Quarantine Act(Act No. 201 of 1951)
Last Version: Act No. 30 of 2008
TOC
History

  • January 25, 2017
    • Last Version: Act No. 30 of 2008
    • Translated Date: March 9, 2010
    • Dictionary Version: 10.0
  • March 31, 2009
    • Last Version: Act No. 106 of 2006
    • Translated Date: April 1, 2009
    • Dictionary Version: 2.0

Quarantine Act
Act No. 201 of June 6, 1951
Chapter I General Provisions(Article 1 to 3)
Chapter II Quarantine(Article 4 to 23-2)
Chapter III Other Public Health Operations Conducted by Quarantine Station Chiefs(Article 24 to 27-2)
Chapter IV Miscellaneous Provisions(Article 28 to 41)
Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I General Provisions
(Purpose)
Article 1The purpose of this Act is to prevent pathogens of infectious diseases that are not endemic in Japan from entering the country via vessels or aircrafts, as well as to take other necessary measures concerning vessels or aircrafts to prevent infectious diseases.
(Quarantinable Infectious Disease)
Article 2The term "Quarantinable Infectious Diseases" as used in this Act means the following infectious diseases:
(i)class I infectious diseases specified in the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases (Act No. 114 of 1998);
(ii)infectious diseases such as novel influenza A specified in the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases; or
(iii)beyond the diseases listed in the previous two items, diseases specified by Cabinet Order as those which require inspection in order to prevent pathogens of infectious diseases not endemic to Japan from entering the country.
(Application of this Act to Suspected Carriers and Asymptomatic Carriers)
Article 2-2(1)In this Act, suspected carriers for infectious diseases listed in item 1 of the preceding Article are deemed patients with infectious diseases listed in the same item; therefore this Act applies to them.
(2)In this Act, suspected carriers for infectious diseases listed in item (ii) of the preceding Article that may be infected with pathogens of the infectious disease are deemed to be patients with infectious diseases listed in the same item; therefore this Act applies to them.
(3)In this Act, persons carrying pathogens of infectious diseases listed in item 1 of the preceding Article that show no symptoms of the infectious diseases are deemed to be patients with infectious diseases listed in the same item; therefore this Act applies to them.
(Quarantine Ports)
Article 3The term "Quarantine Port" or "Quarantine Airport" as used in this Act means ports or airports specified by Cabinet Order respectively.
Chapter II Quarantine
(Prohibition of Entry into Port)
Article 4The captain or pilot (including a person who carries out duties on their behalf; the same applies hereinafter) of the following vessels or aircrafts (hereinafter referred to as "Overseas Vessel" or "Overseas Aircraft" respectively) must neither put the vessel into port in Japan (the areas of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and their islands, as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; the same applies hereinafter), nor land the aircraft on the ground (including on the waters of a port) or on the waters of Japan, except at a Quarantine Airport, before receiving a quarantine certificate or a provisional quarantine certificate (including a notice as set forth in Article 17, paragraph (2); the same applies hereinafter except in Article 9); provided, however, that this does not apply if the captain of an Overseas Vessel puts the vessel into a quarantine area provided for in Article 8, paragraph (1) or an area as instructed pursuant to the provisions of Article 8, paragraph (3) in order to go through quarantine, or puts the vessel into port (except a quarantine area provided for in Article 8, paragraph (1) or an area as instructed pursuant to the provisions of Article 8, paragraph (3)) in order to enable a person who has been checked as set forth in item 1 of the proviso of the following Article to disembark or articles which have been checked as set forth in item 1 of the proviso of the following Article or cargo pertaining to the instructions set forth in Article 13-2 to be landed, or if the pilot of an Overseas Aircraft lands the aircraft or lands the aircraft on water with the permission of a quarantine station chief (including a chief of a quarantine station branch office or field office; the same applies hereinafter):
(i)vessels or aircraft that arrive in Japan having departed from or visited an overseas port; or
(ii)vessels or aircraft which have picked up a person or loaded articles from another vessel or aircraft that has departed from or visited an overseas port (except a vessel or aircraft that has received a quarantine certificate or provisional quarantine certificate) on the way.
(Restriction of Traffic)
Article 5With respect to an Overseas Vessel or Overseas Aircraft (hereinafter referred to as "Vessel, etc."), it is prohibited for any person to disembark or unload articles from the vessel, or leave or carry articles out of either the aircraft or the area designated by the quarantine station chief in the Quarantine Airport, before the captain or pilot thereof has received a quarantine certificate or a provisional quarantine certificate; provided, however, that this does not apply when it falls under any of the following items:
(i)when a person disembarks or unloads articles from the vessel, or leaves or carries articles out of either the aircraft or the area designated by the quarantine station chief in the Quarantine Airport, after the quarantine station chief has confirmed that they are clearly not contaminated by pathogens of Quarantinable Infectious Diseases;
(ii)when the articles are unloaded or carried out in accordance with the instructions set forth in Article 13-2; or
(iii)when it is found to be absolutely necessary due to an emergency and the permission of the quarantine station chief has been received.
