two months in total of validity, and in the case of more than two months in total, to the METI.  
 
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 in the following year for 
such an importer who has utilized less than 80 per cent of the allocated quota without any justifiable 
reason.  
 
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 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  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, there are no other conditions attached to the issue 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 subje ct 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 coverage of licen sing 
2. Approvals 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, 03.09, 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, ex0 5.11 
 
(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 preparati ons 
 HS Nos.  ex03.01, ex03.02, ex03.03, 03.04, ex03.05, 03.09, 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 
been trans shipped the goods from fishing boats which have left places other than Japanese 
territory).  
 
(2) The approval system applies to paragraph 2.(5) for thos e products coming from all countries.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  (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 c oming from the non -
member countries of the ICCAT (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 res trict the quantity or value of imports.  
 
The objective of measures described in 2.(1) -(4) is to ensure that the fish products caught by foreign 
fishermen and imported to Japan do not adversely affect fishing activities by Japanese fishermen.  
 
The objectiv e of measures described in 2.(5) is to comply with the obligations under the CITES.  
 
The objective of measures described in 2.(6) is to observe the provisions of Article 66 of UNCLOS, 
regarding the principles of the anadromous 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 system 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 t he 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 i tems 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 s ufficient time, therefore, an approval cannot be granted immediately on 
request.  
 
(c) Importers may apply for import approval in any time of the year.  
 
(d) Applications for import approval are considered only by the METI.  
 
8. See reply for import quota ite ms 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.  
 
Documentational 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.  
 
11. A curr ent certificate of import approval by the METI is required upon actual importation.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  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 ma y designate a validity term 
different from this 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 than 
two months in total of validity, and in the c ase of more than two months in total, 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. Se e reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
1.3  Catch Documentation Scheme  
Outline of systems  
1. The items in paragraph 2 are subject to Japan catch documentation scheme based on "Act on 
Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importa tion of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants " 
to prevent the import of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) catches into Japan, aiming at 
contributing to the global efforts to eliminate IUU fishing.  
 
Japan catch documentation scheme requires importers to submit a catch certificate (hereinafter 
referred to as "CC") issued by competent authority of foreign government and other documents to 
the Japan Customs at the time of import. In principle, the scheme  does not require importers to 
obtain approval of importation as a prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing 
regime. Foreign government agencies which will issue CC must consult with Fisheries Agency of 
Japan, MAFF, and notify forms o f CC in advance.  
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Items that are subject to Japan catch documentation scheme are listed below.  
 
HS No.  Description of Goods  
ex 03.01  
ex 03.02  
ex 03.03  
ex 03.04  
ex 03.05  
ex 03.07  
ex 16.04  
ex 16.05  Squid and cuttle fish, Pacific saury (Cololabis spp.), Mackerel (Scomber spp.), Sardine 
(Sardinops spp.)   
 
3. The scheme applies to the products coming from all countries.  
 
4. Japan catch documentation scheme is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
Its purpose is to prevent the import of IUU catches into Japan, aiming at contributing to the global  
efforts to eliminate IUU fishing.  
 
5. Japan catch documentation scheme is a statutory requirement of Article 11 of Act on Ensuring 
the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants and 
Article  25 of Enforcement Regulation of the Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and 
Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants. Legislation leave s the designation of products  
subject to the scheme up to administrative discretion.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. No quantitative limit on the importation of the products.  
 
(a) The items subject to the scheme cannot be imported without a CC issued by competent 
authority of foreign government. An importer shall obtain a CC from the foreign government, 
in advance of importation, taking into consideration the processing time of the foreign 
government. Foreign government agencies which will issue CC mus t consult with Fisheries 
Agency of Japan, MAFF, and notify forms of CC in advance.  
 
(b) In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a 
prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.  
 
(c) Importers may import in any time of the year when a CC issued by competent authority of 
foreign government is attached to the imported item.  
 
(d) CCs for import are checked by the Japan Customs.  
 
8. In principle, the scheme does not require importers to ob tain approval of importation as a prior  
condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. There is no eligibility requirements on importers for submission of CC to the Japan Customs.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.-13. CC issued by competent authority of foreign government will be required at the time of 
import. There is no application fee or administrative charge on importers for subm ission of CC.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17. In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a 
prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.   
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. There are no administrative procedures required prior to importation.  
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
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 deter mined 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 applicants by issuing certificates of quota.  
 
(4)  Importers need to submit their certificates to the Directors -General of Customs when they 
import those products under the TRQ system.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Agricultural products that are subject to the TRQ system are listed below.  
 
Tariff item number  Descri ption 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  
 
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 TRQ system is a statutory requirement based on the following law and regulation.  
 
-  The Customs Tari ff 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 ar e designated by the Cabinet 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 Indu stry 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 basis. Th ere 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. 
Most of 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 importers 
in the succeeding period can be affected. Unused quotas are not added to quotas for a 
succeeding period.  
 
 The name s 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  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 application.  
 
VI. Importers can declare an import subject to TRQ anytime on and after the date of the issuance 
of certificates of quota as long as the licenses are valid.  
 
VII. Consideration of the applications for TRQ is carried out by a single administration organ, the 
MAFF. 
 
VIII. The allocation 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 could be 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 prepare d edible fat, where the country 
specific quota is established. Certificates are not issued automatically,  and the same 
procedures will apply with other products.  
 
X-XI. Not applicable.  
 
7. At the out -of-quota duty rate, certificate of TRQ is not required a nd there are no limitations 
regarding 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 eligibility 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 system 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, six months, or until the end of 
the fiscal year, and is stipulated in the Cabinet Order on TRQ System, etc.  
 
