Outline of Security Export Control

Japan and other major countries have collaborated in the making of an international framework for managing exports, an international export control system in international society in order to prevent terrorists and countries threatening the security of Japan and international society from obtaining  products and technologies that might be used for developing weapons of mass destruction.

Japan controls such trade from a human security viewpoint under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Therefore, permission from the minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is needed when/if one includes such restricted items in one's luggage (when going abroad) or provides technology to overseas destinations.

If one exports or provides such items without permission, not only the one who did such, but also the organization that he or she belongs to may become eligible for criminal punishment or administrative sanctions.

Japan's export control -- products and technologies

Product export

List Control

Export of items listed in the control list

  • Weapons themselves
  • General-purpose items that may be used as weapons or part of weapons.
  • General-purpose items that are highly likely to be used for developing weapons

Catch-All Controls

In case of export of items that are not listed on the control list excluding timbers and foods and there is a concern about development of weapons in their applications and users.

Offering technologies

Technologies are classified into design, manufacturing, and usage.

  • Offering technological information such as drafts, specs, written instructions, samples, prototypes by paper, email, CD, or USB memory sticks.
  • Offering work knowledge through technical guidance and/or training
  • Offering technical support at a seminar
  • Providing specifications for placing orders for research equipment to overseas companies

Research and export control at university

Research conducted at university and its achievements include technologies that might be used for developing weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms despite researchers' intentions. Thus, an appropriate security export control at university is required.

You may think that activities noted below have nothing to do with universities, but actually, something in research and research-related activities may be subject to this control.

Activities subject to control

  • Going overseas on business
  • Bringing or sending equipment and samples overseas
  • Bringing or sending samples to researchers abroad
  • Sending email or fax
  • Conducting joint research with overseas institutions and/or researchers
  • Accepting international students, researchers, and visitors.
share !