EU, Norway, Iceland end nuclear accident-related import controls on Japan food

The European Union, Norway and Iceland on Thursday lifted all import restrictions on Japanese food products that had been implemented following the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the end of the import controls in a press release on Thursday.

The ministry says it welcomes the removal of the restrictions as it will boost reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the nuclear disaster. Switzerland is also expected to end its measures on August 15. The end of controls will mean no need for radiation screening and less paperwork. Japan hopes this will lead to an increase in food exports.