The Japan-United States
Autos and Auto Parts Consultations

Steadfast implementation of the Measures and increased foreign access to the Japanese autos and auto parts market

Q.

What measures has Japan implemented since the conclusion of the Japan-United States Autos and Auto Parts Consultations?

A.

In accordance with the conclusion of the Japan-United States Autos and Auto Parts Consultations, Japan has steadfastly implemented such measures as follows.

On 29 June, notifications were sent to Japan Federation of Auto Parts Sales Associations and to other organizations, regarding measures to further enhance access to the Japanese replacement parts market. These notifications reconfirmed that they should refrain from any form of discrimination as to whether parts are foreign- or Japanese-made, and that they should offer information to repair service garages and customs concerning auto parts which can be used including foreign-made replacement parts. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.14 and IV.A.15.)

On 1 July, floor space requirements for certified repair garages handling ordinary automobiles were relaxed. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.4.a.)

Also on 1 July, a reduction was made in the number of tools and pieces of equipment required for certified and designated repair garages. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.4.b.)

On 23 August, notification was sent to the Japan Automobile Services Promotion Association and other organizations, stressing that no discrimination is to be made against automobiles equipped with foreign-made auto parts or parts of mixed origin, during inspections of automobiles or at other times. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.12.)

On 5 September, notification was sent to the Japan Automotive Parts Association with regard to high-quality parts systems. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.12.)

On 20 September, contact points were established to handle requests and complaints with regard to the definition of disassembling repair, and to such matters as repair or modification inspections. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.3.a.ii, IV.A.3.e, and IV.A.11.)

On 18 October, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry designated contact personnel whose function is to receive communications from foreign vehicle manufacturers and others. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: II.A.6.)

Also on 18 October, notification was sent to member companies of the Japan Automobile Dealers' Association, stating that Japanese automobile dealers are free to sell competing automobiles. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: II.A.5.)

On 20 October, the Ministry of Transport issued a Ministerial Ordinance promulgating and enforcing amendment of some regulations relative to application of the Road Vehicles Act, reducing four critical parts requirements: shock absorbers, struts, power steering, and trailer hitches. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.3.c.)

On 16 November, notification was sent to all District Transport Bureaus and to automobile-related organizations, with regard to deregulation of modification inspections. Deregulation came into effect starting on 22 November. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.A.9.)

On 28 and 29 November, following a preparatory meeting held on 24 October, the Expert Consultations on Automotive Standards and Certification was held. (Relevant part of Final Conclusions: IV.B.2.)