Japanese maximum residue levels - supply of data

Summary

​The Japanese Government implemented the Positive List on 29 May 2006, establishing provisional maximum residue limits - MRLs - for 758 chemicals.  During the development of the Positive List, Japan requested that countries, who undertake a risk assessment to determine domestic MRLs, provide a list of the MRLs applicable in their country.
In 2003, Australia provided a copy of Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Standard 1.4.2 - Maximum Residue Limits (Australian only) to Japan.  These MRLs, in conjunction with those provide by the European Union, United States, New Zealand and Canada were used by Japan to develop provisional MRLs.
An initial project was conducted to provide research into chemicals that have MRLs in Japan and a comparison was made with MRLs set in Australian meat, in order to determine any areas of concern. The results of this analysis were discussed by SAFEMEAT.
Since March 2006, Australia has provided 118 submissions to Japan in support of Australian MRLs.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority - APVMA - is responsible for assessing the chemicals and compiling technical submissions for the Japanese Positive List on behalf of industry.
The submissions made by APVMA will be considered by the Japanese Government, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare who will then issue an MRL to replace the provisional MRL.
There is an expectation that Australia will be required to provide risk assessments for further ~300 agricultural and veterinary chemicals, including the 73 chemicals requested in March 2007.
The Japanese Positive List provides Australia with the opportunity to have permanent MRLs in place more aligned with, or above, the Australian MRLs which will enhance market access opportunities for all Australian agricultural industries.
Results from recent submissions have been encouraging with finalised Japanese MRLs generally at or above Australian MRLs.
Japan has been pleased with our technical submissions but has noted that provisional MRLs based on Australian MRLs will be removed if the data is not provided or is not considered suitable.
Work in this area is continuing in order to provide all relevant submissions to Japan. APVMA have proposed that the cost for this will continue to be distributed across the grains, horticulture, pork, meat and dairy industries.