Provisional Translation
| OTO No. | 559 | Classification | MHW-241 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of Acceptance | September 1, 1997 | Ministry/Agency Receiving Complaint | Economic Planning Agency |
| Responsible Ministries | Ministry of Health and Welfare | Related Laws | Food Sanitation Law |
| Complainant | Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Proxy complaint) | Exporting Countries | France |
| Subject | Simplification of procedures for import declarations for foods, etc. | ||
| Details of Measures | Small and medium-size companies importing French wine in small lots of many varieties from any different manufacturers are under a significant financial burden occasioned by procedures for import declarations for foods, etc. which are necessary for each manufacturer. The complainant asks whether it would be possible to fill out import declaration forms per container, and not per manufacturer, when imports from the same manufacturer have previously been made, and would like to be informed, if a simplified system for procedures exists. The following answer was given. When importing foods for sale or for commercial use, a declaration must be made to the Quarantine office each time, and testing carried out as necessary. Tests are carried out depending on particulars in the declaration, conditions in the exporting country, and any past infractions; in the case of processed foods, in particular, this depends on the ingredients, manufacturing or processing method, presence or absence of additives, and manufacturer or processor, for each declaration. No service charges are levied when submitting the declarations to the Quarantine office. The following simplified systems for streamlining the import declaration system are in use: (1) Online declaration procedures (2) Simplification of particulars required on the declaration (3) Exporting country public testing facility system (4) Prior verification system for imported foods (5) Continuing import system. |
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| Classification of Processing | D | Directions | II-a |
| Remarks | |||