Food export notice: Expanded access for beef derived from cattle aged 30 months and over (OTM) for export to Japan

May 17, 2019

Please be advised that Japan will accept Canadian beef derived from cattle born and raised in Canada of all ages. Imported beef and imported cattle for production of beef destined for Japan must be eligible for export to Japan. The Export requirements library as well as Meat Export Electronic Certification (MEEC) has been amended to reflect the new requirements. Annex C - Certificate for Beef and Beef Products Destined to Japan has been updated in MEEC and is available from the local CFIA staff for use effective May 17, 2019.

The new market access for beef from eligible cattle of all ages and the updated Annex C applies only to beef exported to Japan derived from cattle slaughtered and processed under the new program on or after May 17, 2019. Japan will continue to accept the old Annex C (available on MEEC as "Annex C-1") for beef derived from cattle under the age of 30 months (UTM) slaughtered and processed before May 17, 2019 under the old program until further notice.

Japan has indicated that Canadian establishments already approved for export (see Annex 1 - List of establishments approved to export to Japan) of UTM beef under the old program will be eligible for export of beef from OTM cattle to Japan. A formal confirmation to the CFIA is awaited.

If you have any questions, please use established communication channels.

Please see the following web page for more details:

• Annex F - Standards for the slaughter of cattle and processing of beef products eligible for export to Japan
• Japan - Export requirements for meat and poultry products