G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14  
 
8 October 2015  
(15-5243)  Page: 1/25  
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 (2015) 
JAPAN 
 
The following communication, dated 5 October 2015, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Japan. 
 
_______________ 
 
1   MARINE PRODUCTS  ..................................................................................................... 2  
1.1   Import Quota Items ................................................................................................... 2  
1.2   Import A pproval Items ............................................................................................... 5  
2   AGRICULTURAL  PRODUCTS ......................................................................................... 7  
3   MEDE CINES ............................................................................................................... 1 0 
4   PROPELLANT  POWDERS ............................................................................................ 11  
5   NUCLEAR GOODS ....................................................................................................... 12  
6   WEAPONS .................................................................................................................. 13  
7   WILD ANIMAL S AND PLAN TS .................................................................................... 14  
8   SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED HAZARDOUS 
WASTES, WASTE CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS .............................................................. 15  
8.1   Import Quota Items .................................................................................................. 15 
8.2   Import A pproval Items .............................................................................................. 17 
9   ALCOHOL ................................................................................................................... 18  
10   ROUGH DIAMONDS .................................................................................................. 20  
11   CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLE GALLY REMOVED FR OM IRAQ ........................................ 20  
12   ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA ................................................................ 21  
13   WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO NUCLEAR PROGRAMMES OR 
BALLISTIC MISSILE PROG RAMMES FROM IRAN ............................................................. 22  
14   WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM ERITREA ......................................................... 23  
15   WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM  LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA ............................ 23  
16   CHARCOAL FR OM SOMALIA ..................................................................................... 24  
                                               
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 2 - 
 
   
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.  Importers of the items set out in the list shall 
be approved to import them by the METI 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    Herring, Cod, Yellow tail, Mackerel, Sardine, Horsemackerel,   ex 03.02      Saury, roes of Cod and Niboshi (small boiled and dried fish  ex 03.03      for seasoning), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine  ex 03.04       ex 03.05      ex 03.07      Scallops, adductors of shell-fish, cuttle-fish and squid (excluding "Mongo     i k a " )   ex 12.12   Edible seaweeds and its food preparations   ex 21.06  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 originating 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/14 
 
- 3 - 
 
  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 
            t o  e x p o r t )   
- Edible seaweeds and its food preparations                     All countries 
            ( c o u n t r y  o f  d e m a n d              t o  e x p o r t )  
 
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 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 consent 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 ap plication 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 approval 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 
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 the 
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 allocations or that prohibition 
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. 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 of import quota, the METI shall process it as quickly as 
possible.  It would take about 3 weeks to ca rry 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/14 
 
- 4 - 
 
  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 leve l 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 application) 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 qualified 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 persons 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 demonstrating 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 that of 
a certificate on import approval, issued by the METI based on the certificate for an import quota, is six months.   
 
Although, in principle, extension of the certificate of import quota and import approval shall not be permitted, however, it is permitted in such a case where an approved importer delegates authority to the other under such conditions as approved by the METI.  In the case of an application of an extension for certificates of import quota, the METI may receive the application.   G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 5 - 
 
  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 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 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 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 the following marine products: 
 
(1) Marine animals and their preparations 
 HS Nos. 01 06, 0208, 0210, 1504, 1521, 1601, 1602, 2301, 2309 
 
(2) Fish, crustaceans, other aquatics and their preparations  HS Nos. 02 08, 0210, 0301, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0305, 0306, 0307, 1504, 1506, 
1604, 1605, 2106, 2301, 2309 
 
(3) Products of animal origin (marine animals, fish, crustaceans and mollusc) 
 HS Nos. 05 04, 0506, 0507, 0508, 0511 
 
(4) Seaweeds and their preparations 
 HS Nos. 12 12, 2106 
 
(5) Whales and their preparations  HS Nos. 01 06, 0208, 0210, 1504, 1521, 1601, 1602, 2301, 2309 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 6 - 
 
  (6) Salmon and (salmon) trout and their preparations 
 HS Nos. 03 01, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0305, 1604 
 
(7) Bluefin tuna (only fresh and chilled Bluefin tuna farmed in Atlantic Ocean and the 
Mediterranean) 
       HS Nos. 03 02, 0304 
 
(8) Southern bluefin tuna (only fresh and chilled Southern bluefin tuna) 
 HS Nos. 0302, 0304 
 
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 those products coming from regarding 
the non-member countries of the IWC and the IWC members which have conducted the 
whaling. 
 (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 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 restrict 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 af fect fishing activities by  Japanese fishermen.  
 The objective of measures described in 2(5) is to comply with the resolution of the IWC, which restricts the import of whale meats and whale pr oducts from non-IWC members by IWC members. 
 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 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. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 7 - 
 
  (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. 
 
