Outline of FY2009 Customs and Tariff Policy Amendment

As of April, 2009

1. Strengthening customs enforcement

(1)Prohibition of the import of revenue stamps and postal stamps which are forged, altered or imitated

(2)Addition of the provisions that exclude the crime syndicate from getting permission for the Customs Area

2. Improvement of the current expedited customs clearance procedure to enhance global competitiveness of Japan

Expansion of the coverage of Authorized Economic Operators to manufacturers
(Authorized Economic Operators - firms recognized by Customs to excel at security management and compliance)

3. Amendment of the tariff rates

Elimination of the tariffs on Yarn spun from silk waste (HS5005.00)

4. Extension of the effective periods of temporary tariff rates and measures

(1) Extending the effective period of temporary tariff rates and Safeguard measures for specific agricultural products by the end of FY2009

(2) Extending the effective period of exceptional treatment of Safeguard measures on imports of beef by the end of FY2009

*To be enforced on April 1.2009, excluding 1(1) on June 1.2009, and 1(2) and 2 on July 1.2009