1 
  
     
 
   Act on Protection of the Names of Specific Agricultural, Forestry and 
Fishery Products and Foodstuffs  (Act No. 84 of June 25, 2014)  
Table of Contents  
Chapter I . General Provisions (Articles 1 and 2)  
Chapter II . Protection of the Names of Specifi c Agricultural, Forestry  and Fishery Products  and 
Foodstuffs  (Articles 3 to 5)  
Chapter III . Registration (Articles 6 to 22)  
Chapter IV . Special Provisions for Foreign Specific Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products  
Chapter V. Misc ellaneous Provisions  (Articles 33 to 38)  
Chapter V I. Penal Provisions (Articles 39 to 43)  
Supplementary Provisions  
 
Chapter I . General Provisions  
(Purpose)  
Article 1    The purpose of t his Act is  to secure the profits of Producers of Specific Agricultural, この特定農林水産物等の名称の保護に関する法律の翻訳は、平成二十八年法律第百八号
までの改正（平成２８年１２月２６日施行）について作成したものです。  
この法令の翻訳は公定訳ではありません。法的効力を有するのは日本語の法令自体であ
り、翻訳はあくまでその理解を助けるための参考資料です。この翻訳の利用に伴って発生
した問題について、一切の責任を負いかねますので、法律上の問題に関しては、官報に 掲
載された日本語の法令を参照してください。  
 
  This English translation of the Act on Protection of the Names of Specific 
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs has been prepared ( up to 
the revisions of Act No. 108 of 2016 ( Effective December 26, 2016 )). 
  This is an unofficial translation. Only the original Japanese texts of laws and 
regulations have legal effect, and the translations are to be used solely as reference 
material to aid in the understanding of Japanese laws and regulations.  
  The Government o f Japan shall not be responsible for the accuracy, reliability or 
currency of the legislative material provided in this Website, or for any consequence 
resulting from use of the information in this Website. For all purposes of interpreting 
and applying law  to any legal issue or dispute, users should consult the original 
Japanese texts published in the Official Gazette.  2 
 Forestry and Fishery  Products  and Foodstuffs  by establishing a system concerning the protection of 
the names of Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products  and Foodstuffs  based on the 
Annex 1C (Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)  of the Marrakesh 
Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization,  and thereby to contribute to the 
development of agricultural, forestry and fishery industries and relevant industries as well as to 
protect the interests of consumers . 
 
 (Definitions)  
Article  2   The term "A gricultural, F orestry and Fishery P roduct  and Foodstuff " as used in this Act  
means those set forth below; provided, however, that those falling under any liquors prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Liquor Tax Act (Act No. 6 of 1953) , and medicines  prescribed in 
Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, 
Medical Devices, Regenerative and Cellular Therapy  Products, Gene Therapy Products, and 
Cosmetics  (Act No. 145 of 1960), quasi -pharmaceutical products  prescribed in paragraph (2) of said 
Article, cosmetics prescribed in paragraph (3) of said Article, and regenerative medic al product  
prescribed in paragraph (9) of said Article are excluded:  
 (i) agricultural, forestry and fishery products (limited to those intended for human consumption);  
 (ii) foods and drinks (excluding those set forth in the preceding item);  
 (iii) agricultural, forestry and fishery products (excluding those set forth in item (i)), and as 
provided by Cabinet Or dinance; and  
 (iv) products manufactured or processed by using agricultural, forestry and fishery products as 
raw materials or ingredients (excluding those set forth in item (ii)), and as provided by Cabinet 
Ordinance . 
 (2)   The term " Specific Agricultural,  Forestry and F ishery Product  and Foodstuff " (hereinafter 
referred to as "SAFFPF")  as used in this Act means  any Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products  
and Foodstuffs  falling under the following items: 
 (i) products  produced in a specific place, regio n or country; and  
 (ii) products whose quality, reputation or other established characteristic (hereinafter simply 
referred to as " Characteristic") is essentially attributable to the place of production specified in 
the preceding item.  
 (3)   The term " Geographical Indication"  as used in this Act means t he indication of  the names of 
SAFFPF (limited to what can identify the matters  set forth in the respective items of the preceding 
paragraph  by said names).  
 (4)   The term " Production"  as used in this Act me ans acts performed to impart a Characteristic 
to or preserve the C haracteristic of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuff s 
among a series of acts until the shipment of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products  and 
Foodstuffs ; the term " Place of P roduction" as used in this Act means the place, region or country 3 
 where Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuff s have  been produced; and the term 
"Producer"  as used in this Act means a person who conducts Production in the cour se of trade.  
 (5)   The term " Group of P roducers"  as used in this Act means a group that comprises Producer s 
as direct or indirect members (hereinafter simply referred to as " Members") and is provided by 
Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry a nd Fisheries (only for an organization without 
legal personality  with provisions of  representative or administrator, it is limited to those that provide  
by laws or ordinances or an article of incorporation and any other basic contract provi sions , without 
a just cause, that the group  shall  not deny  enrollment of any person eligible to become a M ember or 
that the group shall  not impose any conditions of enrollment heavier than those imposed on its 
existing Members ). 
 (6)   The term " Production Process Managem ent" as used in this Act means the following 
operations  conducted by a Group of Producer s: 
 (i) Preparation  or change of a specification  containing the information  set forth in Article 7, 
paragraph (1) , items (ii) to (viii)  (hereinafter simply referred to as "Specification ") with regard 
to Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products  and Foodstuffs ; 
 (ii) regarding Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products  and Foodstuffs  specified in said 
Specification , guidance, examination and other operations that are necessary to accord the 
Production of the Producer as M ember of said Group of Producers with the Specification ; and  
 (iii) conduct ion of operations  incidental to the operations  set forth in the preceding two items.  
 
