Japan Farm Minister Raises Concerns over EU Packaging Rules

Berlin, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japanese agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki expressed concerns about new regulations on packaging to be introduced by the European Union, during bilateral meetings with his counterparts from EU member countries in Berlin. During the meetings on Friday and Saturday, Suzuki told the agricultural ministers from each country, including those from Germany and France, that there should be no obstacles to trade between Japan and the EU, including those arising from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The Japanese government has requested that the EU exempt some of its export products, such as tea leaves and mayonnaise, from the regulations. This is because switching these products from traditional sealed packaging, which enables long-term storage, to a simpler design that compiles with the regulations would be difficult. Suzuki said that during the bilateral meetings, he was able to share the challenge that some EU members have similar concerns domestically as Japan does. The Japanese minister emphasized plans to strengthen lobbying efforts with the EU regarding the new regulations in collaboration with the European food industry. Also, Suzuki noted that through his inspection in Berlin, he gained a favorable outlook on expanding Japanese rice exports. “There’s a good chance,” he said. “If possible, I would like to see (Japanese) rice on the shelves of local supermarkets by the end of this year,” he added. Suzuki visited Berlin and Paris for six days from Wednesday. He attended the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, which brought together officials from some 70 countries and global organizations. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]