Access and Benefit-Sharing Guidebook:

Using Genetic Resourcesfrom your home country
or other foreign countries in Japanver. 1.1

ABS Support Team for Academia
National Institute of Genetics

Contents
BasicsRules for research in the Nagoya Protocol ..... 1
Penalties for non-compliance ..... 2-3
What is Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)? ..... 4-5
What is a genetic resource (GR)? ..... 6-7
Comprehensive
What is the Convention on Biological Diversity? ..... 8“Benefits” from basic research ..... 9Standard procedures for ABS .....10-11
Considerations for ABS procedures ..... 12-13
ABS guidelines for GR use in Japan ..... 14-15
Information
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ..... 16-17
Value of non-monetary benefits ..... 18
Useful websites ..... 19
Organization of ABS Support Team ..... 20
Our mission ..... 21

The Nagoya Protocol on
Access and Benefit-Sharing
Does it affect me?

→Yes, it does!
If you wish to study in Japan using genetic resources (GRs) fromyour country or others, you must comply with the rules forAccess and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) specified in the Nagoya
Protocol (NP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in
addition to the laws and regulations in the countries providing
the GRs (herein referred to as “providing countries”).
Before obtaining GRs from overseas or bringing them into Japan– even from your own country – you must confirm and comply
with all relevant rules and procedures established by the laws in
the providing country.
If you bring GRs into Japan without following the proper
procedures, you risk facing severe penalties.
These are mine,
because I found them.

Not quite.
Would you please stop here, sir?

1

BasicsFailure to comply with the laws and regulations in theproviding country (even if it is your home country) could
result in the following penalties.
1) You may be arrested in the GR providing country.
2) Your research may be suspended or interrupted.
3) Your application for grants may not be accepted.
4) Your paper may be rejected by journals.
5) Your results may not be publicly presented.
6) You and your host institute may not be able to accesssamples from the providing country in the future.
7) You cannot apply for patents using the samples.
8) These may seriously affect for your Ph.D. degree.
You risk serious consequences to your research, your PhD
degree as well as to other researchers in your host county if
you fail to follow proper ABS procedures.

No, we do not accept
your paper.

You are under arrest.
You must stop
your project now.

2

BasicsWhat can I do to avoid such penalties?
Although it is enough to observe the relevant laws and ABS
procedures in the providing country for obtaining and transporting
GRs, the reality is more complicated because such laws andprocedures are different depending on the country, the GR
species, and the planned use of the GR.

Indeed it’s quite complicated! So where do we start?

Read this booklet to familiarize
yourself with the basics of ABS.
First of all, what is “ABS”? What kind of sample organisms – GRs –are affected? What are ABS Guidelines, and what are theConvention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol(NP) which are the basis for these guidelines? What procedures
are required to obtain GRs from overseas? Read through thefollowing pages to find out.
•
•
•
•

•

ABS
Genetic Resources
CBD
NP
Procedures for ABS

3

BasicsWhat is ABS?
Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
Arising from their Utilization – or “Access and Benefit-Sharing” for short.

Since ancient times, people have used natural remedies sourced
from herbs and other living organisms to treat illness and promote
human health. Modern developments in scientific research havefurther revealed the potential benefits offered by living organisms,
and as a result they are receiving renewed attention.

！

Take this medicine.
It will cure you soon.

Wonder drug!

Consequently, scientists and companies around the world arecompeting to acquire potentially valuable GRs (see page 6) such as
unexplored organisms and their genes. This is especially prevalent
in regions where research is not advanced (e.g. developing
countries), and the inappropriate or unapproved collection andremoval of GRs from such countries has become a serious
problem.

...

It was our knowledge...

I get rich, because I am smart.

4

BasicsThis issue has led to an international movement with the following
three goals:
1) To ensure that GRs are not transferred internationally without
permission.
2) To share the benefits obtained from GRs between providing
countries and user countries (where the research takes place).
3) To apply the benefits of GRs for biodiversity conservation.
As a result, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (seepage 8) was established to define the rules for accessing genetic
resources and for sharing benefits between the providing and user
counties. The official wording for this is “access to genetic
resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arisingfrom their utilization”, which is commonly shortened to “Access andBenefit-Sharing” or simply “ABS”.

