China Resumes Some Japanese Seafood Imports
After a protracted dispute over the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, China has conditionally lifted its ban on seafood imports from most regions of Japan.
Background
The ban was initially imposed following Japan's decision to gradually release treated wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean in 2023. While the International Atomic Energy Agency backed the move and the plant operator, TEPCO, asserted that radioactive elements had been filtered out (except for tritium at safe levels), Beijing strongly criticized the decision.
Current Status
China's General Administration of Customs stated that long-term monitoring of the water had “not shown abnormalities.” Consequently, China has decided to conditionally resume seafood imports, excluding imports from ten of Japan's 47 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo. These regions remain under the import ban.
Japan's Response
The Japanese government has responded positively to the decision. However, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki told reporters in Tokyo that Japan “will strongly demand the Chinese side lift remaining import regulations on seafood from 10 prefectures.” Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also hailed China's move as “a major milestone.”
Requirements for Trade Resumption
Production companies that had previously suspended trade must reapply for registration in China and will be subject to “strictly” supervised, according to Beijing's customs administration.