Japan to Enforce the Implementation of Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements

Recently, The Plant Protection Station of Japan updated the“Important Notices”, announcing that Japan will officially implement the strict phytosanitary certificate requirements for imported plants and plant products. This instructions will come into force upon August 1, 2023. Prior to this, a transitional period is given to exporting countries for the establishment of their phytosanitary certificate issuance systems.

Those imported plants and plant products include "plants for cultivation", "fresh plants for consumption", "cereals and beans”, "timber","materials used for fertilizer, feed, agricultural and forestry production materials", and"dried plants such as dried flowers, spices and herbal medicines".etc.,

For example：

From left to right: rice, wheat, soybean, sesame, and Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen

The current list of imported plants and plant products that require accompanying phytosanitary certificates was released in April 2021. ChemLinked will stay tuned on the latest change or update of this list.

Additional notes for phytosanitary certificate：

• The product failing to carry a phytosanitary certificate when required will be disposed of according to the Plant Protection Act.

• Prohibited products stipulated by the Plant Protection Act cannot be imported even if a phytosanitary certificate is attached.

• Where origin inspection and precise lab testing are required in the exporting country, it shall be indicated in the attached statement of the phytosanitary certificate that the corresponding inspection and testing have been carried out.

• Imported products without phytosanitary certificates, even if they are accompanied by other certificates such as Health Certificate, Certificate of Origin and CITES, will also be destroyed.

• In addition to the inspection certificate, if the plant protection officer deems it necessary, invoice, B/L (Bill of Lading), manifest, AWB (Air Way Bill) may be requested to be attached.

Stakeholders should promptly pay attention to and fully understand the relevant requirements on phytosanitary certificates, making appropriate preparations to avoid trade barriers.