Basic information
Outline of the system
The items in Answer 2 are subject to Japan catch documentation scheme based on "Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants" to prevent the import of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) catches into Japan, aiming at contributing to the global efforts to eliminate IUU fishing.
Japan catch documentation scheme requires importers to submit a catch certificate (hereinafter referred to as "CC") issued by competent authority of foreign government and other documents to the Japan Customs at the time of import. In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime. Foreign government agencies which will issue CC must consult with Fisheries Agency of Japan, MAFF, and notify forms of CC in advance.
Product coverage
Items that are subject to Japan catch documentation scheme:
Please see "Catch documentation scheme products"
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Automatic to protect animal or plant health life; protect environment; Combat Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) fishing
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Japan catch documentation scheme is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Its purpose is to prevent the import of IUU catches into Japan, aiming at contributing to the global efforts to eliminate IUU fishing.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The scheme applies to the products coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
It is scheduled to enter into force on 1 December 2022.
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Japan catch documentation scheme is a statutory requirement of Article 11 of Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants and Article 25 of Enforcement Regulation of the Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Legislation leaves the designation of products subject to the scheme up to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
There is no eligibility requirements on importers for submission of CC to the Japan Customs.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Fisheries Agency, Fishery Products Trade Office
Address
1-2-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
+81 3 3502 4190
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Fisheries Agency, Fishery Products Trade Office
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
CC issued by competent authority of foreign government will be required at the time of import.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The items subject to the scheme cannot be imported without a CC issued by competent authority of foreign government. An importer shall obtain a CC from the foreign government, in advance of importation, taking into consideration the processing time of the foreign government. Foreign government agencies which will issue CC must consult with Fisheries Agency of Japan, MAFF, and notify forms of CC in advance.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
CCs for import are checked by the Japan Customs.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no application fee or administrative charge on importers for submission of CC.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a prior
condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
Importers may import in any time of the year when a CC issued by competent authority of foreign government is attached to the imported item.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
CC issued by competent authority of foreign government will be required at the time of import.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
In principle, the scheme does not require importers to obtain approval of importation as a prior condition for importation in relation to import licensing regime.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no foreign exchange controls.