Korea Slaps Restrictions on Japanese Food after Radiation Accident

Japan notified the WTO that it would be challenging South Korea over its alleged bans and additional testing and certification requirements for certain imported Japanese food products (DS495).

According to sources familiar with the consultations request, which marks the first step in WTO dispute settlement proceedings, Tokyo has specifically taken issue with measures that Seoul implemented following Japan’s 2011 earthquake and accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station.

These measures were reportedly taken due to alleged radiation contamination concerns following the accident. However, Japan argues that Korea has not provided sufficient information about such measures, and has challenged their actual justification and consistency with trade rules.

In response, Seoul’s trade ministry told reporters that it would “explain in future consultations with Japan that import restrictions have been placed to secure the safety of people,” according to comments reported by the Wall Street Journal.