Chapter II . Protection of the Names of SA FFPF  
(Geographical Indication)  
Article 3   A Producer  as a Member of a Group of Producer s which has received a registration 
pursuant to Article 6 (simply referred to as “registration” in the following paragraph (excluding item 
(ii)) ,paragraph (3) and para graph (1) of the following Article (including a Group of Producer s that 
has received a registration of change to Article 15, paragraph (1); hereinafter referred to as a "Registered Group of Producers ") may affix a Geographical Indication on the SAFFP F or their 
package , container or invoice (hereinafter referred to as " Package, etc.") if the Agricultural, Forestry 
and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  produced by the P roducer  are SAFFPF pertaining to the 
registration prescribed in Article 6. The same appl ies to a person who has directly or indirectly 
received  said Agricultural, F orestry and Fishery P roduct s and Foodstuffs  from said Producer . 
 (2)   Unless otherwise  provided for in the preceding paragraph, any person shall not  affix a 
Geographical Indication  to the SAFFPF or an indication  similar thereto on Agricultural, Forestry 
and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs , which belongs to the classification to which the SAFFPF  
pertaining to the r egistration belongs  (meaning a classification of A gricultural, Forestry and Fishery 
Product s and Foodstuffs  as provided by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 
consideration of circumstances including the types designated by the Minister of Agriculture, 4 
 Forestry and Fisheries pursuant to Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Act on Standardization of 
Commodities concerning Agricultural and Forestry Products (Act No. 175 of 1950); the same applies hereafter), or Agricultural, Forestry and F ishery  Product s and Foodstuffs  manufactured or 
processed using said P roduct as a  main raw material or ingredient, or on its Package, etc. ; provided, 
however, that this does  not apply in the following cases:  
 (i) whe n a person affixes a Geographical Indication pertaining to the SAFFPF or an indication 
similar thereto on A gricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  manufactured or 
processed using said S AFFPF  pertaining to the registration  as a main raw material or ingredient, 
or on its Package, etc.;  
 (ii) when the holder of trademark right of a  registered trademark  (meanin g the registered 
trademark prescribed in Article 2, paragraph ( 5) of the Trademark Act (Act No. 127 of 1959); 
the same appl ies hereafter) pertaining to an application for registration filed before the date of 
the registration provided by  Article 6  (when th ere has been any registration of change to Article 
16, paragraph (1) with regard to the information  set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), item (iii) 
pertaining to said registration, the day of registration of said change; the same appl ies in the 
following  item and item (iv))  or any other person who has  the right to use  (meaning  use as 
prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (3) of said Act; hereinafter the same appl ies in this item and 
the following item)  said registered trademark pursuant to the Articles of said Act uses said 
registered trademark for designated goods or designated services  (meaning the goods or 
services designated pursuant to the provisions of Articl e 6, paragraph (1) of said Act)  
pertaining to such registration of trademark ;  
 (iii) whe n a per son who has  had the right to use a trademark pursuant to the provisions of the 
Trademark Act or any other law since before the date of registration uses the trademark 
pertaining to  said right for the goods or services pertaining to said right (excluding the case set 
forth in the preceding item); 
 (iv) whe n, before the date of registration, without the  purpose of obtaining an wrongful gain, the  
purpose of causing damages to others, or any other wrongful purpose, a person who has affixed an indication with th e identical  name as the Geographical Indication  pertaining to the SAFFPF 
or an i ndication similar thereto on A gricultural, Forestry and  Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs , 
which belongs to the classification to which the SAFFPF pertaining to the registration belongs  
or on its Package, etc., or a person who has assumed the  business, continues to affix the 
indication on said A gricultural, Forestry and F ishery Product s and Foodstuffs  or their Package, 
etc.; or, whe n a person who has directly or indirectly received said Agricultural, Forestry and 
Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  (limited to those that the indication is affixed on the product 
or its Package, etc.) from such a person affixes the indication on said A gricultural, Forestry and 
Fishery P roduct s and Foodst uffs or its Package, etc.; or  
 (v) in addition to what is set forth in the preceding items, when it is provided for  by Ordinance 5 
 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 
(3)   A person who works in the import  of Agricultural, Forestry and Fi shery Products and 
Foodst uffs (referred to as “importer” in paragraph (3) of the following paragraph)  shall  not transfer, 
entrust to transfer or display for the purpose of transferring  below noted imported Agricultural, 
Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs on which a Geographical Indication or an indication 
similar thereto is affixed (including said products on which these indications are affixed to Package, etc.); provided, however, this does not apply in the case where these indications are affixe d under 
the provisions of paragraph (1) or proviso to preceding paragraph.  
 (i) Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs which belongs to the 
classification to which said S AFFPF belongs;  
 (ii) Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products a nd Foodstuffs manufactured or processed using 
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs set forth in the preceding item as a main raw material or ingredient. 
 
 (Registered Mark)  
Article 4    When a Producer  Member of a Registered Group of Producer s affixes a Geographical 
Indication on the SAFFPF or on their Package , etc.  pursuant to the provisions of the first sentence 
of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article , the P roducer  shall  affix a registered mark (meaning a 
mark stating that the Geogr aphical Indication indicates  the name of the S AFFPF pertaining to the 
registration  and provided  for by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; 
the same appl ies hereafter) on said S AFFPF or their Package, etc. The same appl ies to a person 
prescribed in the second sentence of said paragraph.  
 (2)   Except in cases under the preceding paragraph, it is prohibited for any person to affix a 
registered mark or a mark similar thereto on Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and 
Foods tuffs or their  Package, etc.  
 (3)   Importer of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs shall not transfer, 
entrust  to transfer or display for the purpose of transferring  the imported Agricultural, Forestry and 
Fishery Products and Foods tuffs on which a registered mark or mark similar thereto is affixed 
(including said products on which these marks are affixed to Package, etc.); provided, however, this does not apply in the case where said registered mark is affixed under the provisions of paragraph (1). 
 
 (Order for Measure s) 
Article 5   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may order a person who has 
violated the provisions set forth in the following items to take measures set forth in said respective items and other necess ary measures:  
 (i) Article 3, paragraph (2)  and (3) : remove or erase the Geographical Indication  or an i ndication 6 
 similar thereto; 
 (ii) paragraph (1) of the preceding Article: affix the registered mark; or  
 (iii) paragraph (2) and (3)  of the preceding Art icle: remove or erase the registered mark or a 
mark similar thereto.  
 
