WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
6 October 2010 
 (10-5086) 
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  
 
JAPAN 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 30 September 2010, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of Japan. 
 
_______________ 
  
I.
 MARINE PRODUCTS.............................................................................................................2  
A. IMPORT QUOTA ITEMS .................................................................................................................2  
B. IMPORT APPROVAL ITEMS ...........................................................................................................5  
II. MEDICINES AND CHEMI CAL PRODUCTS .....................................................................8  
III. PROPELLANT POWDERS ....................................................................................................9  
IV. NUCLEAR GOODS ...............................................................................................................11  
V. WEAPONS ........................................................................................................................ ......12  
VI. WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS .........................................................................................13  
VII. SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED 
HAZARDOUS WASTES, WASTE CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS ...........................14  
A. IMPORT QUOTA ITEMS ...............................................................................................................14  
B. IMPORT APPROVAL ITEMS .........................................................................................................16  
VIII.  ALCOHOL ........................................................................................................................ ......18  
IX. ROUGH DIAMONDS ............................................................................................................20  
X. CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM IRAQ ..............................21  
XI. ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA ..............................................................21  
XII. WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO NUCLEAR PROGRAMMES 
OR BALLISTIC MISSILE PR OGRAMMES FROM IRAN .............................................22  
XIII.  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEM S FROM ERITREA .......................................................23  
 
                                                      
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 2 
 
 
  I. MARINE PRODUCTS 
A. IMPORT QUOTA ITEMS  
Outline of systems  
 
1. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) shall designate and publish a list of items 
of goods for which allocations  of import quota are required in accord ance 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 allo cations of import quota in accordanc e with Article 9 of the order. 
 
 The list of import quota items shall be made publ ic by the METI in the Official Gazette, the 
METI Official Bulletin and th e International Trade Bulletin. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Approvals are required for th e 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 a nd Niboshi (small boiled and dried fish 
 ex 03.03     for seasoning), live, fresh, ch illed, 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 ika") 
 ex 12.12   Edible seaweeds  and its food preparations  
 ex 21.06  
3. In principle, the approval syst em applies to the products origina ting or shipped in all countries.  
 4. In principle, import of the products listed in 2 above shall be rest ricted quantitatively. 
 
5. The approval system is a statutory requirement of Article 4.1.(1) and Ar ticle 9.1 of the IMPORT 
TRADE CONTROL ORDE R.  The list of controlled items sh all be published as an IMPORT NOTICE 
in the Official Gazette.  It is possible for the Government to abo lish the system without legislative 
approval. (Within the Government, consent shall be required from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry 
and Fisheries (MAFF) who has ju risdiction for these products.) 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. In principle, the approval sy stem applies to the products origin ating or shipped in all countries. 
 
I. The information about the a pplication for import quota allocation shall be published in the 
Official Gazette, the METI Official Bulletin a nd the International Trade Bulletin.  The total 
amount of import quota shall be published in the METI Official Bulletin and others.  Import 
quota items are classi fied as follows: 
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 3 
 
 
   Items         Originating country  
 
- Herring, Cod, Yellow tail, Mackerel, Sardines, Horse-  All countries  
 mackerel, Sauries, roes of Cod a nd Niboshi (small  (country of demand 
 boiled and dried fish for se asoning), live,  to export) 
 fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine           
 
- Scallops, adductors of shell-fish, cutt le-fish and    All countries 
 squid (excluding "Mongo ika")                                 (country of demand 
         t o  e x p o r t )  
 - Edible seaweeds and its food pr eparations                     All countries 
         (country of demand 
         t o  e x p o r t )   
 An application for import licensing is not neces sary in such cases where the value of a cargo 
should be estimated below Yen 180,00 0 and should be of no-commercial  value.  In these cases, a 
declaration shall be sent to cust oms, 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 application is s ubmitted, the same number of certifications of 
import quota are 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 appr oval by the METI based on the 
certificate of import quota.  Th en importers can import the good s concerned after submitting the 
import approval to the customs bureau. 
  Actual importation corresponding to the import quota is confirmed by th e report of importation, 
which importers submit to the ME TI.  Importers are requested to submit such reports according 
to the application procedure of import quota. 
 
 Unused allocations, in principle, are no t 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 cau se 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 
METI Official Bulletin 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 applicati on of import quota, the METI shall pr ocess it as quickly as possible.  
It would take about 3 weeks to carry out the process required by the METI.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 4 
 
 
  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 certificat e 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 applicat ion shall be carried out only by the METI.  
 
