The initial ban was implemented by China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) on August 24, 2023, in response to Japan's commencement of the water discharge. The GAC expressed concerns over potential radioactive contamination of Japanese food and agricultural products, emphasizing the need to protect Chinese consumers. The suspension encompassed all aquatic products, including edible aquatic animals, originating from Japan.
In September 2024, after a series of diplomatic negotiations, China and Japan reached a consensus on the issue. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both countries agreed on Japan establishing a long-term international monitoring arrangement and allowing stakeholders to conduct independent sampling and monitoring. However, China indicated that the resumption of imports would be gradual, pending technical consultations.
The economic impact of the ban has been substantial. In the first seven months of 2023, China imported approximately 234.51 million yuan ($32.3 million) worth of Japanese aquatic products, marking a 29% decrease year-on-year. The suspension further strained the Japanese seafood industry, which has been striving to assure international markets of the safety of its products following the Fukushima incident.
Japan's decision to release treated radioactive water was met with international scrutiny. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assessed the plan, concluding that it met international safety standards and would have a negligible impact on people and the environment. Despite this endorsement, neighboring countries, particularly China, expressed strong opposition, citing potential environmental and health risks.
The gradual lifting of the ban is expected to involve several stages, beginning with technical consultations between Chinese and Japanese authorities. These discussions will focus on ensuring the safety of imported seafood through rigorous testing and monitoring mechanisms. China has emphasized that the resumption of imports will be contingent upon satisfactory safety assurances and compliance with its food safety regulations.