China Implements Radiation Inspection and Customs for Imported Seafood... Japan Demands "Lifting of Import Restrictions"

Matsuno Hirokazu, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan
Photo by Yonhap News

As the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to as "treated water" by the Japanese government) into the ocean approaches, Chinese customs authorities have reportedly begun comprehensive radiation inspections on imported seafood from Japan. In response, the Japanese government has urged China to "discuss based on scientific evidence and lift import restrictions."

Matsuno Hirokazu, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at a press conference on the 19th, "We have received reports that some seafood exported from Japan to China is being detained at local customs, and the government is confirming the detailed situation."

Secretary Matsuno explained, "The comprehensive report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded that the discharge of ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water complies with relevant international safety standards, and the radiation impact on humans and the environment is negligible. The government will continue to strongly urge the Chinese side to discuss this based on scientific evidence."

He added, "The safety of Japanese food has been scientifically proven, and the government has long requested China, at both the normal and foreign ministerial levels, to promptly lift import restrictions on Japanese food products. We will continue to strongly demand this."

According to Kyodo News, Chinese customs authorities have started comprehensive radiation inspections on imported seafood from Japan. This measure has caused inspections to take several weeks, making it difficult to maintain the freshness of seafood, and some Chinese importers have reportedly given up on importing Japanese seafood.

Earlier, on the 7th, the General Administration of Customs of China announced via its WeChat channel that it is "closely monitoring the impact of the contaminated water discharge on food" and "will take all necessary measures in a timely manner to ensure the safety of Chinese consumers' dining tables" as the situation develops.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.