Notifications for Japan (1406 notifications)

To prevent the introduction of Pepper chat fruit viroid (PCFVd)into Japan, MAFF has taken emergency measures for the host plants of PCFVdfrom Türkiye. The measures are taken as follows:(1) For seeds:The plants must fulfill the following specific requirement AND the phytosanitary certificate or the certified copy of the phytosanitary certificate must include additional declaration (see (3)).EitherThe samples randomly taken from parent plants and ones with suspected symptoms are tested by an appropriate genetic method such as RT-PCR assay and found to be free from Pepper chat fruit viroidorThe seeds are tested prior to export by an appropriate genetic method such as RT-PCR assay and found to be free from Pepper chat fruit viroid; 4,600 seeds are randomly taken from a lot as samples in accordance with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) procedures; or in case that the number of seeds of a lot is less than 46,000, 10% of the seeds are used for the testing; they are divided into at most 400 seeds as sub-samples.(2) For Live plants and plant parts for planting (excluding seeds and fruits):The plants must fulfill the following specific requirement AND the phytosanitary certificate or the certified copy of the phytosanitary certificate must include additional declaration (see (3)).The plants randomly taken from a lot and plants with suspected symptoms are tested during the growing season or prior to export by an appropriate genetic method such as RT-PCR assay and found to be free from Pepper chat fruit viroid(3) Example of wording for additional declaration:National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO) of Türkiye will be required to include an additional declaration stating that “Fulfills item 30 of the Annexed Table 2-2 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Plant Protection Act (MAF Ordinance No 73/1950)” in the phytosanitary certificate or the certified copy of the phytosanitary certificate.

As notified in G/SPS/N/JPN/1263 (dated 8 May 2024), the amendment to the specifications for synthetic resin used for apparatus, containers, and packaging (Final Measure) was promulgated on 27 September 2024 and entered into force on 1 June 2025.

As notified in G/SPS/N/JPN/1212 (dated 22 June 2023), the amendment to the specifications for synthetic resin used for food apparatus, containers, and packaging was promulgated on 30 November 2023 and entered into force on 1 June 2025.

MAFF will add standards and specifications of Phytase No. 2(8) to the "Ministerial Ordinance on the Specifications and Standards of Feeds and Feed Additives" (Ordinance No. 35 of 24 July 1976 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). With this amendment, Phytase No.2(8) as a feed additive will become eligible for import into Japan.

In order to prevent the introduction of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus into Japan, MAFF has taken import suspension measures based on Articles 37 and 44 of the "Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Disease Control" and other relevant requirements.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Polyoxorim-zinc.

As notified in G/SPS/N/JPN/1295 (dated 10 September 2024), the revision of the List of Existing Food Additives came into force on 25 August 2025 (Elimination of food additives that are no longer distributed in Japan from the List of Existing Food Additives). In addition, regarding the existing food additives subject to the elimination, the deletion of descriptions from the Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, Etc. (Public Notice of the Ministry of Health and Welfare No. 370) came into force on the same day.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Esprocarb.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Isotianil.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Ethaboxam.

The proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for Mandestrobin notified in G/SPS/N/JPN/1324 (dated 17 January 2025) were adopted and published on 19 June 2025. The specified MRLs are available as below:

The proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for Flupyrimin notified in G/SPS/N/JPN/1323 (dated 17 January 2025) were adopted and published on 19 June 2025. The specified MRLs are available as below:

The establishment of an exemption from the requirement of an MRL for residues of a feed additive: Acetylcysteine; it will be stipulated to be “The substance in food that does not pose any adverse health effect”.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Mandipropamid.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Picarbutrazox.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Thiobencarb.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Trifloxystrobin.

The proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for Fluazinam notified in G/SPS/N/JPN/1322 (dated 17 January 2025) were adopted and published on 19 June 2025.The specified MRLs are available as below:

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Cyclopyranil.

Proposal of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemical:Pesticide: Validamycin.