VIII. The level of the import quot a is determined so that the necessary amount of goods will be 
imported.  However, in the case where the level of import quota is smaller than the total 
quantity applied for by importers, the capability of an importer is  mainly taken into account, 
specifically, the importer's experience of obt aining 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 certificat e of import quota is described on the application 
form.  In principle, importers who are qualified fo r application should meet any of the following three 
cases:  
 (1) An importer who has experience of obt aining the certificate of import quota and of 
importing goods based on the certificate of import quota; 
 
 (2) An importer who is ordered to get mate rials 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 impor ting foods listed in Sections 1 to 4 of the 
Customs Tariff Schedule and intends to im port items subject to import quota with a 
definite plan. 
  There is no system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation.      
 
Documentational and othe r 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.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 5 
 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The validity term of a certificate of import quot a, issued by the METI, is four months, and that 
of a certificate on import approval, issued by the ME TI based on the certificate for an import quota, is 
six months.   
 
 Although, in principle, extension of the certif icate of import quota and import approval shall not 
be permitted, however, it is permitted in such a case where an approved importe r delegates authority to 
the other under such conditions as approved by METI. 
 
 In the case of an application of an extensi on for certificates of import quota, the METI may 
receive the application.  
 
 In the case of an application of an extension of less than two months for a certificate of import 
approval, the customs bureau may receive the application for the extension, and in the case of more than 
two months, the METI may receive it. 
 15. A penalty for an importer who has not utilized all or a porti on 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, al location will not be made in the following year for 
such an importer who has utilized less than 80 pe r cent of the allocated quota without any justifiable 
reason.  
 
 In cases where an allocation is made for im porters 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 90 per cent of the allocated quota without 
any justifiable reason.  
16. Licences may not be transferred. 
 17. In principle, there are no other conditio ns attached to the issue of a licence. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. There are no other administrative proc edures required prior to importation. 
 19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
B. I
MPORT APPROVAL ITEMS  
 
Outline of systems  
 
1. The METI shall designate and publish a list of  items of goods for whic h 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 li st shall be subject to import approval for imports 
provided for in Article 4. 
  The list of items shall be made public by the ME TI in the Official Gazette, the METI Official 
Bulletin and International Trade Bulletin. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 6 
 
 
  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 
 
(6) Salmon and (sal mon) 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) Big eye tuna and their preparations 
 HS Nos.
 03⋅01, 03⋅02, 03⋅03, 03⋅04, 03⋅05, 16⋅04, 23⋅01, 23⋅09 
 
(9) 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 ex cepting the case of shipment from harbours of 
foreign countries and the case of import by fish ing boats which have left Japanese territory, 
not having been trans shipped the goods from fi shing 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 Bolivia and 
Georgia (if places of origin are these countries). 
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 7 
 
 
  (6) The approval system applies to paragraph 2(9) 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 describe d in 2(1) - (4) is to ensure that the fish products caught by 
foreign fishermen and imported to  Japan do not adversely affect fishing activities by Japanese 
fishermen.   
 The objective of measures describe d in 2(5) is to comply with the resolution of the IWC, which 
restricts the import of whale meats and whal e products from non-IWC me mbers 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) - (8) above is to observe the resolution of the ICCAT. 
 
 The objective of measures  described in 2(9) is to comply with the resolution of the CCSBT, 
which restricts the import of southern bluefi n tuna from non-CCSBT memb ers to CCSBT members. 
 
5. The approval system is a statutory requir ement 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 abol ish the system without legi slative approval; however, 
consent shall be required from the MAFF  who has jurisdiction for these products. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7. No quantitative limit on th e importation of a product. 
 
(a) The items subject to import  approval cannot be imported w ithout a certificate of import 
approval.  An importer shall apply for import ap proval, in advance of importation, taking into 
consideration around two weeks of the processing time. 
  (b) Examination needs sufficient time, therefore, an approval cannot be granted immediately on 
request. 
 (c) Importers may apply for import approval in any time of the year.  
 
(d) 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 th e legal requirements are equally eligible to apply 
for and obtain import approval. 
 Documentational and othe r requirements for application for a licence
 
 
10. An application and state of reason  should be submitted to the METI.  
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 8 
 
 
   In case of products listed unde r paragraph 2(5)-(8), an importer shall submit the confirmation 
issued by the Fisheries Agency. 
 11. A current certificate of impo rt approval by the METI is requ ired 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 da te of issue.  The METI may designate a validity 
term different from this or extend the validity as required by certain circumstances.  
 An applicant has to approach customs bureau in the case of an application for extension of less 
than two months of validity, and in the ca se of more than two months, to the METI. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilizat ion 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 ite ms in marine products section. 
 
