The Joint Committee established by the agreement celebrates this anniversary by making important improvements to the agreement. On both sides, the agreement protects 28 additional geographical indications (GIs) and makes trade in wines and vehicles even easier than before.
Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis:
"The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement is one of our most important agreements. Together, the EU and Japan account for a quarter of global GDP and our bilateral trade amounts to around €170 billion a year. This agreement has made trade easier and cheaper for both European and Japanese producers; both farmers and manufacturers have been given a boost. Our strong cooperation is now bearing even more fruit, with 28 additional traditional quality agri-food products now protected from imitation. We also facilitate trade in wine and cars, two important sectors. This is very welcome as we work to restore economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, EU-Japan relations go beyond bilateral trade. We both stand for rules-based, open world trade and a strong World Trade Organisation".
Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said:
"This agreement is a good example of trade benefiting both sides through mutual trust and close cooperation, especially in the agri-food sector. I thank Japan for a continued constructive and fruitful dialogue. This agreement is and will remain very positive for Japanese and European farmers. Only two years since the agreement entered into force, 28 more geographical indications are protected on both sides in our respective markets. These products have a real added value, reflecting authenticity and quality and further rewarding our farmers. Moreover, thanks to Japan's recent wine production licence, our European wine producers will now be able to benefit from greater export opportunities. Remember - good food means good business!"
A number of important issues are highlighted by the Joint Committee:
- The list of protected geographical indications (GIs) from EU countries and Japan contains 28 additional GIs for each party. This is an important development, as it is the fastest expansion of a list of GIs under an FTA so far. This list will be further extended by 55 GIs for both parties. Some geographical indications from EU countries are Cassis de Dijon, olive oil from Kalamata and wine from Cariñena.
- It becomes easier to export vehicles to the other party. Both sides agreed to extend the list of safety requirements that do not require dual approval. For example, if the EU certifies that a car exported from the EU to Japan meets certain safety requirements, Japan will no longer check that these requirements are met, and vice versa. This includes important new and green technologies, such as hybrid and hydrogen vehicles.
- Japan has recently brought its wine standards closer to those of the EU in accordance with the agreement and has authorised various EU oenological practices on its territory. This will allow more EU wine to reach the Japanese market.
- The procedures for applying for and obtaining tariff preferences have been considerably simplified. This makes it easier for EU companies to export to Japan. Simplifying procedures is particularly important for small businesses, which often lack the resources to research and make use of complicated rules.
This article is almost entirely reproduced from the European Union website (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/nl/ip_21_313).
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