Chapter III . Registration  
 (Registration of  SAFFPF ) 
Article 6   A Group of Producer s that conducts Production Process Management  may, if the 
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products  and Foodstuffs  concerning which the group has  created 
a Specification  is SAFFPF have receive registration on said Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery 
Product s and Foodstuffs  by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 
 
 (Application for Registration)  
Article 7   A Group of Producer s that intends to receive a registration prescribed in the preceding 
Article (excluding Article 15, 16, paragraphs (2) and (3) of Article 17, and Article 22, paragraph (1), 
item (i), (d); hereinafter simply referred to a s a "registration") shall  submit a written application 
specifying  the following  information  to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, pursuant 
to Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:  
 (i) the name and address of t he Group of Producer s, and the name of its representative (if it is a  
group of producers without legal personality , its representative or administrator ); 
 (ii) the classification of said Agricultural, F orestry and F ishery P roduct s and Foodstuffs ; 
 (iii) th e name of said Agricultural, F orestry and Fishery P roduct s and Foodstuffs ; 
 (iv) the P lace of Production of said Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery P roduct s and Foodstuffs ; 
 (v) the C haracteristic of said Agricultural, F orestry and Fishery P roduct s and Foodstuffs ; 
 (vi) the method of Production of said Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and 
Foodstuffs ; 
 (vii) in addition to what is set forth from  item (ii) to the preceding item, other necessary matters 
to identify said Agricultural, Forestry and Fi shery Product s and Foodstuffs ; 
 (viii) in addition to what is set forth from  item (ii) to the preceding item, matters as provided  for 
by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with regard to said Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery  Product s and Foodstuffs ; and  
 (ix) in addition to what is set forth in the preceding items, matters as provided by Ordinance of 
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 (2)   The following documents shall  be attached  to the written applicatio n of the preceding 
paragraph:  
 (i) the Specification ; 
 (ii) the rules regarding the method of Production Process M anagement (hereinafter referred to as 7 
 the "Production Process M anagement Rules "); and  
 (iii) in addition to what is set forth in the preceding  two items, documents provided for by 
Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 (3)   A Group of Producer s that conducts Production Process Management  may apply for 
registration jointly with others.  
 
 (Public ation  of Application for Registration)  
Article 8   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received an application 
for registration, the Minister shall  make a publication  of the information set forth in items (i) to 
(viii) of paragraph (1) of the preceding A rticle and any other necessary information, except when 
registration is refused pursuant to the provision s of Article 13, paragraph (1) (limited to the part 
pertaining to item (i)).  
 (2)   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  make the written application in 
paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and the documents set forth in items (i) and (ii) of paragraph 
(2) of said Article available for public inspection for 2 months from the date of the publication 
under the provisions  of the prece ding paragraph.  
 
 (Submission of Written Opinion)  
Article 9    When there is a publication under the provisions  of paragraph (1) of the preceding 
Article, any person may submit a written opinion about  the application for registration pertaining to 
said announcement to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries within 3 months from the 
date of said publication.  
 (2)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received a written opinion 
under the provisions  of the preceding paragrap h, the Minister shall  send a copy of said written 
opinion to the G roup of Producer s that has made the application for registration.  
 
 (Restrictions on Application for Registration)  
Article 10   For the purpose of applying the provisions  of paragraph (2) of  the preceding Article 
and paragraphs (2) and (3) of the following Article, an application for registration falling under all of the following items is  deemed to be a submission of a written opinion pursuant to the provisions  
of paragraph (1) of the preced ing Article with regard to the application for registration pertaining to 
the publication under the provisions  of Article 8, paragraph (1). In this case, the Minister of 
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  notify it to the G roup of Producer s that has  made the 
application for registration falling under all of said respective items:  
 (i) the application for registration was  made before the period prescribed in paragraph (1) of the 
preceding Article has expired , and after the application for registration  pertaining to the 
publication under the provisions  of Article 8, paragraph (1) was made; and  8 
  (ii) all or part of the  Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  pertaining to 
said application for  registration shall  fall under all or part of the S AFFPF pertaining to the 
publication under the provisions  of Article 8, paragraph (1).  
 (2)   An application for registration falling under paragraph (2) of the preceding Article may not 
be made after the passage of a period of time prescribed in par agraph (1) of the preceding Article; 
provided, however, that this does not apply after an application for registration pertaining to the 
publication under the provisions  of Article 8, paragraph (1) has been withdrawn, refused pursuant to  
the provisions  of Article 13, paragraph (1) or carried out. 
 
 (Hearing of Opinions of  academic expert ) 
Article 11    When the period prescribed in Article 9, paragraph (1) has expired, pursuant to the 
provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishe ries, the Minister of 
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  consult with relevant knowledge and experience  
(here inafter referred to as "academic expert " in this Article) as to whether applications for 
registration fall under the cases set forth in Article 13, paragraph (1) , items (ii) to (iv) . 
 (2)   In the case of the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 
shall  show the contents of written opinions submitted pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1) to  
academic expert . 
 (3)   Academic experts who have been consulted pursuant to the provisions  of paragraph (1), if 
they find it to be necessary, may hear opinions of the G roup of Producer s that made the  application 
for registration or the person who submitted a written opinion pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1), 
or other relevant persons.  (4)   Academic experts  who have been consulted pursuant to the provisions  of paragraph (1) 
shall  not leak or misappropriate secrets that they have learned in the course of being asked for their 
opinions.  
 (Conduct of Registration)  
Article 12    When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received an application 
for registration (excluding the cases set forth in Article 8, paragraph (1)) and finished the procedures under the p rovisions of said Article to the preceding Article, the Minister shall  register the 
application, except when registration is refused pursuant to the provisions  in paragraph (1) of the 
following Article.  
 (2)   Registration is to  be made by specifying the following  information  in the register of  
SAFFPF:  
 (i) the number and date of registration;  
 (ii) the information  set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1) , items (ii) to (viii) ; and  
 (iii) the information  set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), item (i).  9 
  (3)   When t he Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has made registration, the 
Minister  shall  notify it to the Group of Producer s that made the application for registration and also 
publicly notify matters provided for by Ordinance of the Ministry of  Agriculture, Forestry and 
Fisheries.  
 
