Invasive alien species in Japan: The status quo and the new regulation for prevention of their adverse effects

A huge amount of alien species have been introduced into Japan and some have become 'invasive,' having adverse effects on ecosystems, human safety, or agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Considering that the Japanese regulatory system has not dealt with the issue comprehensively, taking into account various suggestions from many entities concerned, and aiming to materialize the provisions of Article 8 (h) stipulated by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Japanese Cabinet finalized a draft of the Invasive Alien Species Act and submitted it to the Japanese Diet (= Parliament) on March 10, 2004. The framework consists of the following three main points: (1) Invasive Alien Species (IAS) shall be designated in the Cabinet Ordinance of the Act as having adverse effects on ecosystems, human safety, or agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Various actions dealing with IAS such as raising, planting, storing, carrying, and importing shall be prohibited in Japan with the exception of specified cases such as by obtaining permission from the competent ministers. (2) National/local governments, Non-Profit Organizations, and other entities concerned shall take appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of IAS that already exist in Japan. (3) Uncategorized Alien Species (UAS), which may possibly be categorized as IAS through detailed investigation, shall need detailed investigation by the Japanese government in order to be allowed to be imported into Japan. The period for determining categorization shall be within six months from requests by importers or exporters of UAS into Japan. The Diet passed the draft and the new Invasive Alien Species Act was promulgated as of June 2, 2004. Following the establishment, the Japanese Cabined made a basic policy on October 15, 2004, for effective implementation of the Act. The Act shall be enforced within one year from its promulgation and IAS and UAS shall be designated before the enforcement based on suggestions by academic experts. Tens of IAS and thousands of UAS are expected to be designated in the first step.