"Is That Japanese Food? Customs Clearance Delayed" China's Retaliation Over Contaminated Water

Chinese Customs Authorities Strengthen Regulation with Radiation Inspection on Seafood
Enhanced Clearance for Snacks, Beverages, and Rice... Interpreted as "Retaliatory" Measures

Cases of delayed customs clearance for Japanese food products have been increasing in China following the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

On the 27th, Kyodo News and others reported, citing sources from both countries, that customs inspections have been generally strengthened in China not only for Japanese seafood but also for snacks, beverages, rice, and alcohol.

On the afternoon of the 26th, the Boseong County Fishermen's Association, affiliated with the National Federation of Fishermen's Associations, is protesting against the ocean dumping of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in front of the Suhyup Auction House in Hoecheon-myeon, Boseong County, Jeollanam-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Chinese and Hong Kong governments began comprehensive radiation inspections on imported Japanese seafood starting this month, ahead of the marine discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to by the Japanese government as "treated water"). Since the customs clearance of fresh food is delayed, making imports difficult, this is effectively interpreted as an import restriction.

The General Administration of Customs of China stated on the 7th that it is closely monitoring the impact of the contaminated water discharge on food and said, "We will monitor the situation as it develops and take all necessary measures in a timely manner to ensure the safety of Chinese consumers' dining tables."

However, the Chinese authorities’ strengthened inspections appear to be expanding to Japanese imports in sectors other than seafood.

A representative of a Japanese food company said, "We are being asked by Chinese customs for detailed explanations about raw materials, production areas, and transportation routes," adding, "This is a situation that did not exist before." They also added, "Products that arrived in China three weeks ago have still not cleared customs."

Another Japanese food company official stated, "There is a possibility that China's regulations will become even stricter," and said, "We plan to refrain from new exports to China for the time being."

Japanese trade officials have raised suspicions that China may be conducting retaliatory inspections as the cause of the customs delays. However, it has also been suggested that the increased workload due to radiation inspections on seafood might be causing the delays.

At a press conference on the morning of the same day, Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, said, "We are aware of the reports," and added, "Since the safety of Japanese food products has been scientifically proven, we demand that China promptly lift import restrictions."

Meanwhile, among last year’s total Japanese seafood exports of 387.3 billion yen, China accounted for 22% with 87.1 billion yen (approximately 79 billion KRW), and Hong Kong accounted for 19% with 75.5 billion yen (approximately 69 billion KRW), ranking first and second respectively.

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