International Trade Law News

The Japan Times reports that as a result of the recent high profile cases involving exports of high tech products to China and other countries, the Government of Japan will implement measures to strengthen export controls. The new measures include periodic inspections of trading companies and manufacturers conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Research institutions will also be urged to implement measures to prevent the exports of goods and technologies that could be diverted for military use.

The article states that METI has already conduct 20 inspections and plans to conduct 100 more this year. The inspections include a review as to whether export controls are being followed and whether the companies properly classified their products.