 (Refusal of Registration)  
Article  13   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  refuse registration in the 
following cases:  
 (i)  when  the Group of Producer s falls under any of the following:  
 (a)  the Group of Producer s has  had its registration cancelled pursuant  to the provisions  of 
Article 22, paragraph (1), and 2 years have not elapsed yet from the date of the  cancellation ; 
or 
 (b)  an officer of the group (including the representative or administrator  of a group of 
producers without legal personality ; The same appl ies to 2) falls under any of the following:  
1  a person who was sentenced pursuant to any provisions  of this Act, if a period of 2 years 
has not yet elapsed from  the da te on which the pe rson served out the sentence or was 
exempted from the execution of the sentence; or  
2  in the case of a G roup of P roducers whose registration  was cancell ed pursuant to the 
provisions  of Article 22, paragraph (1), a person who was an officer of the G roup of  
Producers within 30 days before the  cancellation , with out exceeding 2 years after the  
cancellation ; 
 (ii)  when  the Prod uction Process Management  falls under any of the following:  
 (a) the information  set forth in items (ii) to (viii) of said paragraph as  provided in the 
Specification  attached to the written application in paragraph (1) of said Article pursuant to 
the provisions  of Article 7, paragraph (2) are different from the information specified in said 
written application; 
 (b) the method of Producti on Process Management  provided for by the Production Process 
Management  Rules does not accord with the standards provided by Ordinance of the 
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a way necessary to ensure that the 
Production conducted by a Pr oducer  as a Member of said Group of Producer s accords with 
the Specification ; 
 (c) the Group of Producers do not have sufficient financial basis to  conduct accurate and 
smooth Production Process Management ; or 
 (d) a system necessary to ensure fair conduct  of Production Process Management  is found not 
to be established ; 
 (iii) when the A gricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  pertaining to 
application for registration falls under any of the following:  10 
  (a) the product is not  SAFFPF; or  
 (b) all or part of the product falls under SAFFPF pertaining to registration ; 
 (iv) when  the name of the A gricultural, Forestry and Fishery P roduct s and F oodstuffs  applied for  
registration falls under any of the following:  
 (a) the name is a generic term or  when  the information  set forth in the items of Article 2, 
paragraph (2) regarding  said Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  
applied for  registration cannot be specified by the name ; or 
 (b) the  name is identical with  or similar to the  following registered trademark:  
1  a registered trademark pertaining to the  Agricultural, Forestry and F ishery Product s and 
Foodstuffs  applied for  registration or a product similar thereto; or  
2  a registered trademark pertaining to a service related to t he Agricultural, Forestry and 
Fishery P roduct s and Foodstuffs  applied for  registration or a product similar thereto. 
 (2)   The provisions in the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to item (iv), (b)) do  
not apply if  a Group of Producers fa lling under any of the following items files an application for 
registration  regarding Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuff s whose names  are 
provided in (b) of item (iv) of said paragraph:  
 (i) a G roup of P roducers  that is a  holder of trademark pertaining to the registered trademark as 
prescribed in (b) of item (iv) of the preceding paragraph ( when  an exclusive right to use has 
been  established  for the trademark right pertaining to said registered trademark, this is limited 
to cases whe re approval of the exclusive licensee of said exclusive right  to use  has been 
obtained with regard to the registration of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and 
Foodstuffs  whose name s are pr ovided in (b) of said item) ; 
 (ii) a Group of P roducers that is an  exclusive licensee of an exclusive right to use established as 
an exclusive right to use for the trademark right pertaining to the registered trademark 
prescribed in (b) of item (iv) of the preceding paragraph (limited to cases where approval of the 
following persons has been obtained  with regard to  the registration of Agricultural, Forestry 
and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  whose name s are pr ovided in (b) of said item): 
 (a) the holder of trademark pertaining to said registered trademark; and  
 (b) exclusive licensee of said exclusive right to use other than said G roup of Producers ; 
 (iii) a G roup of P roducers that has obtained approval of the holder of trademark pertaining to the 
registered trademark pr ovided in (b) of said item with regard to r egistration of Agricultural, 
Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs  whose names  are provided in (b) of item (iv) of 
the preceding paragraph ( if an exclusive right to use is established  for the trademark  right  
pertaining to said registered trademark,  limited to cases where approval of the exclusive 
licensee of said exclusive right  to use  has been obtained  with regard to  the registration of said 
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product s and Foodstuffs ). 
 (3)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestr y and Fisheries has refused registration pursuant 11 
 to the provisions  of paragraph (1), the Minister shall  give notice in writing of th e effect  and the 
reason to the G roup of P roducers that filed  the application for registration.  
 
 (Public Inspection of the Register of  SAFFPF)  
Article 14    The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  make the register of SAFFPF 
available for the public . 
 
 (Registration of Change to Add Group of Producers)  
Article 15   A Group of Producers intending  to conduct Pro duction Process Management  for 
SAFFPF pertaining to the registration in Article 6 (excluding a G roup of P roducers that has 
received said registration) may receive a registration of change to add the information  set forth in 
Article 7, paragraph (1), item ( i) pertaining to said G roup of P roducers to the  information  set forth 
in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (iii).  
 (2)   The provisions in Articles 7 to 9 and 11 to 13 apply mutatis mutandis to the registration of 
change prescribed in the preceding paragraph . In this case, the term " the following information " in 
Article 7, paragraph (1) is  deemed to be replaced with "the information  set forth in item (i), the 
registration number, and the information  set forth in Article 9," the term "the information  set forth  in 
paragraph (1) , items (i) to (viii)  of the preceding Article" in Article 8, paragraph (1) is  deemed to be 
replaced with "the  information  set forth in paragraph (1) , item (i)  of the preceding Article, the 
registration number," the term " Article 13 , parag raph (1) , items (ii) to (iv) " in Article 11, paragraph 
(1) is deemed to be replaced with " Article 13 , paragraph (1) , items (ii) and (iv)  (excluding (a))," the 
term "said Article to the preceding Article" in Article 12, paragraph (1) is  deemed to be replaced 
with "said Article, Article 9, and the preceding Article," the term "following" in paragraph (2) of 
said Article is  deemed to be replaced with "set forth in the date of change and item (iii)," the term 
"in the following cases" in Article 13, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "in the cases set 
forth in items (i), (ii) and (iv) (excluding (a))," and the term "the  information " in (a) of item (ii) of 
said paragraph is  deemed to be replaced with "the information  as set forth in item (ii) of paragraph  
(2) of the preceding Article pertaining to registration number."  
 
