Report of Market Access Ombudsman Council (May 13, 1994)

1-(4) Japan-New Zealand Harmonization of Testing Methods for Prepared Edible Fat (PEF)

1. Complainants: Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce

2. Ministry concerned: Ministry of Finance

3. Complaint:

Japan does not permit imports of PEF containing more than 70% milk fat, but PEF which has been analyzed by New Zealand as having a milk fat content of less than 70% was analyzed by Japanese Customs as containing more than 70%. The complainants believe that analysis methods should be harmonized.

4. Results of deliberation:

There are no international standards for analyzing the product in question, and the study of analysis methods requires highly specialized knowledge. Discussions by persons in charge of analysis in Japan and New Zealand are needed, and the ministry concerned is currently scheduling such discussions.

This action has merit and both sides should reach mutual understanding soon regarding analysis methods.

Government decision (June 24, 1994)

1-(5) Analysis methods for ingredients in PEF (prepared edible fat and vegetable oil)

A meeting will be held soon between Japanese and New Zealand officials to promote understanding on this matter. (The meeting was held on June 21.)

Follow-up (June 5, 1995)

1-(4) Japan-New Zealand Harmonization of Testing Methods for Prepared Edible Fat (PEF)

In June 1994, discussions were held with the Tokyo office of the New Zealand Dairy Corporation and New Zealand Embassy officials at the Analyzing Center for Customs of the Ministry of Finance, and mutual verification of the analysis methods for PEF used by the two countries was carried out.

The New Zealand officials showed that they understood Japanese analysis methods adequately.