8.  Same condition as described under I.A.  
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 current certificate of import approval by the METI is required upon actual importation.  12.-13.  Same condition as described under I.A.  
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 this or extend the validit y 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 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 of import quota items in marine products section.   
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in 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 applicants by issuing certificates of quota. 
(4)  Importers need to submit their certificates to the Directors-General of Custom when they 
import those products under the TRQ system. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 8 - 
 
  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 powd er (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 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 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 Industry and the 
International Trade Bulletin. The amount of quotas and the names of importers to which 
quotas are allocated are published. There ar e no exceptions or derogations from the 
requirement. 
 
II. The size of quotas is determined on a yearly or six-monthly basis. There is no case where 
the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licenses are issued for importers on six-monthly or quarterly basis. 
 
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 in the succeeding period can be affected. Unused quotas are not added to quotas for a 
succeeding period. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 9 - 
 
   The names of importers to whom certificates of quota are issued are published on the 
website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest ry 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 application. 
 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 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 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. 
 X-XI. Not applicable. 
 
7.  At the out-of-quota duty rate, certificate of  TRQ is not required and 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 MAFF, in the METI official Bulletin and in 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 MAFF.  
 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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 10 - 
 
  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  MEDECINES 
Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  Approvals are required for the foll owing medicines and chemical products: 
  HS No.  Description of Goods 
 
 ex 3002 30      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 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 requir ement 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 of import approval items in marine products section.  
8.  See reply of import quota items in 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, Fo restry 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 im port license should be submitted to the METI. 
 11.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
12.-13.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 11 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
4  PROPELLANT POWDERS 
Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  Approvals are required for the following propellant powders: 
  HS No.  Description of Goods 
  3601   Propellant powders, prepared explosives, safety  
 3602   fuses, etc.  ex 3603 
 3.  See reply of medicines and chemical products.  
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 of medicines. 
 
Procedures 
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  
8.  See reply of import quota items in 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 und er any one of the above.  There is no other 
registration system.  
 Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence 
10.  See reply of medicines and chemical products section. 
 11.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
12.-13.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 12 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
5  NUCLEAR GOODS 
Outline of systems 1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  Approvals are required for the following nuclear goods: 
  HS No.  Description of Goods 
  2612   Nuclear materials, nuclear fuel, nuclear reactors,  ex 2844  instruments and appa ratus containing nuclear   
 ex 8109  fuel materials, for measuring or detecting  8401   ionising radiations, tubes of zirconium, etc.  ex 9030    
3.  See reply of medicines and chemical products 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 deals 
with refinement, processing, establishing nuclear reactors, or reprocessing, after having obtained 
the described permission.  5.  See reply of medicines.  
 
Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  
8.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
9.  A person who refines, processes, establishe s 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 und er any one of the above.  There is no other 
registration system.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence 
10.  See reply of medicines and chemical products section. 
 
11.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  12.-13.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.   See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
6  WEAPONS 
Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  Approvals are required for the following weapons: 
 
 HS No.  Description of Goods 
  ex 8411  Weapons, ammuniti on and parts thereof, etc. 
 ex 8412, 8710, ex 8802, ex 8906, 9301, 9302, 9303, 9304, ex 9305, 9306, 9307   
3.  See reply of medicines and chemical products 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 of medicines. 
 
Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  
8.  See reply of import quota items in 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 of medicines and chemical products section. 
 11.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
12.-13.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
7  WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS 
Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  Approvals are required for: 
 
(1) Animals (excluding sperm whale, beaked whale, mink whale, sei whale, bryde's whale and 
fin whale) 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 Annex II of the CITES (except for whales 
and their preparations, and also except for oceanic whitetip shark, scalloped hammerhead, 
great hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, basking shark, white shark, porbeagle, whale shark and sea horse), plus their parts and derivatives (for plants, only those parts and derivatives specified in Annex II). 
 
(3)   Animals and plants belonging to species listed in Annex III of the CITES, plus their parts and 
derivatives. 
 
3(1) The approval system applies to paragraph 2(1) with regard to that coming from all 
countries. 
 
(2) The approval system applies to paragraphs 2(2) and 2(3) coming from non-members of the 
CITES having no competent authority. 
 
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.  See reply of medicines.   
 
Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in 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(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 plan ts 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/14 
 
- 15 - 
 
  The eligibility for an import approval comes und er any one of the above.  There is no other 
registration system.     Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence 
10.  See reply of medicines and chemical products section. 
 11.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
12.-13.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section.  Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 16.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
17.  Another condition concerning the issuance of a licence is that when making a declaration to a customs bureau, submission to the customs authoritie s of the original of the export permit or the 
certificate of re-export is required. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
8  SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED HAZARDOUS WASTES, 
WASTE CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS 
8.1  Import Quota Items Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import quota items in 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, Group 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 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 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 producing other substances, those used for laboratory and analytical 
purpose and those used for the quarantine of the export or import of cargo) of the Montreal 
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
3.  See reply of medicines and chemical products section. 
 4.  In principle, the permit system shall be 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 16 - 
 
  5.  The permit system is a statutory requirem ent of Article 4.1 of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL 
ORDER, (1) and Article 9.1(1).  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. See reply of propellant powders section. 
 