 (Registration of Change of  Specification ) 
Article 16   A Registered Group of P roducers intending  to make a change to the Specification  
(limited to those pertaining to the information  set forth in Article 7 , paragraph (1) , items (iii) to 
(viii) ) shall  receive a registration of change.  
 (2)   In the case of the preceding paragraph, if there are two or more R egistered Groups of 
Producers pertaining to registration in Article 6, all R egistered Groups of P roducers pertaining to 
said registration shall  jointly apply for registration of change in said paragraph.  
 (3)   The provisions in paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 7, Articles 8 and 9 and Articles 11 12 
 through 13 ( if the matters pertaining to re gistration of change as prescribed in paragraph (1) are 
those provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor, 
excluding the provisions of Articles 9 and 11) apply mutatis mutandis to registration of change as prescribed in paragraph (1). In this case, the term "the following information " in Article 7, 
paragraph (1) is  deemed to be replaced with "of the information  set forth in item (1), the registration 
number, and among  the information  set forth in items (iii) to (viii), those pertaining to change," the 
term "the information  set forth in paragraph (1) , items (i) to (viii)  of the preceding Article" in 
Article 8, paragraph (1) is  deemed to be replaced with "of the information  set forth in paragraph (1) , 
item (i)  of the preceding Article, the registration number, and among  the items (iii) to (viii) of said 
paragraph, those pertaining to change," the term "said Article to the preceding Article" in Article 12, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "said Article, Article 9, and the preceding Article" in 
cases other than the case where the information  pertaining to the registration of change as 
prescribed in paragraph (1) are those provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being  minor, or replaced with "said Article" if  the matters pertaining to the 
registration of change as prescribed in said paragraph are those provided by said Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor, the term " following " in paragraph 
(2) of said Article is  deemed to be replaced with "the information  pertaining to the date of change 
and the change," the term "item (ii) of the said paragraph" in Article 13, paragraph (1), item (ii) (a) is deemed to be replaced with "item (i ii) of said paragraph" and the term "the information" is 
deemed to be replaced with " among the information, those pertaining to change."  
 
 (Notification of Change in Registered Group of Producers)  
Article 17   When ever a Registered Group of P roducers chang es any of the information set forth 
in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (iii) pertaining to said R egistered Group of P roducers, the group 
shall  notify  of the same and the date to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries  without 
delay.  
 (2)   When  the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received a  notification under 
the provisions  of the preceding paragraph, the Minister shall  register the change by s pecifying  the 
information  pertaining to said notification in the register of  SAFFPF . 
 (3)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has registered the change 
prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the Minister shall  publicly  notify of  the same.  
 
 (Notification of Change to Production Process Management  Rules)  
Article 18    A Registered Group of P roducers that intends to change its P roduction Process 
Management  Rules shall  in advance  notify  the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 
 (Notification of Suspension of Production Process Management ) 13 
 Article 19   A Registered Group of P roducers that intends to suspend its Production Process 
Management  shall  in advance notif y the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 
 (Invalidation of Registration)  
Article 20   A registration ( when  there are two or more R egistered Group of P roducers pertaining 
to said registration, this is limited to the part pertaining to a R egistered Group of P roducers falling 
under any of said respective items among the information  set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), item 
(iii); hereina fter the same appl ies in this Article) will be invalidated if  the registration falls under 
any of the following items: 
 (i) if the Registered Group of P roducers has been dissolved and the liquidation has been 
completed; or  
 (ii) if  the R egistered G roup of P roducers has discontinued its Production Process Management . 
 (2)   When a registration has been invalidated pursuant to the provisions  of the preceding 
paragraph, the R egistered Group of P roducers pertaining to said registration (in the case set forth in 
item (i) of said paragraph, a liquidator) shall  notify the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and 
Fisheries of the reason and the date of its invalidation without delay.  
 (3)   When  a registration has been invalidated pursuant to the provisions  of paragrap h (1), the 
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  delete the registration from the register of 
SAFFPF  
 (4)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has deleted a registration pursuant 
to the provisions  of the preceding para graph, the Minister shall  publicly notify  of the same.  
 
 (Order for Measures)  
Article 21    The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in the following cases, may order 
a Registered Group of P roducers to change the Specification  or the Production Process 
Management  Rules, and to  take any necessary measure:  
 (i) if a Producer  Member of the group has breached the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) or 
Article 4, or an order under  Article 5;  
 (ii) if the Specification  does not accord with the infor mation  set forth in Article 12, paragraph 
(2), item (ii); or  
 (iii) if  it fall s under Article 13, paragraph (1), item (ii) (excluding (a)).  
 
 (Cancellation  of Registration)  
Article 22   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in the following cases, may 
cancel  all or part of a registration: 
 (i) if a Registered G roup of P roducers falls under any of the following:  
 (a) the group no longer  falls under a Group of P roducers;  14 
  (b) the group has fallen under Article 13, paragraph (1), item (i) (b) (l imited to the part 
pertaining to 1);  
 (c) the group has breached an order under the provisions  of the preceding Article; or  
 (d) the group has received a registration as prescribed in Article 6 or a registration of change as 
prescribed in Article 15, parag raph (1) or Article 16, paragraph (1) by wrongful means ; 
 (ii) if the Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product  and Foodstuffs  pertaining to 
registration have  fallen under Article 13, paragraph (1), item (iii) (a);  
 (iii) if the name of the SAFFP F pertaining to registration have  fallen  under Article 13, paragraph 
(1), item (iv) (a); or  
 (iv) if a holder of trademark or an exclusive licensee as provided in the respective items of 
Article 13, paragraph (2) has withdrawn the consent  provided in the r espective items of said 
paragraph.  
 (2)   The provisions of Articles 8, 9, and 11 apply mutatis mutandis to the cancellation of 
registration under the provisions  of the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to items 
(ii) and (iii)). In this c ase, the term "the information set forth in paragraph (1) , items (i) to (viii)  of 
the preceding Article, except when registration is refused by the provisions  of Article 13, paragraph 
(1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i))" in Article 8, paragrap h (1) is deemed to be replaced 
with "the registration number and the reason for  cancellation ," the term "the written application in 
paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and the documents set forth in paragraph (2) , item (i)  of said 
Article" in paragraph (2) of said Article is  deemed to be replaced with "the documents set forth in 
paragraph (2) , item (i)  of the preceding Article" and the term "Article 13, paragraph (1) , items (ii) to 
(iv)" in Article 11, paragraph (1) is  deemed to be replaced with "Article  22, paragraph (1) , items (ii) 
and (iii) ." 
 (3)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has cancell ed all or part of a 
registration under the provisions  of paragraph (1), the Minister shall  delete all or part of the 
registration from the  register of  SAFFPF . 
 (4)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has deleted all or part of a 
registration pursuant to the provisions  of the preceding paragraph, the Minister shall  give notice of 
the same to the R egistered Group of P roducers pertaining to the cancellation of said registration , 
and make a publication. 
 
