Further Enhancement of Controls on Gold Smuggling
１. Current Status
In November 2017, the Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance, formulated the emergency countermeasures to “Stop Gold Smuggling” and has taken comprehensive measures against gold smuggling, such as enhancing controls and toughening penalties. Despite temporary decreases, the number of seizures has been on the rise again since 2023. Moreover, the export value of gold marked a record high recently, but the volume of gold imported or produced in Japan has shown little change. This strongly suggests an increase in gold smuggling. It is suspected that an organized smuggling scheme is used and smuggling proceeds become a source of funding for criminal organizations. Accordingly, further countermeasures against gold smuggling are urgently required.
２.Implementation of Comprehensive Measures
In light of the circumstances regarding gold smuggling as described above, the Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance, and the Japan Customs decided to jointly implement comprehensive measures focused on a flow of smuggled gold: (i) enhancement of border controls, (ii) institutional measures, and (iii) strengthening of cooperation with relevant organizations. On November 27, 2025, a special meeting of Directors-General of Customs was held and Minister of Finance Katayama instructed them to further enhance border controls over gold smuggling at the Customs.
３. Conclusion
The Customs and Tariff Bureau and the Japan Customs will respond more strongly to gold smuggling by such means as confiscating smuggled gold.
We hope that members of the general public will renew their awareness about the seriousness of the current status of gold smuggling. We also ask that they understand the necessity of countermeasures, including the strengthening of customs inspection, and provide information on smuggling or otherwise offer further cooperation in customs administration.
（Reference）
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