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 METI Official 
Bulletin 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 amount of an import quota shall be determined on an 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 applications are 
made, several certificates based on these applications can be issued. 
 III. Licensed products shall be restricted quantita tively, 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 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 prohib ition from the exporter's side leads to unused 
allocation, etc. 
 IV-VII.  See reply of import quota items in 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 de mand for licences can be fully satisfied.  
Applications are examined on receipt. 
 
IX-XI.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
7.-8.  See reply of import quota items in 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 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 of import quota items in marine products section. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 17 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
8.2  Import Approval Items 
Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  Approvals are required for:  
 (1) Controlled substances listed in Annexes A, B,  C, Group I, Group II, Group III, D, E 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 Sect ion 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 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  Substances 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 Chemicals.   
5.  See reply of medicines. 
 Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 18 - 
 
  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 of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence 
10.  See reply of medicines and chemical products section. 
 
11.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  12.-13.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Conditions of licensing 
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 Other procedural requirements 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
9  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, rese arch or analysis shall obtain the approval of 
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, rese arch 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 busi ness 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 subject to the law.  Legislation is necessary to abolish the licensing system. 
 
Procedures  
 6.  Although there is no import quota, the quan tity 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 19 - 
 
  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. 
 VII. Approval is given only by the METI.  
VIII-IX.  There is no import 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 im port 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 with 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 applic ant 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 re gulation 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 should be given to the every conduct of import for the purpose of test, 
research or analysis.  Therefore, importers of al cohol shall obtain approval of the METI for each 
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 part of a licence. 
  
16.  See reply 16 of Import quota items in Marine products section.  
17.  See reply 17 of Import quota items in Marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18.  See reply 18 of Import quota items in Marine products section. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 20 - 
 
  19.  See reply 19 of Import quota items in Marine products section. 
 10  ROUGH DIAMONDS 
Outline of systems 
 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Approvals are required for rough diamonds:  HS No. 71.02.  3.  See reply of medicines and chemical products. 
 
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 of medicines. 
 Procedures 
 6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  
8.  See reply of import quota items in 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 of import quota items in marine products section.  
Conditions of licensing  
14.-15.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
16.-17.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section.  
Other procedural requirements 
 
18.-19.  See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
11  CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLE GALLY REMOVED FROM IRAQ  
Outline of systems 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 21 - 
 
  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 the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483 (2003). 
 
5.  See reply of medicines.  
Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 7.  See reply of import approval items in 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. 
 
12  ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA 
Outline of systems 
 
1.  See reply of import approval items in 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 shall be intended to take the measures decided by the 
government. 
 5.  See reply of medicines. 
 
Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  8.  In principle, approval shall not be given. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 22 - 
 
  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. 
 
13  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO NUCLEAR PROGRAMMES OR BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAMMES FROM IRAN 
Outline of systems 
 1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
2.  Approvals are required for weapons and other items related to nuclear programmes or ballistic 
missile programmes.  
3.  The approval system applies to products coming from Iran. 
 4.  In principle, the approval system shall be intended to perform the duty of the United Nations 
Security Council Resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007). 
 5.  See reply of medicines.  
Procedures 
 6.  Not applicable.  
7.  See reply of import approval items in 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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 23 - 
 
  14  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM ERITREA  
Outline of systems 
 1.  See reply of import approval items in 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 Eritrea. 
 
4.  In principle, the approval system shall be intended to perform the duty of the United Nations Security Council Reso lution 1907 (2008). 
 
5.  See reply of medicines. 
 
Procedures 
 
6.  Not applicable. 
 7.  See reply of import approval items in 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. 
 
15  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA  
Outline of systems 
 
1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2.  Approvals are required for weapons and other items. 
 
3.  The approval system applies to produc ts coming from Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. 
 4.  In principle, the approval system shall be intended to perform the duty of the United Nations 
Security Council Reso lution 1970 (2011). 
 5.  See reply of medicines. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/14 
 
- 24 - 
 
  Procedures 
 6.  Not applicable.  7.  See reply of import approval items in 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  CHARCOAL FROM SOMALIA 
Outline of systems 
 1.  See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 2.  Approvals are required for charcoal. HS Nos. 44.02.  
3.  The approval system applies to products coming from Somalia. 
 4.  In principle, the approval system shall be intended to perform the duty of the United Nations Security Council Reso lution 2036 (2012). 
 
5.  See reply of medicines.  
Procedures 
 6.  Not applicable. 
 
7.  See reply of import approval items in 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/14 
 
- 25 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements 
 18.-19.  Not applicable.  
__________