5

BasicsWhat is a genetic resource (GR)?
What exactly are the “genetic resources” that are covered by therules for Access and Benefit-Sharing? According to the CBD(see page 8) a genetic resource is defined as "genetic material of
actual or potential value”, and "genetic material" is defined as“any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing
functional units of heredity.”
Although the concept of “value” may be a subjective one, wecannot say that anything is “without value” as a research subject.
Therefore we ought to consider any material as having “value”.

When using GRs from overseas (including your own country)
you must comply with proper ABS rules and procedures (seepage 10). Failure to comply with the providing country’s laws for
obtaining and using GRs risks serious implications not only foryour own research, but for the scientific community in Japan as awhole.
Examples of GR samples for which the rules for ABS from the
CBD do and do not apply are given on the next page.

?
?

? ?
?

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6

BasicsSamples covered by CBD/ABS• Whole or partial organisms: plants, animals, and microbes(including viruses, phages, viroids, etc.) regardless ofcondition (i.e. dead, living, dried, frozen, powdered, etc.)• Microorganisms in environmental samples (soil, water)• Traditional knowledge associated with GRs (for example,
recipes and applications of medicinal herbs)
NOTE:
•
•

DNA/RNA purified from organisms are subject to ABS. ABS proceduresmust be followed when using DNA/RNA samples obtained from overseas.
Organic compounds or derivatives that do not contain functional units ofheredity such as proteins and metabolites are not categorized as genetic
resources by the CBD/NP. However, special care is needed as somecountries do regard these as subject to ABS rules in their national laws.
(See page 17, FAQ #8)

Samples (usually) NOT covered by CBD/ABS• Sequence Data (Digital Sequence Information)(Caution: Some countries’ laws do include sequence data as
subject to ABS, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, and others.)• Synthesized nucleotides (DNA/RNA)• Marine organisms from international waters(For more details see http://idenshigen.jp)• Human GRs(Caution: China has implemented strict regulations on human GRs.)(Intestinal microbes, parasites and infectious organisms are subject to ABS.)• GRs from CBD non-signatory countries(Notably the USA is a non-party of the CBD, and therefore GRs from the USA are notsubject to ABS. However, the USA has its own laws and procedures regulating GRs. For
more information on the USA and other non-party countries see page 16, FAQs #1 and #2)• GRs obtained before the CBD entered into force (December 29, 1993)(See pages16 and 17, FAQs #4 and #7)

7

BasicsWhat is the Convention on Biological Diversity?
The CBD is an international treaty for the protection of the global
ecosystem and biodiversity. Its three main goals are:(1) The conservation of biodiversity(2) The sustainable use of biodiversity(3) The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the useof GRs
Article 15 of the CBD recognizes “the sovereign rights of Statesover their natural resources” and stipulates that “the authority todetermine access to genetic resources” belongs to each country’s
government and is subject to that country’s laws. The
determination of “access” mentioned in Article 15 together with the
CBD’s main goal (3) of “benefit-sharing” provides the commonlyused abbreviation of “Access and Benefits-Sharing” – or ABS.
Basic rules for GRs determined by ABS are as follows:• Each country holds sovereign rights to their GRs.
• To utilize GRs, you need permission from the providing country.
• Benefits must be shared by user and provider countries.

ABS is a pivotal objective of the CBD. The Nagoya Protocol(NP) is a supplementary agreement to the CDB for
implementing ABS.

8

ComprehensiveDoes basic research have “benefits” to share?
Researchers might mistakenly believe that NP rules for sharing
benefits with provider countries do not apply to basic research,
because no “monetary” benefit is gained. However, the assumptionthat “benefits” are necessarily monetary is incorrect.

