China to resume import of some aquatic products from Japan

The General Administration of Customs of China has announced the conditional resumption of imports of some seafood products from Japan, partially ending the nearly two-year trade ban implemented in response to the release of treated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2023.

According to the statement released late on Sunday (Jun 29), the decision came after continuous independent sampling and testing by China showed no abnormalities and Japan's commitment to ensure the quality and safety of the aquatic products exported to China.

The imports of seafood originating from Japan -- except for those from the 10 prefectures including Fukushima -- will be resumed with immediate effect.

All aquatic products originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Fukushima, Tokyo, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, are still prohibited from being imported into and supplied to China.

Japanese enterprises exporting aquatic products to China must comply with China's regulations on the registration of overseas food production enterprises.

Aquatic product enterprises whose imports were previously suspended must reapply for registration in China, and only products manufactured after obtaining registration may be exported to China.

For edible aquatic animals, their aquaculture and packaging enterprises must also reapply for registration in China, and exports to China may commence only after registration is completed.

(Staff reporter and Global Times)