Provisional Translation
| OTO No. | 562 | Classification | MHW-243 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of Acceptance | December 11, 1997 | Ministry/Agency Receiving Complaint | Economic Planning Agency |
| Responsible Ministries | Ministry of Health and Welfare | Related Laws | Food Sanitation Law |
| Complainant | Japan Trade Association (proxy complaint) | Exporting Countries | |
| Subject | Clarification of procedures and time required for prior examination when importing soft drinks in straw-in-pack containers | ||
| Details of Measures | Description of Complaint: 1. As this was the first time soft drinks in straw-in-pack containers were being imported, the complainant submitted advance samples and raw materials used for the containers, and detailed data on manufacturing methods, etc. to the Ministry of Health and Welfare through the quarantine office, requesting examination to determine whether the product was appropriate under the Food Sanitation Law. 2. However, the answer was delayed and after another request for examination was made, in the end four months had elapsed. 3. The complainant maintains that such a delay constitutes a barrier to the import of seasonal goods like soft drinks, and that the ministry should clarify the procedures and time required for examination of imported soft drinks beforehand. The ministry replied as follows: The complainant was advised on August 26, 1997 that the product in question conformed to the manufacturing standards for soft drinks, after the occurrences described below. 1. The complainant contacted the quarantine office for prior consultation on May 23, 1997, but when the documentation (production method, etc.) provided was examined, it contained no information about the manufacturing process or whether the straws inside the containers were sterilized. Accordingly, it was not possible to decide whether the product conformed to the manufacturing standards and the complainant was asked for more information. 2. The complainant supplied information on the sealing process on July 18 and on the sterilization method for the straws on August 11, but since there were questions about the sterilization method, the complainant was contacted again. 3. After confirmation about the sterilization method was received on August 18, the complainant was advised that the product conformed to the above manufacturing standards. |
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| Classification of Processing | D | Directions | II-a IV |
| Remarks | |||