Basic research IS subject to ABS!
Basic research produces “non-monetary” benefits, which must be
shared between provider and user countries, such as publication ofco-authored paper, transfer of technology, capacity building andoffering of educational opportunities. (See also pages 12, and 18)
ABS ensures that the use of foreign GRs promotes scientificadvancement not only through research in user countries but also
provides non-monetary benefits that promote scientific andeducational advancement in the providing country and contributeto regional development. (See page 18)

Co-authorship

Collaboration

Teaching

Invitation

9

ComprehensiveStandard procedures for ABS
On this page we introduce the “standard” procedures for accessing and importing foreign GRs into
Japan in accordance with the CBD/NP. We use the term “standard” here because procedures vary
according to the providing countries’ laws. Therefore the procedures for each providing country may
also be significantly different.
Some countries may even have simplified procedures for GR access for students or scientists whoare citizens of that country. For details, contact the ABS Support Team for Academia (abs@nig.ac.jp).
Please familiarize yourself with the standard procedures below to gain a basic understanding of ABS
and related issues.
Note: when bringing GRs from your country “providing country” means your home country!

① In conjunction with your principal investigator, find a collaborating researcher in the GR
providing country and conduct joint research with this “counterpart” (see page 12 item2). To do this, a collaborative agreement (*1) must first be established between yourresearch institute in Japan and the providing country counterpart’s institute such as a
MoU/MoA/CRA (see page 12, item 3). Note that the agreement must include Mutually
Agreed Terms (MAT*2) describing the sharing of benefits arising from the research(i.e. co-authorship of papers, transferring of experimental technology, etc.).
② Acquire Prior Informed Consent (PIC *3) from the government of the providing
country in accordance with that country’s laws. Note that PIC is a combination of
permits (access, transfer, research, etc.) required for your research (depending on yourresearch plan). (See page 13, item 4)③ Establish a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA*4) between both institutes prior totransferring any GRs from the providing country to Japan. (Please observe any laws
and procedures for quarantine, import/export, etc. in both countries.)
Additional procedures, when an Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance(IRCC*5) is issued from the ABS Clearing-House (ABSCH*6):(The procedures below need to be taken only when an IRCC has been issued.)❹ If the government of the providing country submits documents (PIC/MAT) proving yourlawful access to GRs to the ABS Clearing-House (ABSCH*6),❺ An Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance (IRCC*5) will be issued
and made public on the ABSCH website.
⑥ Report to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan that you have acquired the
IRCC. (The report will be posted on the website of the MOE.)⑦ Five years after the first report, submit a follow-up monitoring report in accordance with
the MOE’s instructions.
(Numbers with white backgrounds (①, ②, ③, ⑥ and ⑦) are procedures to be performed jointly by you and yourinstitute, while those with black backgrounds (❹ and ❺) indicate procedures to be performed by the government of
a GR providing country and ABSCH.)

10ComprehensiveABS Clearing-House*6(International information center for ABS)

https://absch.cbd.int❺ IRCC published on the ABSCH web site.
*5❹

Reports PIC/MAT certifying
your lawful access to GRs

Sharing of Information

Providing country• GRs• Traditional Knowledge
associated with GRs

Japan

Government of
the providing
country (CNA)

Ministry of Environment
Web site for ABS⑥② PIC (* )Report ofissued IRCC＊53①⑦
RequestMonitoring

Joint research
agreement (*1)
with MAT (*2)

Counterpart’s
institute inproviding/homecountryYour present
institute③③
SampleTransfer

MTA*4Your Present
Institute
Basic Research*1 Collaborative agreement: MoU/MoA (Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement), CRA (Collaborative
Research Agreement), or similar contract. Use any agreement appropriate for your research.
*2 MAT (Mutually Agreed Terms) should contain benefit-sharing, conditions of sampling/transfer/usage, etc.
*3 PIC (Prior Informed Consent), is permission given by the Competent National Authority (CNA) of a providing
country to applicants who wish to access GRs.
*4 MTA (Material Transfer Agreement) is a document or contract to transfer experimental materials (GRs).
*5 IRCC (Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance)*6 ABSCH (The ABS Clearing-House) is an international platform for exchanging ABS information.