II. MEDICINES AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Approvals are required for the follo wing medicines and chemical products:  
 
 HS No.   Description of Goods  
 ex 1211  Narcotic, chemical products, category    ex 1301, 1302, ex 2906, ex 2524, ex 2903, ex 2904, ex 2907, ex 2909, ex 2910, 2914, ex 2918, 
ex 2921, ex 2922, ex 2924, ex 2926, ex 2930, ex 2931, ex 2932, ex 2933, ex 2934, ex 2939, 
ex 3002, ex 3003, ex 3004, ex 3404, ex 3506, ex 3605, ex 3822, ex 3824, ex 4005, ex 4016 
 
 Preparations, etc., which contain more than 0.1% by weight of the substances listed in Article 
16.1 (4)
2 of the Enforcement Order of Industrial Sa fety and Health Law (Cabinet Order No. 318. 
1972). 
 
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 humans, anim als, and plants. A certific ate for an import approval 
shall be issued to a person obtaining permissi on from the Ministry (MAFF or MHLW) which has 
jurisdiction for  goods listed above.    
                                                     
 
2 Asbestos.   G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 9 
 
 
  5. The approval system is a statutory requir ement of Article 4.1(2) of the IMPORT TRADE 
CONTROL ORDER.  Legisl ation leaves the designation of pr oducts subject to licensing up to 
administrative discretion.  It is possible for the G overnment to abolish the system without legislative 
approval. 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
7. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 8. See reply of import quota items in marine products section. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. The eligibility for an import approval  application differs according to items. 
 - Narcotic:  a person who has obt ained permission from the MHLW; 
- Chemical products:  a person wishing to import for the purpose of testing and research, or a 
person who has been given an order from them; 
- Vaccine:  a person who has obtained permissi on from the MHLW, or a person who has been 
given an unofficial notice from the Dire ctor-General, Medicine Bureau, MHLW. 
  The eligibility for an import approval comes under any one of th e items listed above, and there 
is no other registration system.  
 
Documentational and othe r 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 it ems in marine products section. 
 
12.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms 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 ite ms in marine products section. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
III. PROPELLANT POWDERS 
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 2. Approvals are required for the following propellant powders: G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 10 
 
 
   
 HS No.   Description of Goods  
 3601  Propellant powders, prepared explosives, safety   3602  fuses, etc. 
 ex 3603 
 
3. See reply of medicine s 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 and chemical products.  
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.   
7. See reply of import approval it ems 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 under any one of the above.  There is no other 
registration system.  
 
Documentational and othe r requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. See reply of medicines an d chemical products section. 
 11. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
12.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms 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 ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
   G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 11 
 
 
  IV. NUCLEAR GOODS 
Outline of systems  
 1. See reply of import approval it ems 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, nucl ear fuel, nuclear reactors, 
 ex 2844  instruments and ap paratus containing nuclear   
 ex 8109  fuel materials, for measuring or detecting 
 8401  ionising radiations, tubes of zirconium, etc.  ex 9030 
   
3. See reply of medicines an d chemical products section. 
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quant ity or value of imports. The approval system is 
for security purposes. A certificate for an import a pproval shall be issued to  a person who deals with 
refinement, processing, establis hing nuclear reactors, or reproc essing, after having obtained the 
described permission. 
 5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products.  
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  
7. See reply of import approval it ems 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, processe s, establishes nuclear reactors  or reprocesses after having 
obtained the  described perm ission is eligible to appl y 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 othe r requirements for application for a licence
 
 
10. See reply of medicines an d chemical products section. 
 11. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
12.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14.-15. See reply of import approval items in marine products section. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 12 
 
 
  16.-17. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 V. WEAPONS 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems 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 an d chemical products section. 
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quant ity or value of imports. The approval system is 
for security purposes. A certificate for an import appr oval shall be issued to a person who is entrusted 
imports by public bodies in the state or at local level, or who obtains ma nufacturing permission. 
 
5. See reply of medicines and chemical products.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7. See reply of import approval it ems 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 bodi es in the state or at local level, or who 
obtains manufacturing permission is elig ible 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 othe r requirements for application for a licence
 
 10. See reply of medicines an d chemical products section. 
 
11. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
12.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section.  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 13 
 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
 
14.-15. See reply of import approval items in marine products section. 
 