15. If im porters 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 certif icate of TRQ.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  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 chem ical products:  
 
 HS No.   Description of Goods  
 
 ex 3002.42   Foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (excluding those for clinical trial)   
 
3. The approval system applies to products coming from all countries.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quanti ty 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 leg islative 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 permission 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 . 
 
Docume ntational 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. 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 12 - 
 
  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.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or val ue 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 13 - 
 
  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 sec tion. 
 
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 after 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 application for a licence  
10. See reply in the medicines section.  
 
11. See reply for import approva l 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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 14 - 
 
  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 coverag e of licensing  
2. Approvals are required for the following weapons:  
 
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 publi c bodies in the state or at local level, or who obtains manufacturing 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 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 approv al items in the marine products section.  
 
12.-13. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14.-15. See reply for import approval items in the marine products section.  
 
16.-17. See reply for import quota item s in the marine products section.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.-19. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
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 public 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 Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (hereinafter 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, the 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 o f 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 a bolish 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 year.  
 
(d) Applications for import approval are considered only by the METI.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 16 - 
 
  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.(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 artificia l propagation animals or plants for businesses, and the imports of animals or 
plants that have been acquired are eligible to apply for 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. 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 f rom 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 period 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 transfer able 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 WH ICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED HAZARDOUS WASTES, 
WASTES, 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. Approvals 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, G roup II 
(excluding Import approval items in Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, and those used as 
raw materials for producing other substances); Annex B (excluding Import approval items in G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Substances which Deplete the Ozone Layer, those used as raw m aterials for producing other 
substances 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); An nex 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 
producing other substances, those used for laboratory and analytical purpose and those used for the 
quarantine of the export or import of cargo); and Annex  F (excluding Import approval items in 
Substances which Deplete the Ozon la yer, those used as raw materials 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 import s. 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 Artic le 4.1 (1) and 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 possible 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 shall be determined based on the performance according to the Protocol. 
The amou nt 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 certificate 
for an import quota is issued based on this application. If several applica tions are made, 
several certificates based on these applications can be issued.  
 
III. Licensed products shall be restricted quantitatively, which performs the duty of the Protocol. 
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 confirmed by the 
report of importation which importers are obliged to submit.  
 
 In prin ciple, 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 responsi bility 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 with in 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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 18 - 
 
  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.  
 
The eligibility for a n 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 s ection.  
 
8.2  Import Approval Items  
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:  
 
(1) Controlled substances listed in Annexes A, B, C, Group I, Grou p 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 Substances 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 Cleansing 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 Regulation.  
 
(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 approval 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 sys tem 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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 19 - 
 
  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 Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the 
Basel Convention on the Control of Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disp osal, Waste 
Disposal and the Public Cleansing Law, the Law on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the 
Regulation of Specific Chemicals.  
 
5. See reply in the medicines.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. See reply for import approval items in the marin e 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 gi ven to the items listed in 2.(1) and 2.(5).  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See reply for import approval items in the marine products section.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10. See reply in the med icines 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.  
 
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 countr ies. 
 
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 in 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 Conflict.  
 
5. See reply in the medicines section.   
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 20 - 
 
  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 re quirements  
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 o f the METI 
for each import.  
 
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 importers 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 Business Law. The system 
does not leave  any administrative discretion to designate which products are subjec t to the law. 
Legislation is necessary to abolish the licensing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Although there is no import quota, the quantity of imports must be 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 ap plicable.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 21 - 
 
  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.  
 
VII. Approval is given only by the METI.  
 
VIII-IX. There is no i mport quota.  
 
X. Not applicable.  
 
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 weeks to obtain an import approval. It cannot 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 wi th the ordinary criteria of application 
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 Admini strative 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 th e 
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 actual arrival.  
 
12.-13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The import approval sh ould be given to every  conduct of import for the purpose of test, research 
or analysis. Therefore, importers of alcohol shall obtain approval of the METI for each shipment and 
such approval is valid only for 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 part of a licence.  
  
16. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
17. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 
19. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 22 - 
 
  11  ROUGH DIAMONDS  
Outline of systems  
1. See reply for import approval items in the marine produ cts section.  
 
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 th e 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 im portation.  
 
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 secti on. 
 
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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 23 - 
 
  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.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. See reply for import approval items in the marine products secti on.  
 
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 applicabl e. 
 
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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14.-17. Not applicable.  
 
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 marin e 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 Resolution 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 s hall 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.  
 
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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 25 - 
 
  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.  
 
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 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. 9 7.01, 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 Resolutions 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
- 26 - 
 
  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.  
 
17  MERCURY AND MERCURY -ADDED PRODUC TS 
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 forms of mercury and mercury -added products:  
 
(a) Mercury with a mercury concentration of at least 95 per cent by weight (HS No. 2805.40) ; 
and 
 
(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 
Mercur y, 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 mercury -added products subject to import app roval 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 obtainin g written consent from the exporting country) 
and 40 days for mercury -added products.  
 
(b) Examinations require time;  therefore, an approval cannot be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c) Importers may apply for import approval at any time of year.  
 
(d) Applications for import approval are considered only by the METI.  
 
8. See reply for import quota items in the marine products section.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/21  
 
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  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. There is no restriction.  
 
Document ational  and other requirements for ap plication 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 sect ion. 
 
18  CERTAIN PRODUCTS  FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
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 various, including HS chapters 22, 44, 84, 87 specified in accordance 
with the relevant domestic laws and regulations for import control. (e .g. alcoholic beverages, lumber, 
machinery and electrical machinery, gold)  
 
3. The approval system applies to products coming from Russian Federation.  
 
4. In prin ciple, 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/21  
 
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  Other procedural requiremen ts 
18.-19. Not applicable.  
 
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