BEIJING (AP) – China has officially reopened its market to seafood imports from Japan after nearly two years of restrictions linked to the release of slightly radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was severely damaged by a tsunami in 2011. This significant decision was announced by the Chinese customs agency, stating that the ban had been lifted on a recent Sunday, leading to the resumption of imports from most regions in Japan.
The initial ban on Japanese seafood was implemented in August 2023 and had a profound impact on Japan’s fisheries industry. Notably, China was the largest overseas market for Japanese seafood, accounting for over 20% of its seafood exports. The prohibition was a substantial blow, complicating trade and economic stability for Japanese seafood exporters who relied heavily on the Chinese market.
The Fukushima nuclear power plant has faced ongoing challenges since the catastrophic tsunami that followed a massive offshore earthquake. To manage the situation, water is continuously pumped in to cool the radioactive fuel at the plant. As a result, the quantity of treated wastewater has been stored in an expanding series of tanks on the property, necessitating a long-term solution to manage the accumulating wastewater.
After extensive discussions and assessments, the Japanese government granted the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) permission to gradually discharge the treated water into the ocean. Japanese officials asserted that the discharged wastewater would meet safety standards that are superior to international benchmarks, claiming that it would pose a negligible risk to the environment.
However, China expressed significant reservations about this plan, arguing that the release of radioactive wastewater would potentially jeopardize its fishing industry and endanger coastal communities along its eastern seaboard. Following these concerns, the Chinese government imposed the import ban on seafood from Japan as a precautionary measure.
Despite the lifting of the ban on most Japanese seafood, certain restrictions remain in place. Seafood originating from ten specific prefectures in Japan, including Fukushima and neighboring areas, will continue to be prohibited. This targeted ban reflects ongoing concerns regarding the safety of seafood products from regions closest to the Fukushima facility.
Moving forward, Japanese seafood exporters will be required to reapply for registration to export their products to China. Furthermore, all imports must be accompanied by a series of certifications including a health certificate, a compliance certificate confirming the results of radioactive substance testing, and a certificate of origin. These measures are aimed at ensuring that seafood entering the Chinese market meets specific safety and regulatory standards.
The reopening of the market marks a significant development in the trade relationship between Japan and China, particularly for the seafood sector. As Japan looks to revitalize its fisheries exports, the conditions imposed by the Chinese customs agency illustrate the ongoing complexities surrounding environmental safety and trade in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.
