Some examples of EBC “Success Stories” are:
- The re-entry permit requirement for residential visa holders was abolished
- Regulation on wholesale liquor licensing was modified to facilitate the granting of licenses for cash and carry wholesale distributors
- Pyrotechnic safety devices for motor vehicles are now subject to less burdensome testing procedures
- In the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, medical devices are treated separately from pharmaceuticals
- EBC initiated and continued discussion with the European Commission on a bilateral EU-Japan trade agreement
- An additional category in the special “Trainee Programme” has been established
- The process for determining counterfeits has been simplified in some cases
- Changes have been implemented to the Household Goods Quality Labelling Law, partially harmonising with international standards
- The use of the “Suppliers Self Verification of Conformity” has been expanded within the telecom sector
- A change in customs legislation allows for remote filing, long advocated by the EBC
- There has been progress towards increasing the allowable level of fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash products
- The National Tax Agency now recognises the importance of lot codes on liquor bottles
- Tyres registered in either the EU or US are now recognised as equivalent to being registered in the Japanese Tyre Year Book, improving market access
- Pricing restrictions on international airfares were relaxed and airline slots allocated on a more egalitarian basis
- The approval process for low-risk medical diagnostics products was shortened
- The revised Foreign Lawyers law now allows foreign lawyers to hire Japanese lawyers
- Similarly, EBC efforts contributed to Foreign lawyers now being allowed to set up branch offices (albeit without bengoshi)
- Registration of foreign lawyers in Japan has been simplified somewhat
- ”Double-hatting” of certain back-office functions between affiliates of financial groups was secured
- EBC lobbying led to action by the Japan Fair Trade Commission to prevent pricing collusion by fumigation service providers at Narita Airport
- Import notifications for cosmetics have been abolished
- The use of English for animal health related applications has been introduced
- Minimum period of paying premiums to qualify for pension cut from 25 to 10 years
- Some railway operators now use public tendering to procure products and services
And there have been many other crucial improvements.