11

ComprehensiveConsiderations for ABS procedures
1. Check for relevant information on the ABSCH
The ABS Clearing-House (ABSCH) is an online virtual center for the world-wide
exchange of ABS-related information, including the status of party members of the
Nagoya Protocol, the office in each country to provide ABS information (National Focal
Point – NFP), and the governmental body in charge (Competent National Authorities –CNA). Whenever you plan to obtain or use GRs, we recommend that you first visit the
ABSCH website and confirm any relevant information. (https://absch.cbd.int) After theproper procedures have been followed, the providing country should report the approvalof GR access to the ABSCH. The ABSCH will then issue an Internationally Recognized
Certificate of Compliance (IRCC) and publish it on their website.

2. Have a counterpart in the providing country
As a first step whenever obtaining GRs from overseas, we strongly recommend
conducting joint research with a collaborating researcher in the GR providing country.
Having a local connection in the providing country can be beneficial for numerous
reasons including facilitating negotiations and procedures with the CNA. If bringing a GR
from your home country, a counterpart in your previous institute is a convenient option.

3. Specify Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) in the joint
research agreement
Please establish a joint research agreement between your current institute and yourcounterpart’s institute when conducting joint research. The agreement should explicitly
describe the mutually agreed terms (MAT) including conditions of acquisition (amount,region, period, purpose, etc.); conditions of transfer (feasibility of transfer to third parties,
necessity of agreement from providers, etc.); conditions of use (feasibility of reuse,
additional contracts for commercial use, etc.); sharing of benefits (both monetary andnon-monetary benefits); assignment of roles (role sharing in the research, negotiation
with the CNA, etc.); and others (how to share results, registration to databases, etc.).
In the case of basic research, it’s very important that non-monetary benefits be shared
between user and providing country. Non-monetary benefits include publication of coauthored papers; technology transfer; symposiums, lectures or courses; the provision ofequipment and documents for experiments; the visiting/inviting of researchers, etc. (Seealso pages 9 and 18)

12Comprehensive

4. Obtain permits to export and study GRs
Even for GRs you studied in your own county, you need an export permit from theproviding country to bring a GR out of that country. Numerous additional procedures andpermits are necessary when obtaining GRs from national parks and protected areas. It is
important to have a counterpart in the providing country, and we strongly recommend acollaboration between present and previous institutes when bringing a GR from your own
country. Reliable support from your previous supervisor and research institutes in yourhome country can be invaluable when handling procedures for ABS. Some countries
have simplified measures to acquire permits for use of GRs for students and scientists
studying abroad. For details, please contact the ABS Support Team for Academia,
National Institute of Genetics (abs@nig.ac.jp).
There are still some countries where the national framework for ABS procedures has notbeen completed and permits are not issued. Even in such cases researchers have a
responsibility to observe fundamental standards established by the CBD and protect therights of indigenous people and traditional knowledge (see page 8). We recommend thatyou carefully document your efforts to observe ABS in these cases.
You risk severe penalties if you use GRs transferred into Japan without proper permits forresearch (see page 2). Please make sure that you acquire permits before taking GRs into
Japan.

5. Importing GRs into Japan
In addition to ABS, there may be other applicable laws and measures you must comply
with when you transfer GRs into Japan; i.e. Plant Protection Act, Act on Domestic Animal
Infectious Diseases Control, Infectious Diseases Control Act, Foreign Exchange andForeign Trade Act, etc.
The quarantine process in Japan has become quite strict in recent years. If proper
procedures are not followed, GRs may be confiscated at customs and destroyed. For
example, a phytosanitary certificate is strictly required to import plants into Japan. It may
not be possible to import GRs into Japan from certain countries – even if it is your homecountry. In such cases we recommend you consider alternative research strategies suchas analyzing the GR within the providing country or relying on your counterpart in theproviding country to conduct the analyses.

13

ComprehensiveABS Guidelines for GR use in Japan
Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arisingfrom their Utilization (http://www.env.go.jp/press/104061.html) (Japanese only)

The Nagoya Protocol defined detailed regulations that had been unclear in the
CBD such as those related to laws of providing countries, frameworks for ABS
procedures, and rules that user countries should adhere to. In addition it
established the ABSCH to manage and administer these regulations (seepages 10-12).
In accordance with NP, Japan also established domestic ABS guidelines forhandling GRs from overseas. These came into effect on August 20, 2017 andare summarized in the following four points:

1. When an IRCC is issued by the ABSCH (page 10), theperson acquiring the GR (user) should report the lawful
acquisition of the GR to the Minister of the Environment(MOE) within six months of the date of issue.
2. MOE posts a report of the lawful acquisition on the MOE
web site and also provides this information to the ABSCH.

