Department of International Cooperation

The Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership entered into force on 1 February 2019. During its first year of operation, sound progress was made by Japan in enhancing both compliance with and the functioning of the agreement, to improve the business environment for enterprises and entrepreneurs from the European Union engaged in trade between the EU and Japan.

This report assesses the current state of the EPA implementation as well as Japan’s compliance with the agreement. The report highlights: (i) discussions and outcomes of the specialized committees and working groups established under the EPA, (ii) amendments to Japanese laws, regulations, and practices that reflect the commitments made by Japan in the EU-Japan EPA or are otherwise noteworthy, (iii) non-legislative measures that accelerate or facilitate the implementation of the EU-Japan EPA, and (iv) actions that Japan still needs to take to comply with the agreement, as of 31 January 2020.

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