Japan to Simplify Trade Regulations Related to Scientific Research

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is introducing a system to simplify exports and imports of “cargo for scientific research purposes between scientific institutions,” Japan said in an Aug. 13 notice, according to an unofficial translation. Japan is allowing certain export and import exemptions for “designated animals and plants” under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the notice said. Scientific facilities using these exemptions will need to create an “import/export management system” to qualify for approval certificates, which will be valid for three years, Japan said. The changes will take effect in October.