3. Every five years from the date of the initial report of lawful
acquisition, MOE will request that the user issue a
progress report about the use and status of the GR.
4. In the event that an NP party country reports a violation ofa providing country’s ABS laws and regulations, the MOE
may request that the GR user or others involved submit areport answering to the allegations and provide thisinformation to the appropriate NP party country.
NOTE: The ABS Guidelines are not retroactive to GRs accessed before August 20, 2017.

14

ComprehensiveHere we would like to emphasize that the ABS Guidelines apply toresearchers who have lawfully acquired GRs and have beensubsequently issued an IRCC from the ABSCH (see page 11 anditem 1 on page 12).
• The ABS Guidelines are not rules for the access and transfer
of GRs; rather, they are rules to announce internationally theappropriate acquisition and use of the GRs.
• Once you have been issued an IRCC, concerns related to ABS
have already been resolved, and further ABS Guidelines will
be easily addressed.
• The most important steps to following ABS Guidelines arethose prior to obtaining the IRCC – specifically the appropriateacquisition of GRs in accordance with the ABS laws andprocedures in the providing country.

Since NP entered into force, publications on the ABSCH regarding
necessary procedures in providing countries and reports of lawful
acquisition of GRs by user countries are continuously increasing.
As the international demand for and issuance of IRCCs increases,
the outlook is positive for the future of access to foreign-sourced
GRs and international collaboration with fair sharing of benefits.
By observing the ABS laws and procedures in your home country(or other providing country) and in Japan, both countries can enjoy
the benefits of collaborative research of Genetic Resources.

15

ComprehensiveFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is ABS needed for non-NP member countries?
In almost all cases, yes. Although specific definitions of ABS were outlined by the
Nagoya Protocol, the need to establish and observe ABS was agreed to by all member
countries of the CBD. Since all members of the United Nations are signatories of the
CBD (with the unique exception of the United States), ABS applies to all member
countries whether they ratified NP or not.

2. What about the United States?
When importing GRs from the US, please take care to document the origin
and transfer history of the GRs. The US is not a member nation to the CBD, andtherefore ABS as outlined in NP does not apply. However, we recommend establishinga joint research agreement and/or a material transfer agreement (MTA). This isespecially important when using a GR imported to the US from a third country, since
you must ensure it was lawfully acquired in accordance with the laws and procedures in
the country of origin.

3. Can I be penalized for not complying with Japan’s ABS
Guidelines?
No. Although there is no penalty for failing to comply with the ABS Guidelines of Japan,
when a provider country alleges violation of ABS-related laws or regulations, theMinister of the Environment may contact the researchers or institutes to urge
compliance with ABS (see page 14).

4. Does ABS cover GRs acquired from abroad in the past?
It depends how long ago the sample was acquired. When using GRs acquired
before December 29, 1993 (the date CBD came into force), ABS does not apply (seepage 7). However, when using GRs acquired after this date you should confirm thesample’s history of acquisition, transfer, and ABS measures taken at that time. In
addition, please consult with the ABS support team for Academia (abs@nig.ac.jp).

5. Does ABS cover GRs purchased from a market?
In many cases, yes. Even if you buy GRs in markets (including pet shops), ABS
procedures may be necessary for GRs originating outside of Japan. Please confirm thecountry of origin of GRs as well as the transfer history and consult with the ABS
Support Team for Academia (abs@nig.ac.jp).

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6. Does ABS cover genetically modified organisms?
Yes. Genetically modified organisms are covered by a separate treaty called theCartagena Protocol (CP), but some samples may be covered by both CP and NP – forexample if you create a recombinant from GRs of foreign origin. In such cases ABS
procedures would be necessary (see also FAQ 7).

7. Are “model organisms” exempt?
Only if GRs have been taken from providing countries and used internationally
before the enforcement of CBD (December 29, 1993). If your sample was alreadyobtained and established as a “model organism” before the CBD came into force, then in
principle it is exempt. (However, if new genetic material was obtained from a providing
county and added to a previously established “model organism” population, it is notexempt and ABS is necessary.) It does not matter if a GR is a model organism or not;what matters is the date of establishment as a “model organism”.

