Key Facts
• On September 1, Taiwan announced the full removal of import restrictions on Japanese food.
• Restrictions were imposed after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011.
• Affected regions included Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and Chiba.
• Previous requirements included submission of origin certificates and radioactive material inspection reports.
• Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi called the move a “positive step” for disaster recovery.
• Hayashi expects strengthened economic and friendly ties between Japan and Taiwan.
• He urged China and South Korea to also lift their import restrictions.
• The announcement follows Taiwan’s partial easing of restrictions in September 2024.
Summary
Taiwan has announced the complete removal of import restrictions on Japanese food products, which were imposed following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The restrictions previously required origin certificates and radioactive material inspection reports for food from five Japanese prefectures. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi welcomed the decision, describing it as a “positive step” for the recovery of disaster-affected areas. He also expressed hope for deeper economic and friendly relations between Japan and Taiwan. Additionally, Hayashi called on China and South Korea to follow suit in lifting their restrictions. This development builds on Taiwan’s earlier easing of restrictions in September 2024.