16.-17. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
VI. WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 2. Approvals are required for: 
 
 (1) Animals (excluding sperm wh ale, 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 (hereafter referred to as the 
"Washington Convention"), plus  their parts and derivatives. 
 
 (2) Animals and plants belonging to specie s listed in Annex II of the Washington 
Convention (except for whales and their prepar ations, and also except for whale shark, 
basking shark, white shark and sea horse), pl us their parts and derivatives (for plants, 
only those parts and derivatives specified in Annex II). 
 
 (3) Animals and plants belonging to specie s listed in Annex III of the Washington 
Convention, plus their parts and derivatives. 
 
3. (1) The approval system appl ies to paragraph 2.(1) with regard to that coming from all 
countries. 
 
 (2) The approval system applies to paragr aphs 2.(2) and 2.(3) coming from non-members 
of the Washington Convention 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 Washington Convention. 
 
5. See reply of medicines and chemical products.   
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 14 
 
 
  8. No application shall be refused if the standard  criteria (e.g. the period of application, the 
eligibility of application, the doc umentation 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 anim als or plants for businesses, and the imports of animals or plants 
that have been acquired are eligib le to apply for import approval. 
 
 The eligibility for an import approval comes under any one of the above.  There is no other 
registration system.    
 
Documentational and othe r requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. See reply of medicines an d chemical products section. 
 11. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
12.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms 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 lic ence is that when making a declaration to a 
customs bureau, submission to the customs authorities of the original of the export permit or the 
certificate of re-export is required. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 VII. SUBSTANCES WHICH DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, SPECIFIED 
HAZARDOUS WASTES, WASTE CHEMICAL WEAPONS GOODS 
A. I
MPORT 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 Ozon e Layer, those used as raw materials for producing 
other substances and those used for laboratory a nd 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 (exc luding Import approval item s 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 approv al items in Substances  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 15 
 
 
  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 material s for producing other substances and thos e used for laboratory and analytical 
purpose);  Annex C, Group III (excluding Import approv al items in Substances which Deplete the Ozone 
Layer, those used as ra w materials for producing other substances  and those used for laboratory and 
analytical purpose );  Annex E (excluding Import approval items in Substa nces which Deplete the 
Ozone Layer, those used as raw ma terials for producing other substanc es, 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 an d chemical products section. 
 
4. In principle, the permit syst em 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 tran sactions that are made base d on the control of a treaty. 
 
5. The permit system is a statutory requirement of Article 4.1 of the IMPORT TRADE CONTROL ORDER, (1) and Article 9. 1.(1).  The controlled items sh all 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 im port quota's application shall be published in the METI Official 
Bulletin and the Intern ational 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 shoul d 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 app lication 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 quantitativ ely, which performs the duty of the Protocol.  
A certificate for an import quota shall be i ssued to a person who has been through the 
procedure based on the performance accord ing 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 c ondition that an importer has no responsibility for G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 16 
 
 
  the cause of unused allocations, or that prohibitio n from the exporter's side leads to unused 
allocation, etc. 
 IV-VII. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
VIII. When the scale of an import quota applicat ion 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 ite ms 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 othe r requirements for application for a licence
 
 10.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms 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 ite ms in marine products section. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
B. IMPORT APPROVAL ITEMS  
 
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Approvals are required for:  
  (1) Controlled substances list ed in Annex A, B, C, Group I,  Group II, Group III, D, E of the 
Montreal Protocol on Subs tances that Deplete the Ozone Layer coming from 
non-members of the Montreal Protocol on S ubstances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. 
 
 (2) Specified hazardous wastes in item 1 of Section 2 of the Law for the Control of the 
Export and Import of Specified Haza rdous Wastes and Other Wastes. 
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 17 
 
 
   (3) Wastes in item 1 of Se ction 2 of the Waste Manageme nt and Public Cleansing Law 
(except for wastes produced from ship or ai rcraft navigation in Article 4.2 and for a 
person who ente rs Japan carry ing wastes). 
 
 (4) Specified products in item 3 of Sectio n 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 appl ies 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 applie s 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 Hazar dous Wastes and Their Disposal, Waste Disposal 
and the Public Cleansing Law, the Law on the Pr ohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Regulation 
of Specific Chemicals.  
 