8. What are derivatives, and are they covered by ABS rules?
It depends on the providing country. Derivatives are naturally occurring biochemicalcompounds resulting from gene expression or metabolism of biological or genetic
resources (even if they don’t contain functional units of heredity) – for example, snake
venom, medicinal components of herbs, etc. Although derivatives are not included in thedefinition of GRs in either CBD or NP, some countries’ domestic laws include derivatives
as GRs and regulate their access and use accordingly. Using derivatives from suchcountries for your research without permission could be in violation of the providing
country’s laws and result in accusation of inappropriate utilization of the material. Please
consult with the ABS support team for Academia (abs@nig.ac.jp) if you have any
uncertainty regarding derivatives.

9. Is a permit needed to export Japanese GRs out of Japan?
No. Japan requires no special procedures as a GR providing country. However, an MTA
should be established before sending GRs overseas. (Note that you must observe otherlaws and measures such as plant quarantines, export control, etc.)

10. May I provide GRs to other research institutes in Japan?
It depends on the MAT. If there is a provision allowing for transfer of GRs to a third party
in mutually agreed terms (MAT) established with your joint research counterpart in theproviding country, then you may provide to other institutes.

That doesn’t matter.
ABS is required.

I bought it!

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The Value of Non-Monetary Benefits
ABS considerations inspire a lot of attention on monetary benefits arising fromresearch using GRs but not so much on non-monetary benefits. While the valueof monetary benefits for GR users as well as the providing countries may be
obvious, the value of non-monetary benefits should not be ignored either.
Non-monetary benefits may not necessarily provide immediate economic
results, but the long-term results they bring can greatly enhance science inproviding countries for generations of researchers to come. Publishing of coauthored papers adds to the achievements of researchers and their institutes
giving them recognition and positive evaluation; transfer of technology brings
new experimental techniques that can be inherited by multiple generations andpassed on to other laboratories; and of course the impact of newly provided
educational opportunities cannot be overstated. Such long-lasting benefits
cannot lose their value and providing counties will continue to profit from theminto the future. When negotiating with the government authorities of providing
countries, we suggest you explain in detail and enthusiastically promote thelong-lasting value of non-monetary benefits.
Non-monetary benefit sharing helps not only universities, institutes, andresearchers, but also brings potential benefits to society and the environment inproviding countries. An example of how non-monetary benefits can have apositive impact in the providing country is the case of a Japanese taxonomist
who in collaboration with a scientist in the providing county wrote an illustrated
reference book of fish, which was presented to workers in the fish market who
provided samples and to government officers who issued the necessary permits.
Through this collaboration involving the local workers and officials, great interest
was generated in science and research for conservation purposes.
As a result, the local fisheries and government
could apply techniques from the research tocarefully record and statistically analyze themonthly fish catch. This data should provide
the basis for sustainable use of marine
resources in the near future. The Japanesetaxonomist also saw positive feedback from thisresult as one of the government officials
promised to expedite any future permit
requests from the researcher’s university.

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Useful Websites
See the following URLs for further details on CBD, NP and ABS
ABS support for Academia
by ABS Support Team for Academia, National Institute of Genetics
http://idenshigen.jp (Japanese)
http:// http://nig-chizai.sakura.ne.jp/abs_tft/en/ (English)
ABS support for industry
by Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA)
https://www.mabs.jp/eng/index.html
by National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE)
https://www.nite.go.jp/en/index.html
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Secretariat: https://www.cbd.int/
Provision: https://www.cbd.int/doc/legal/cbd-en.pdf

Nagoya Protocol (NP)ABS Clearing-House (ABSCH): https://absch.cbd.int
Provision: https://www.cbd.int/abs/doc/protocol/nagoya-protocol-en.pdf
Fundamentals of ABS
by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

http://www.lifescience.mext.go.jp/files/pdf/abs.htm (Japanese)by Ministry of Environment (MOE)
http://abs.env.go.jp/english.html
by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/kanbo/kankyo/seisaku/GR/s_win_abs.html(Japanese)

