The Japanese government insists the seafood caught in its waters are safe. (Photo Credit: Takayuki Sekine/Copyright: FIS)

Govt to pressure South Korea at WTO on seafood import ban

JAPAN
Thursday, October 16, 2014, 03:00 (GMT + 9)

Japanese authorities intend to boost international pressure to urge South Korean seafood importers to lift the ban on imports from eight prefectures, including Fukushima.

To this end, the Japanese government will address the issue at meetings of the World Trade Organization (WTO) starting on 15 October in Geneva, JIJI Press reported.

“If South Korea maintains its current stance, Japan will consider taking the issue to the WTO dispute settlement process,” government sources claimed.

This seafood import ban was imposed by South Korea in September 2013 out of concerns about radioactive water leaking into the sea from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.

Japan has asked for the removal of the ban by providing some 3,000 pages of documents about the safety of the seafood and measures taken against the tainted water leaks.

Meanwhile, South Korean authorities announced that before taking a decision, a special panel of experts would be set up to examine whether Japanese seafood is safe, The Asahi Shimbun informed.

Seoul's officials explained that these experts would conduct an inspection tour in northeastern Japan, if necessary.

WTO regulations state that member nations must examine the legitimacy of an import ban within a reasonable time frame.

Media sources reported the announcement to re-examine the ban may reflect President Park Geun-hye’s willingness to improve bilateral ties with Japan.

Related article:

- Fishing allowed again off Fukushima coasts
- Tokyo asks WTO to contest South Korea's fish ban
- Government to request South Korea to lift import ban

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