5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  
7. See reply of import approval it ems 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 doc umentation 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 it ems in marine products section. 
 
Documentational and othe r requirements for application for a licence
 
 
10. See reply of medicines an d chemical products section. 
 
11. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 12.-13. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14.-15. See reply of import approval items in marine products section. G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 18 
 
 
  16.-17. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
 VIII.  ALCOHOL 
Outline of systems
 
 
1. An importer who intends to import alcohol (whi ch contains alcohol of 90 per cent by vol. or 
higher (HS No. 2207.10)) for the purpose of test, research or analysis shall obtain the approval of the METI for each import.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. An importer who intends to import alcohol (whi ch contains alcohol of 90 per cent by vol. or 
higher (HS No. 2207.10)) for the purpose of test, research or analysis shall obtain the approval of the METI for each import. 
 
3. The system applies to products coming from all countries.  
4. This system does not regulate the volume or va lue 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 re quired for import of alcohol by an importer with the 
permission of the import business under the Article 16 of the Alcohol Business Law.) 
 
5. The METI gives approval in accordance with Article 17 of the Alcohol Business Law.  The 
system does not leave any administrative discretion to designate which products are subject to the law.  
Legislation is necessary to abolish the licensing system. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Although there is no import quota, the quantity of imports must 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 accord ance with application form No. 17 of the Alcohol 
Business Law, which was published in the Official Gazette dated 5 October 2000. 
 
II. There is no import quota. 
 
III-IV. A quota system is not applicable. 
 
V. The process of application is carried out within two weeks.  
VI. Importers may declare import any time after they obtain import approval in accordance with 
Alcohol Business Law. 
 
VII. Approval is given only by the METI.  
VIII-IX. There is no import quota. 
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 19 
 
 
  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 impor t approval. It can not be granted immediately on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation. 
 
(d) An importer has to approach only the METI. 
 8. No application shall be refused if an app lication complies with the ordinary criteria of 
application procedures.  In case that an applicatio n for a licence is refused, reasons for the refusal 
should be explained to the applicant.  The applican t can also request for examination to the METI in 
accordance with the Admini strative Appeal Law. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. There is no restriction. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. Application for the import approval shall be submitted to the METI in accordance with the 
application form No.17 of enforcement regulation of the Alcohol Business Law. 
 
11. A valid certificate of import approval issued by  the METI is required upon an 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 alcohol 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. 
 19. See reply 19 of Import quota items in Marine products section. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 20 
 
 
  IX. ROUGH DIAMONDS 
Outline of systems  
 1. See reply of import approval item s 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 Nati ons Security Council Resolution 1343 (2001). 
 5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7. See reply of import approval it ems 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 require ments 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. A current certificate of import approval by the METI and the Kimberly Process Certificate are 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 ite ms in marine products section. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. See reply of import quota ite ms in marine products section. 
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 21 
 
 
  X. CULTURAL PROPERTY ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM IRAQ  
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Approval is required for cultural property ille gally 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 Resolutions 1483 (2003). 
 
5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products. 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section.  
 
8. In principle, approval shall not be given. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. Not applicable. 
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence  
 
10.-13. Not applicable. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14.-17. Not applicable.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.-19. Not applicable. 
 
XI. ALL OF THE GOODS FROM NORTH KOREA 
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 22 
 
 
  4. In principle, the approval system shall be intended to take the m easures decided by the 
government. 
 5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 8. In principle, approval shall not be given. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. Not applicable.  
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 
10.-13. Not applicable. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14.-17. Not applicable. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18.-19. Not applicable. 
 
XII. WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO NUCLEAR PROGRAMMES OR 
BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAMMES FROM IRAN 
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Approvals are required for weapons and other it ems 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(2 007). 
 
5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
  G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
 Page 23 
 
 
  8. In principle, approval shall not be given. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. Not applicable.  
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 
10.-13. Not applicable. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14.-17. Not applicable. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18.-19. Not applicable. 
 
XIII.  WEAPONS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM ERITREA  
Outline of systems  
 
1. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Approvals are required fo r 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 Resolutions 1907(2008). 
 
5. See reply of medicine s and chemical products. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. See reply of import approval it ems in marine products section. 
 
8. In principle, approval shall not be given.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Not applicable. 
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for licence
 
 
10.-13. Not applicable. 
 G/LIC/N/3/JPN/9 
Page 24 
 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
 
14-17. Not applicable. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18.-19. Not applicable. 
 
 
__________