Image Credits: Kyodo News
Taiwan is preparing to completely lift its ban on Japanese food imports, a move that marks a notable easing of the restrictions imposed following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The announcement, made by Taiwanese authorities on Tuesday, outlines plans to remove long-standing import restrictions that have been in place for over a decade.
The initial import restrictions were enacted in response to the catastrophic accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. These measures were intended to safeguard public health by preventing the entry of potentially contaminated food products from affected regions.
Although the restrictions have been progressively relaxed in recent years, certain food items from Fukushima and four other prefectures—Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, and Chiba—have remained prohibited.
Under the new plan, all Japanese food products will be subject to conditional approval rather than an outright ban. This change signifies a major shift in Taiwan’s food safety regulations and reflects a broader trend toward reconciling with Japan following the long-standing fallout from the nuclear incident.
The Taiwanese government has stated that the formal removal of the restrictions will hinge on the results of a 60-day public consultation period. During this time, stakeholders and the general public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed policy change. This consultation phase will be crucial in shaping the final decision and ensuring that public health considerations are thoroughly addressed.
Currently, the ban specifically targets mushrooms, wild game, and koshiabura mountain vegetables from the aforementioned prefectures. Since 2022, Taiwan has gradually permitted the import of other Japanese food products, reflecting a growing confidence in the safety of these goods.
The potential lifting of the ban represents not only a significant policy adjustment but also a step toward improved trade relations between Taiwan and Japan. If finalized, this move will facilitate greater access to Japanese food products and could stimulate economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.