Signing and Exchange of the Notes on the Japan-EC Customs Cooperation

January 30, 2008

1. The signing of the Japan-EC Customs Cooperation Agreement ("Agreement between the Government of Japan and the European Community on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters") took place on January 30 (Wed) in Brussels between Mr. Takekazu Kawamura, Ambassador of the Mission of Japan to the European Union, and Mr. Igor Sencar, Slovenian Permanent Representative to the European Union, and Mr. Herve Jouanjean, Deputy Secretary General of the European Commission. After the signing, an exchange of diplomatic notes took place between the two sides for the entry into force of the Agreement.

2. This Agreement is expected to enhance customs cooperation between Japan and the European Community, including exchange of information, in order to achieve smoother customs clearance and effective control of smuggling.

3. Negotiations for this Agreement were started in January 2005 and reached agreement in substance in March 2006. The initialling of this Agreement took place in June 2007. This Agreement will enter into force on February 1, 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement.

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