1. On May 21, Japan requested consultations with the Republic of Korea under the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement procedures regarding the ROK’s ban on imports of Japanese fishery products.

2. The ROK government banned imports of fishery products from Japan, considering public concerns over the safety of radioactive material management in Japan.

o The ROK government expresses regret over Japan’s request for WTO consultations, as the ROK was conducting examinations in accordance with procedures under relevant international regulations (WTO/SPS Agreement).

3. While going through the consultation process with the Japanese side, the ROK government will clearly explain that its import ban was imposed in the interest of public safety. The government will actively respond to issues raised by the Japanese side under the WTO’s dispute settlement procedures.


*unofficial translation