Taiwan is set to lift its remaining import restrictions on food products from five Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This announcement was made on Tuesday evening.

In 2022, Taiwan had already removed most import restrictions on food from Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and Chiba. The new measures will allow additional products, such as mushrooms and wild animal meat, to be imported without restrictions.

Despite this easing, all products from these prefectures will still need to be accompanied by a radiation inspection certificate and will undergo batch inspections at entry points. Additionally, a certificate of origin is required for all imported goods from Japan.

The ministry emphasized that the government prioritizes food safety by using scientific evidence and international standards, taking inspiration from advanced countries to adjust its control measures regarding Japanese food imports.

This proposed measure will be reviewed for 60 days to gather public feedback before taking effect.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed support for Taiwan's decision, calling it "a positive step" for the recovery of areas affected by disaster. He added, "Taiwan is an extremely important partner and dear friend for our country. We strongly hope that Taiwan's further easing of regulations will deepen economic and friendly relations between Japan and Taiwan."

Hayashi also mentioned that the Japanese government aims to work toward removing import restrictions imposed by other countries and regions.

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, over 235,000 batches of Japanese food products have undergone inspections in Taiwan to monitor radiation levels, all of which met the standards of both Taiwan and Japan.

While more than 50 countries imposed restrictions on Japanese food products following the 2011 earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, only four territories—China, South Korea, Russia, and Taiwan—have not fully lifted these measures. Notably, China has banned all imports of Japanese seafood since Japan began releasing treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant last year, with Russia supporting this ban.

Japan has repeatedly protested against these bans on its seafood products, describing them as “extremely regrettable” and “unacceptable.”

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