Japan Clamps Down On Illegal Seed Exports


Japan clamps down on illegal seed exports

Japan is clamping down on exports of seeds and saplings as it looks to protect its food industry.

A revision to Japan's Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act on Wednesday allows developers to limit export destinations, as well as production areas in Japan, for registered new varieties of crops.

Anybody who exports illegally could face up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to 10 million yen, or about 96,000 dollars.

Seedlings of a high-quality grape variety called "Shine Muscat" have previously been shipped to places such as China without authorization.

A Japanese national research institute spent 18 years developing the grape.

Japan's agriculture ministry says the revised law will help protect the rights and profits of developers by strictly controlling the distribution of seeds and saplings.

The amended Act takes effect next April.