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Organization of ABS Support TeamMEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)

NBRP (National BioResource Project)Core Facility Upgrading Program
Genome Information Upgrading Program
Fundamental Technology Upgrading Program

Information Center Upgrading Program
Database Development for Each Resource
Great Ape Information Network (GAIN)
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)ABS Support Team for Academia
National Institute of Genetics

Co-investigators forsupporting universities toaccess GRs abroad

Working group for Supporting
universities to set up ABS
response system

Material Management Center (MMC),
Kyushu Univ.
Tukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center(T-PIRC), Univ. of Tsukuba
Makino Herbarium (MAK), Tokyo
Metropolitan Univ.

Tokyo Marine Univ., Mie Univ.,
Nagasaki Univ., Kyoto Univ., Hiroshima
Univ., Kanazawa Univ., Nagoya Univ.,
Gifu Univ., etc.

Participatinginternational treaty
and congress, etc.

The ABS Support Team for Academia is a member of the Information
Center Upgrading Program of the National BioResource Project (NBRP)
under the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
We work in cooperation with member organizations to assist universities
and other research institutes acquire GRs abroad and as a member of a“Working Group” to establish an ABS support office in each university andresearch institute.

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Our mission
ABS Support Team for Academia, National Institute of Genetics
The mission of ABS Support Team for Academia is to support cross-borderutilization of GRs and international collaboration to promote science in theworld. The team mainly works for the universities and research institutes under
the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT) to assist in the acquisition of GRs abroad and to provide
advice to universities to establish thier own ABS support offices through thefollowing activities:
1) ABS help desk
We investigate laws and procedures in many providing countries andprovide advice on how to acquire GRs overseas.
2) Provision of ABS information
We provide ABS information via a website and mailing list.
(http://idenshigen.jp)
3) ABS lecture course
We regularly hold ABS lecture courses to support universities andresearch institutes.
4) ABS seminars (on-site or on-line)
We hold ABS seminars either on-site or on-line (free of charge).
5) International workshops and meetings for administrators
We hold meetings with invited specialists in the field of ABS from insideand outside of Japan for discussions.
Acknowledgements
The photos on the cover page are by courtesy of Dr. Tsuyoshi Hosoya, National Museum of Nature andScience; Dr. Atsushi Kurabayashi, Nagahama Institute of Bioscience and Technology; Dr. Toshiharu Mita,
Kyushu University; and NBRP Public Relations Office. We are grateful to have the opportunity to describe thecase of Dr. Hiroyuki Motomura, Kagoshima University, as an example of sharing non-monetary benefits throughABS. We would like to thank Mr. Taji Gohmaru for the English translation of this guidebook.

Contact address:
ABS Support Team for Academia
National Institute of Genetics
Research Organization of Information and Systems
Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
Tel: 055-981-5831, Fax: 055-981-5832
e-mail: abs@nig.ac.jp
URL: http://idenshigen.jp

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Access and Benefit-sharing Guidebook:
Using Genetic Resourcesfrom your home country
or other foreign countries in Japan(version 1.1, 2020-11-25)

Information

Special Caution for International
Researchers in Japan:
Here we show examples of potential risks which may
occur when you study overseas genetic resources(GRs) for your research in Japan.

Taking GRs into
Japan from yourcountry

GRs received from yourcollaborator or GRs purchasedon the market in your country may
be subject to ABS rules. You may
need a permit from your country
to transfer or study them.

Transferring GRs
from your country
to JapanStates have sovereign rights
over their own GRs. It may be a
violation of law to take GRs outof any country without firstobtaining permission – evenfrom your own country.

Receiving orpurchasing GRs fromyour country

When transferring GRs, laws andregulations other than ABS also
apply; i.e. Plant Protection Act,
Infectious Diseases Control Act, etc.
in your country and Japan. GRs may
be confiscated at customs anddestroyed if these rules are notobserved.

Consult with the ABS Support Team for Academia, National Institute of Genetics
Phone: 055-981-5831, URL: http://idenshigen.jp, E-mail: abs@nig.ac.jp