China Conditionally Lifts Ban on Seafood Imports from Parts of Japan

On June 29, 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) announced that it will conditionally resume the import of seafood from certain regions of Japan, making a significant policy shift. The move partially rolls back a comprehensive ban that has been in place for nearly two years.

The original suspension was enacted on August 24, 2023, in immediate response to Japan's decision to begin discharging treated nuclear-contaminated water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Citing the need to comprehensively prevent the risk of radioactive contamination and protect the health of its citizens, China had halted all imports of aquatic products originating from Japan.

According to this new GACC announcement (No. 140 of 2025), the reversal is based on sustained monitoring that has shown no abnormal results, as well as new safety and quality guarantees from the Japanese government regarding its seafood exports.

However, the easing of restrictions is not absolute. The import ban remains in full effect for ten key prefectures: Fukushima, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, Saitama, Tokyo, and Chiba.

For imports from all other Japanese regions to be permitted, exporters must now adhere to a strict set of updated protocols. Key among these is the requirement for Japanese seafood producers to re-apply for registration with Chinese authorities through its official channels. Only products manufactured by enterprises after they have regained this approval will be cleared for export to China. Furthermore, facilities for raising and packaging live aquatic animals must also complete this new registration.

All shipments must now be accompanied by a comprehensive set of documents, including an official health certificate from Japan, proof of a passed radiation test, and a certificate of origin to verify the products are not from the ten prohibited prefectures.

The GACC stressed that its oversight will remain stringent. "Once any non-compliance with China's relevant laws, regulations, and food safety standards is found, control measures will be taken in a timely manner to effectively protect the health and safety of the Chinese people," the administration's statement warned, affirming its readiness to reinstate measures if necessary.