Chapter IV   Special Provisions for Foreign SAFFPF  (Designation of Foreign SAFFPF ) 
Article 23 (1)   In order for Japan to protect the name of a SAFFPF  mutually with a fore ign state 
(meaning a state or region outside the territory of Japan; hereinafter the same  applies in this paragraph) that has a n equivalent system concerning the protection of the names of SAFFPF in 
accordance with this Act (hereinafter referred to as “Eq uivalent System”) and that falls under all of 15 
 the below noted items (hereinafter referred to as “Contracting State”), the Minister of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Fisheries may designate the  SAFFPF . of said C ontracting State whose names are 
protected under the equivalent system of said Contracting State:  
 (i)   having concluded an  international agreement with Japan that includes the matters listed 
below:  
 (a) the names  of SAFFPF  of Japan should be protected by said foreign state under the 
Equivalent System; an d 
 (b) the names  of SAFFPF of said foreign state should be protected by Japan under this Act.  
 (ii) with regard to the name s of SAFFPF of Japan that should be protected under the 
international agreement specified in the preceding item, the competent author ity of said foreign 
state is to take necessary measures when the Japanese government or a registered group of 
producers pertaining to said SAFFPF asks for appropriate protection of said name.  
 (2)   The designation in the preceding paragraph (hereinafter s imply referred to as “designation”) 
shall be made by stipulating the following matters: 
 (i) the classification of said  SAFFPF;  
 (ii) the name of said  SAFFPF;  
 (iii) the Place of Production of said  SAFFPF ; 
 (iv) the Characteristic of said  SAFFPF;  
 (v) in addition to what is set forth in the preceding items, the method of Production of said 
SAFFPF and other necessary matters to identify said  SAFFPF ; and  
 (vi) in addition to what is set forth  in the preceding items, matters as provided by Ordinance 
of the Mi nistry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with regard to said  SAFFPF . 
 
 (Publication  before Designation)  
Article 24   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall , when he/she provides a 
designation, make a publication, in advance, of the information set forth in the respective items of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article and other necessary matters.  
 
 (Submission of Written Opinion)  
Article 25   When publication is made under the preceding Article, any person may submit a 
written opinio n about the designation of the  SAFFPF  pertaining to said publication to the Minister 
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries within three months from the day o f said publication. 
 
 (Restrictions on Application for Regist ration when there is a Pu blication fo r Designation ) 
Article 26 (1)   For the purpose of  applying the provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of the following article, an application for registration falling under all of the following items, is deemed to be a submission of a written opinion purs uant to the preceding Article with regard to  the 16 
 designation of the SAFFPF pertaining to the publication  under the provisions of Article 24 
(hereinafter referred to as “Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs 
for Designation.”). In this case, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  notify it to 
the Group of Producers that has applied for the registration that falls under all of said items:  
 (i)  the application  for registration was made during  the period of the publication under the 
provisions of preceding Article  
 (ii) all or a part of the Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs pertaining to 
said application for registration shall  fall under all or part of the Candidate Agricultural, 
Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation. 
 (2)   An application for registration falling under item (ii) of preceding paragraph may not be 
made after the period of publication prescribed in the preceding Article; provided, however, that 
this does not apply after  a Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs 
for Designation has not been designated or have been designated pursuant to the provisions of Article 29, paragraph (1).  
 
 (Hearing of Opinions of  Academic Experts ) 
Article 27 (1)   When the period prescribed in Article 25 has expired, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  consult with academic experts as to whether the Candidate Agricultural, 
Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation fall under the cases set forth in 
Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) and whether the name of said Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation fall under the cases as set forth in (a) and (b) of item (ii) of the same paragraph.  
 (2)   When the period prescribed in Article 25 has expired, pursuant to the provisions of 
Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, F orestry and Fisheries, the Minister of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Fisheries  may consult with academic experts as to  whether the name of the Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation. falls under the cases set fo rth in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (c).  
 (3)   In the case of the preceding two paragraphs, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and 
Fisheries shall  show the contents written opinions submitted pursuant to Article 25 to academic 
experts . 
 (4)   Academic experts who have been consulted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or 
(2), if they find it to be necessary, may hear opinions of the person who submitted a written opinion pursuant to Article 25 and other relevant persons.  
 (5)   Academic experts who have been consulted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or 
(2) shall  not leak or misappropriate secrets that they have learned in the course of being asked for 
their opinions. 17 
  
    (Conduct of Designation)  
Article 28 (1)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has completed the procedures under the provisions of Article 24 to the preceding Article, the Minister shall  designate 
except when designation will not be provided pursuant to the provisions in paragraph (1) of the following Article.  
 (2)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has designated , the Minister shall  
promptly make a publication of the following matters: 
 (i) the number and date of designation;  
 (ii) the name of the Contracting State  concerning said designation; and  
 (iii) the information set forth in the respective items of Article 23, paragraph (2). 
 
