Entry into Force of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition between Japan and the European Community

November 28, 2001

The exchange of notes to put into effect the Agreement on Mutual Recognition between Japan and the European Community took place on 28th November (Wed) in Brussels (*venue to be filled in later) between the Mission of Japan to the European Union and the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union. As a result of the exchange of notes, the Agreement will enter into force on 1st January next year.
The Agreement establishes a framework to enable an exporting party to undertake certain procedures that are required in the importing party at the time of imports with regard to the four fields of telecommunications equipment, electrical products, chemicals and medicinal products. It is aimed at promoting trade between Japan and Europe by reducing costs for companies engaged in trade of these products.
The agreement is the first bilateral agreement on mutual recognition for Japan and the first full-scale agreement between Japan and the European Community. It therefore marks the start of the "Decade of Japan-Europe Co-operation," which has begun this year.

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