China Lifts Seafood Ban on Japanese Imports

Beijing Resumes Trade after Wastewater Review

China has decided to reinstate seafood imports from several Japanese regions, signifying a significant shift in trade relations after almost two years. This move follows a period of restrictions prompted by worries over the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Restrictions Remain for Certain Areas

The Chinese Customs authority declared on Sunday that products from ten prefectures, including Fukushima, would still be prohibited from entering the country. These areas are: Fukushima, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba.

Goods originating from other regions must now possess health certificates, radioactive substance detection qualification certificates, and production area certificates, all issued by the Japanese government, to be cleared through Chinese customs. This was announced by China Customs.

Chinese customs officials stated that their decision was based on observations. These observations were gathered after the long-term international and independent Chinese sampling and monitoring of discharged wastewater found no irregularities.

“The Chinese decision follows no abnormality being detected.”

—Official Source, Statement

Following the commencement of wastewater release by **Tokyo** in August 2023, China implemented a complete ban on Japanese seafood imports. This action led to economic and diplomatic tensions. However, the recent decision reflects a change in approach.

New Regulations and Supervision

The recent notice also indicated that China will strictly oversee Japanese seafood imports. They will take measures if they find any violations of Chinese laws, regulations, and food safety standards.

Japan’s seafood exports decreased by 26.7% in 2023, which led to significant economic impacts, according to data from the **Japan** External Trade Organization (JETRO).