Japan METI Trade Control

End User List Expands to 835 Entities with Conventional Weapons

METI has revised Japan's End User List, expanding it from 748 to 835 entities (an increase of 87) across 15 countries and regions. The list now includes entities involved in conventional weapons development in addition to WMDs and missiles. Exporters must verify transaction status against the list and submit export license applications when dealing with listed entities, effective October 9, 2025.

Japan Extends North Korea Import/Export Ban for Two Years

METI extended the comprehensive ban on all Japanese exports to North Korea and imports from North Korea for two years, effective April 14, 2025 through April 13, 2027. Exporters must obtain approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 48(3) of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, and importers must obtain approval under Article 52. Intermediate trade transactions and payment of import bills for unapproved North Korean goods are also prohibited.

Japan Revises End User List, 748 Entities Listed

Japan's METI has revised its End User List, adding 42 entities for a total of 748 listed entities from 15 countries. The list identifies foreign entities with potential involvement in weapons of mass destruction and missile development. Exporters must submit license applications when shipping goods to listed entities, effective February 5, 2025.

Carbon Dioxide Streams for CCS Added to Export Controls

Japan's METI has issued a cabinet order amending the Export Trade Control Order to add carbon dioxide streams for CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) purposes to the list of goods requiring approval for export. The amendment implements Japan's obligations under the 1996 London Protocol, adding CO2 streams exported for disposal via sequestration to Appended Table 2. Exporters must obtain approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, with enforcement beginning January 19, 2026.

METI Reapplies UN Iran Sanctions, Freezes 78 Entities and 43 Individuals

METI announced the reapplication of UN Iran sanctions following UNSC Resolution 2231, reimposing measures from Resolutions 1737, 1747, 1803, and 1929 that had been lifted. The Government of Japan implemented asset freezes against 78 entities and 43 individuals designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for involvement in Iran's nuclear proliferation activities and delivery systems development. Japanese businesses must now comply with payment restrictions, capital transaction prohibitions, and investment bans under FEFTA.