Veelgestelde vragen over het coronavirus en zakendoen met Japan (per 30/08/2020)

Nieuwsbericht | 01-09-2020 | 02:37

State of Emergency declared by Prime Minister Abe (7 April to 31 May)

Q.  On Tuesday, April 7, Prime Minister Abe declared a state of emergency. What does this mean?

A. 

On Monday 25 May, the Japanese government ended the state of emergency it initially imposed from 7 April to 31 May. Although the emergency measures have now ended, people are still recommended to avoid the 3Cs (3蜜・san-mitsu); Closed spaces, Crowded places, and Close contact.

The number of daily new infections in Japan,however, hit a new record at the end of July, with infections spreading rapidly not only in Tokyo, but also in other regions.

On 3 August, Governor Koike of Tokyo called for food service owners, places where alcoholic drinks are served, and all Karaoke parlors to cut their opening hours, and to close their shops before 10.00 pm, at least until 31 August. Restaurants and shops complying with the governor’s request will get a grant of 200.000 yen.

Many in the public are on high alert. Authorities in large cities are re-installing restrictions on some businesses to address the resurgence of the virus.

Travel to Japan

Q. Is it possible to travel from the Netherlands to Japan?

A.Japan has imposed an entry ban to passengers who, in the past 14 days prior to entry in Japan, have been in 159 countries, including the Netherlands. For actual information: https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/documenten/vragen-en-antwoorden/reisadvies-japan

Import/export of Agricultural products

Q: Is there any solution in the case where it is not possible to present original export certificates in a timely manner during the import procedures for consignments of agricultural products??

A: Yes. Concerning those countries, like Japan, which are not using TRACES, the original certificates should, as much as feasible, accompany the consignments in their means of transportation. In the case where it would not be possible, as a temporary measure, scanned copies of Phytosanitary and/or Veterinary Certificates may be used for consignments sent to Member States of the European Union, provided they are sent by the authorities of the exporting country to the authorities of the Member State. Japan has adopted a reciprocal temporary measure to ensure that consignments originating in the EU will be accepted on the basis of scanned copies of the original paper certificates for animals, plants and their products whenever it is not possible to present the original paper certificate and provided that the original form follows at a later stage. The competent Dutch authorities have been informed about the procedure.

Flowers (no Pre Shipment Inspections (PSI) at the moment)

Q. Is it possible to export cut-flowers to Japan?

A. Yes, it is possible. However, the pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is no longer implemented due to the temporary absence of Japanese inspectors in the Netherlands. Until further notice, cut-flowers will be subject to regular (sampling rate +/- 20% instead of 1%) import inspection by Plant Protection Station at the Japanese airports. You are also advised to consult KCB for the latest information.

Fruit vegetables (extra checks at airport)

Q. Is it possible to export fruit vegetables, such as paprika’s and tomatoes, to Japan?

A. Yes, it is possible. However, due to the temporary absence of Japanese inspectors in the Netherlands, fruit vegetables subject to the medfly program (i.e., strawberry, pepper, tomato, eggplant and grape) will be subject to a higher sampling rate during the import inspection by Plant Protection Station at the Japanese airports until further notice. You are also advised to consult KCB for the latest information.

Bulbs (no spring inspections by Japanese inspectors)

Q. Is it possible to export flower bulbs to Japan as the Japanese inspectors cannot do the spring inspections? Will Dutch flower bulbs in that case still be exempted from post-entry quarantine in Japan?

A.

The Netherlands and Japan have agreed on an alternative method for spring and summer inspections in 2020 as a temporary measure. It is possible to export Dutch flower bulbs if they are inspected by BKD according to Japanese regulations and approved for export to Japan. The approved bulbs will be exempted from post-entry quarantine in Japan. Please consult BKD for further information.

Click here for our latest news on the bulb export.

Impacts on logistics at Japanese ports and airports

Q. Is there an impact on the logistics at Japanese ports and airports as a consequence of the corona virus pandemic?

A.

The number of direct flights from the Netherlands to Japan has been significantly reduced, causing difficulties in reserving cargo space, and a price hike in airfreight. The number of direct flights operated by KLM from Amsterdam to Japan has been reduced drastically to 2 flights to Narita (NRT), and 2 flights to Osaka (KIX). Air France has reduced flights from Amsterdam to Haneda (HND) via Paris to three flights per week (KLM/AirFrance passenger-cargo flight schedule).

An questionnaire conducted by the Japan Institute of Logistic Systems in mid-March revealed small disruption in the supply chain in Japan. The survey was responded to by its 182 member companies (shippers and logistic companies). 36% of respondents (shippers) noted a delay in procurement/buying of ingredients, parts and merchandize from abroad. Almost half of shippers and 65% of logistic companies fear a negative impact on their business results. ( report in Japanese).

Useful links:
IATA’s Airlines Cargo Operations Status, COVID-19
IATA: Japanese government measures imposed related to COVID-19
Japan Maritime Agency

Mocht uw vraag er niet bij zitten, kunt u contact opnemen met het LAN-team in Tokio tok-lnv@minbuza.nl.