 (Criteria of Designation)  
Article 29 (1)   The Minister of Agriculture, For estry and Fisheries shall  not designate in the 
following c ases:  
 (i) when  all or a part of the Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and 
Foodstuffs for Designation falls under a registered or designated SAFFPF ; 
 (ii) if the name of the  Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs 
for Designation falls under any of the following:  
 (a) when the name is a generic term; or  
 (b) when the name is  identical with or similar to the following registered trademarks: 
1. a registered trademark pertaining to the Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery 
Products and Foodstuffs for Designation or a product similar thereto;  
2. a registered trademark pertaining to the services related to a Candidate Agricultural, 
Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation or to a product similar thereto.  
 (c) when the name becomes no longer protected under the Equivalent System of the 
Contracting State, or when falls under the case provided by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries which stipulates that th e name should not be protected.  
 (2)   The provisions in the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to item (ii), (b)) do 
not apply if the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has obtained a consent  of the holder 
of trademark pertai ning to the registered trademark provided in (b) of said item with regard to a 
designation of a SAFFPF whose names are provided in (b) of the same item (if an exclusive use 
right is established for the trademark right pertaining to said registered trademar k, a consent  
regard ing the designation to said SAFFPF shall  be made by the licensee of said exclusive use right ). 
     (Geographical Indication of SAFFPF pertaining to Designation)  18 
 Article 30 A d esignated SAFFPF is deemed to be a registered SAFFPF  pertaini ng to an application 
of the provisions of Article 3 and Article 13, paragraph (1), item (iii), (b). In this case, the term “A 
producer as a member of a Group of Producers which has received a registration pursuant to 
Article 6 (simply referred to as “regis tration” in the following paragraph (excluding item (ii)) and 
paragraph (1) of the following Article (including a Group of Producers that has received a registration of change to Article 15, paragraph (1); hereinafter referred to as a “Registered Group of Producers”)” in Article 3, paragraph (1) is read as “A person who is entitled to affix a 
geographical indication in the Equivalent System (meaning the Equivalent System as stipulated in Article 23, paragraph (1)) of the Contracting State (meaning the Contr acting State as stipulated in 
the same paragraph) with regard to a SAFFPF  pertaining to a designation in the same paragraph 
(hereinafter simply referred to as ‘designation’ in the following paragraph)”, the term “said Producer ” is read as “the person,” th e term “date of the registration provided by Article 6” in 
paragraph (2), item (ii) of the same Article is read as “date of designation”, the term “Article 7, paragraph (1), item (iii) pertaining to said registration” is read as “Article 23, paragraph (2), item 
(ii) pertaining to a designation,” the term “to Article 16, paragraph (1)” is read as “under the provisions of Article 31, paragraph (1),” the term “registration of change” is read as “change of designation,” and the term “date of registration” in items (iii) and (iv) of the same paragraph is read as “date of designation.” 
     (Change of Designation)  
Article 31 (1)   If any of the information set forth in Article 23, paragraph (2), items (ii) through (vi) is changed in the Equivalent System of the Contracting State, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  change the designation of the applicable SAFFPF . 
 (2)   The provisions in Articles 24, 25, and 27 through 29 (if the matters pertaining to the change 
of designation under the preceding paragraph are those provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor, excluding the provisions of Articles 25 and 27) apply mutatis mutandis to the change of designation as prescribed in the same paragraph. In this 
case, the term “the information as listed in the respective items of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article” in Article 24 is deemed to be replaced with “the designation number, among the information set forth in items (ii) through (vi) of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, those  pertaining to a change,” the term “the Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation” in Article 27, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with “the SAFFPF pertaining to the publ ication  under the provisions of Article 24,” the term “of said 
Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation” is deemed to be replaced with “of said  SAFFPF” the term “Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery 
Products and Foodstuffs for Designation” in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be 
replaced with “SAFFPF pertaining to th e publication under the provisions of Article 24,” the term 19 
 “Article 24 to the preceding Article” in Article 28, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with 
“Articles 24 and 25 and the preceding Article” in cases other than the case where the information pertaining to the change of designation as prescribed in the preceding paragraph are those provided by said Ordinance of the Min istry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor, or replaced 
with “Article 24” in cases where the information pertaining to the change of designation as prescribed in the same paragraph are those provided by said Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor, the term “following matters” in paragraph (2) of 
the same Article is deemed to be replaced with “designation number, date of change, matters pertaining to  a change, and other mattered provided by Ordinance  of the Ministry of Agriculture, 
Forestry and Fisheries,” and the term “Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation” in Article 29, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with “ SAFFPF 
pertaining to the publication under the provisions of Article 24.”  
     (Cancellation  of Designation)  
Article 32 (1)   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may, in the cases listed below, cancel all or a part of a designation:  
 (i) if the name of the  SAFFPF ,  pertaining to a designation has fallen under either (a) or (c) of 
Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii); or  
 (ii) if a holder of trademark or an exclusive licensee as provided in Article 29, paragraph (2) has 
withdrawn the approval provided in the same paragraph.  
 (2)   The provisions of Articles 24, 25, and 27 apply mutatis mutandis to the cancellation of 
designation under the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)). In this case, the term “the information as listed in the respective items of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article” in Article 24 shall be deemed to be replaced with “designation number, reason for
 cancellation ,” the 
term “whether the Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation fall under the cases set forth in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) and whether the name of said Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation” in Article 27, paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be replaced with “the name of SAF FPF pertaining to 
the publication under the provisions of Article 24,” the term “(a) and (b) of item (ii) of the same paragraph” is deemed to be replaced with “Article 32, paragraph (1), item (i) (limited to the part pertaining to Article 29, paragraph (1) , item (ii), (a)),” the term “Candidate Agricultural, Forestry, 
and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs for Designation” in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with “SAFFPF pertaining to the publication under the provisions of Article 
24.” and the term “Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (c)” is deemed to be replaced with “Article 32, paragraph (1), item (i) (limited to the part pertaining to Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (c)).”  
 (3)   When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry  and F isheries shall , when he/she cancel s all or a 
part of the designation under paragraph (1), the Minister shall  promptly make a publi cation  of it.  20 
  
Chapter V. Miscellaneous Provisions  
 (Method of Publication)  
Article 33   Publication  under  the provisions of this Act is to  be performed through the Internet or 
through other appropriate methods. 
 (2)   The necessary matters concernin g the publication  set forth in the preceding paragraph are  
provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 
 (Report and On- Site Inspection)  
Article 34   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may, to the extent necessary for 
the enforcement of this Act, request a R egistered Group of P roducers, Producers  and other persons 
concerned to make a necessary report on its business or have officials  of the Minist ry enter the 
offices, local offices, warehouses, farms, factories or any other place of the group, manufacturer or persons and have them inspect the situation of the business or A gricultu ral, Forestry and Fishery 
Products  and Foodstuffs  and their ingredients, books, documents and other articles.  
 (2)   An official who conducts an on- site inspection  pursuant to the provisions  of the preceding 
paragraph shall carry a document that identifies  the official  and show  it to the people concerned.  
 (3)   The authority to conduct on- site inspection  pursuant to the provisions  of paragraph (1) shall  
not be construed as  being granted for  criminal investigations.  
 
