Testing and approvals

Committee:
Food & Agriculture
status:
No progress
Published:
Many European products are subject to frequent and costly testing to gain approval for importation or sale in the Japanese market. Examples include tests for cyanide, radioactivity, microbiological contamination (such as coliforms), and heavy metals. The EBC believes that, in many cases, testing and certifications conducted in Europe should be accepted. However, this is often not possible due to the lack of harmonised testing methods and standards between Japan and Europe.

Recommendations

  • Japan and the EU should use the EPA to streamline test procedures by looking into what tests are necessary to eliminate double testing. The goal should be that products approved for consumption in one market should be allowed for consumption in the other market.
  • Japan should furthermore make use of ISO standards as tests methods, as to avoid specific testing for the Japanese market.
  • Japan should abolish testing that has to be carried out at every importation.