Japan Advances Quarantine Consultations on Fresh Potato Imports From the United States

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is advancing quarantine consultations concerning fresh potatoes from the United States intended for general distribution in Japan.

The consultations follow a request from the United States concerning agricultural products currently prohibited from import into Japan for plant quarantine reasons. Under the World Trade Organization Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO/SPS Agreement), Japan conducts such consultations based on scientific evidence.

MAFF has compiled the results of its pest risk assessment for fresh United States potatoes and has reached the stage of identifying pests for which risk management measures are required. The ministry will hold an online briefing on September 18, 2026, to explain the progress of the quarantine consultations and the results of the assessment. 
 

Growers Raise Concerns Over Pest Risks

Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the ministry has received comments and concerns regarding the consultations through its headquarters, regional agricultural administration offices and other channels.

Potato growers have raised concerns that pests and diseases could enter Japan and negatively affect domestic agriculture. Stakeholders have also expressed concern that fresh potato imports from the United States could be approved quickly.

The ministry has also begun meetings with agricultural stakeholders in major potato-producing prefectures. At a meeting in Hokkaido, participants raised questions about whether pest risks could be sufficiently controlled and called for detailed explanations about the progress of the consultations.

Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

"The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will carefully consider these views and proceed cautiously with the consultations, taking a firm stance to prevent the introduction of pests that could adversely affect Japan's agriculture."

MAFF will continue holding meetings with agricultural stakeholders in potato-producing regions ahead of the nationwide briefing scheduled for September 18. The ministry said the quarantine consultations will continue to be handled scientifically while measures to prevent the introduction of potentially damaging pests are evaluated.