EBC ACHIEVEMENTS

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.