 (Report to the Minister of Agriculture,  Forestry and Fisheries)  
Article 35   Any person who  considers that a fact involving violation of the provisions of either 
paragraph (2)  or paragraph (3)  of Article 3 or Article 4 exists,  may report to the Minister of 
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries the same,  and request to take appropriate measures, in 
accordance with the procedures as prescribed in Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 (2)   When a  report  has been  filed pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Minister of 
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall  conduct necessary investigation , and when the Minister  has 
found the contents of such report to be  true, the Minister shall  take the measures prescribed in 
Article 5 or 21 and other appropriate measures.  
 (Coopera tion of Relevant Administrative Organs)  
Article 36   The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may request the heads of relevant administrative  agencies to submit appropriate materials or information, and offer their opinions and 
other cooperation as deemed necessary to attain the purpose of this Act.  
 
 (Delegation of Authority)  21 
 Article 37   The authority of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries provided for in 
this Act may be delegated in part to  chief s of local administrative offic es pursuant to the provisions  
of Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
 
 (Delegation to Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)  
Article 38   In addition to what is provided in this Act, procedures and other matters required for 
the implementation of this Act are specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries.  
 
Chapter V I. Penal Provisions  
Article 39   Any person who has violated the order under the provisions of Article 5 ( limited to the 
part pertaining to item (i)) is  punished by imprisonment with work for not more than  5 years or a 
fine of not more than 5 million yen, or both.  
 
Article 40   Any person who has violated the order under the provisions of Article 5 (excluding 
the part pertaining to item (i)) is  punished by imprisonment with work for not more than  3 years or 
a fine of not more than  3 million yen.  
 Article 41   Any person who has violated the order under the provisions  of Article 11, paragraph 
(4) (including case s where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 15, paragraph (2), Article 
16, paragraph (3), and Article 22, paragraph (2)) and Article 27, paragraph (5) (including cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 31, paragraph (2) and Articl e 32, paragraph (2))  
is punished by imprisonment with work for not more than  6 months or a fine of not more than  
500,000 yen.  
 Article 42   Any person who falls under any of the following items is  punished by a fine of not 
more than  300,000 yen:  
 (i) a person who has failed to submit a notification under the provisions  of Article 17, paragraph 
(1) or Article 20, paragraph (2), or made false notification;  
 (ii) a person who has made a change to the P roduction Process Management Rules without 
making notification under the provisions of Article 18, or making a false notification;  
 (iii) a person who has suspended the Production Process Management  without making 
notification under the provisions of Article 19, or making a false notification; or  
 (iv) a person who has not filed  reports under the provisions  of Article 34, paragraph (1) or filed  a 
false report, or refused, interfered with or avoided inspections under the provisions  of said 
paragraph.  
 22 
 Article 43   When a corporation (including an organization without  legal personality  with 
provisions for a  representative or  an administrator; hereinafter the same applies  in this paragraph) or 
a representative or a manager, or an agent, employee, or other worker of a corporation or individual 
committed a violation of a ny of the provisions set forth in the following items with regard to the 
business of said corporation or individual, not only the offender is  punished but also the said 
corporation is punished by the fine prescribed respectively in those items, and  the sai d individual is  
punished by the fine prescribed in the respective Articles : 
 (i) Article 39: a fine of not more than  300 million yen;  
 (ii) Article 40: a fine of not more than  100 million yen; or  
 (iii) the preceding Article: a fine set forth in said Artic le. 
 (2)   When  the preceding paragraph appl ies to an organization without legal personality , the 
representative or the administrator  thereof represent s the organization without legal personality  in 
litigation, and the legal provisions concerning case s of criminal litigation in which a corporation is 
the accused or the suspect apply mutatis mutandis. 
 
Supplementary Provisions  
(Effective Date)  
Article 1   This Act comes into effect as from the date to be provided by a Cabinet O rdinance  
within a period not ex ceeding 1 year from the day of promulgation; provided, however, that the 
provisions of Article  6 of the Supplementary Provisions of this Act come into effect as from the day 
of promulgation. 
 
(Review)  
Article 2   The Government is to review the status of e nforcement of this Act within 10 years from 
the date of its enforcement, and take any necessary measure based upon the results of such review.  
 
(Adjustment Provisions)  
Article 3   If the date on which this Act comes into effect falls before the date on whi ch the Food 
Labeling Act (Act No. 70 of 2013) comes into effect, for the purpose of applying the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) until the day before said date, the term "the Act on Standardization of Commodities concerning Agricultural and Forestry  Products" in said paragraph is deemed to be 
replaced with "the Act on Standardization and Proper Quality Labeling of Agricultural and Forestry Products."  
 
(Partial Amendment to the Trademark Act)  
Article 4   The Trademark Act is partially amended as follo ws: The following paragraph is added 
to Article 26:  23 
 (3) A trademark right has no effect on any of the following acts; provided, however, that this is 
limited to cases where such act has not the purpose of unfair competition:  
(i) affixing a Geographical Indication (hereinafter referred to as a "Geographical Indication" in this paragraph) as prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (3) of the Act on Protection of the Names of Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products and Foodstuffs (Act No. 84 of 2014; hereinaft er referred to as the "Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product 
and Foodstuff Name Protection Act" in this paragraph) on goods or their package pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Product and Foodstuff Name Protection Act;  
(ii)assigning, delivering, displaying for the purpose of assignment or delivery, export or import goods or packages of goods to which a Geographical Indication is affixed, pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Specific Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery 
Product Name Protection Act; or  
(iii) displaying invoices of goods to which a Geographical Indication is affixed, pursuant to the 
provisions of Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Specific Agric ultural, Forestry and Fishery 
Product and Foodstuff Name Protection Act.  
 
(Partial Amendment to Registration and License Tax Act)  
Article 5   The Registration and License Tax Act (Act No. 35 of 1967) is partially amended as 
follows:  
The following is added after item (87) of Appended Table 1:  
 
(Delegation to Cabinet Ord inance ) 
Article 6   In addition to what is provided in Article 3 of the Supplementary Provisions, any 
matter necessary for the enforcement of this Act is provided b y Cabinet Ord inance.  
  87-2 Registration  of Registered Group of Producers  or Registration  of Change  
Registration of a Group of Producers  registered  as 
prescribed  in Article  6 (Registration  of Specific 
Agricultural,  Forestry  and Fishery  Products)  of the Act on 
Protecting  the Names of Specific   Agricultural,  Forestry  
and Fishery  Products  (Act No. of 2014)  or registration  of 
change  as prescribed  in Article  15, paragraph  (1) of said 
Article  (Registration  of Change  to Add Group  of 
Pd )  Number  of 
registrations  90,000  
yen per 
registration