(Report Prior to Quarantine)
Article 6The captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. which is to be quarantined must, when the Vessel, etc. approaches a Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport, report in an appropriate manner, as to the existence of any patient with a Quarantinable Infectious Disease or any deceased person, or any other circumstances specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, to the chief of the quarantine station (including quarantine station branches or field offices; the same applies hereinafter) located in the Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport.
Article 7Deleted
(Quarantine Areas)
Article 8(1)When a vessel is to go through quarantine, the captain of the vessel must put the vessel into a quarantine area, except if a notice as set forth in Article 17-2 has been received.
(2)When an Overseas Aircraft is initially landed at a Quarantine Airport or on water, the pilot of the aircraft must move the aircraft to a quarantine area immediately.
(3)In the cases prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs, when the quarantine station chief instructs the captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. to move the Vessel, etc. to a location other than a quarantine area on grounds such as the weather, the captain or pilot of the Vessel, etc. must comply with the instructions.
(4)One or more quarantine areas pursuant to paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) are to be specified for each Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport, and public notice is to be given of these by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare in consultation with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
(Quarantine Signal)
Article 9A captain of a vessel, from the time the vessel enters a quarantine area or any location as instructed by the provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article for the purpose of quarantine, until issuance of a quarantine certificate or provisional quarantine certificate has been received, must have the vessel display a quarantine signal pursuant to the provisions of an Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The same applies when a provisional quarantine certificate expires pursuant to the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) or a notice of expiry of a provisional quarantine certificate is given pursuant to the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (2) while a vessel is berthing in port, to the period from the time of the expiry or notice of expiry, until the vessel is moved out of port, or issuance of a further quarantine certificate or provisional quarantine certificate is received.
(Commencement of Quarantine)
Article 10A quarantine station chief must commence quarantine promptly when a Vessel, etc. enters a quarantine area or a location as instructed pursuant to the provisions of Article 8, paragraph (3), except in unavoidable circumstances such as bad weather; provided, however, that the chief may elect not to commence quarantine until sunrise for a vessel which enters after sunset.
(Submission and Presentation of Documents)
Article 11(1)When going through quarantine, a captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health describing the name or registration number of the Vessel, etc., port of departure, ports of call and other matters as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; provided, however, that for quarantine after the expiring of a provisional quarantine certificate, this applies only if it is requested by the quarantine station chief.
(2)A quarantine station chief may request a captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. to submit the documents listed in item 1 through item 3, and to present the documents listed in item 4 and item 5:
(i)list of crew;
(ii)list of passengers;
(iii)cargo inventory;
(iv)ship's log or flight logbook; and
(v)other documents necessary for quarantine.
(Questions)
Article 12A quarantine station chief may make necessary inquiries of any person or marine technician on board a Vessel, etc., or any other person who boards after the Vessel, etc. arrives in port, or may assign a quarantine officer to this task.
(Medical Examination and Inspection)
Article 13(1)A quarantine station chief may make a medical examination of a person as provided for in the preceding Article with regards a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, and make an inspection of a Vessel, etc. for the existence of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, or may have a quarantine officer make it.
(2)If a quarantine station chief finds it necessary for the inspection set forth in the preceding paragraph, the quarantine station chief may conduct an autopsy on the corpse, or have a quarantine officer conduct it.In this case, if an autopsy is necessary in order to clarify the cause of death, and it is clear that the aim of the autopsy will barely be achieved if it has to wait for the confirmation of the bereaved family, as in cases where their whereabouts are unknown or they reside in a remote location, it is not necessary for the quarantine station chief to obtain the approval of the bereaved family.
(Instruction to Land)
Article 13-2When a quarantine station chief finds it to be difficult to conduct an inspection as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article of cargo on board a Vessel, etc., the quarantine station chief may instruct the captain or pilot of the Vessel, etc. to unload or carry the cargo out for inspection as set forth in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, at a location as instructed by the quarantine station chief.
(Measures for Contaminated or Potentially Contaminated Vessels)
Article 14(1)A quarantine station chief may take all or some of the following measures, in so far as they are reasonably necessary for a Vessel, etc. that has arrived after departing from a region where a Quarantinable Infectious Disease is endemic or calling at a port in the region, a Vessel, etc. on which an incidence of a patient or fatality of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease has occurred, a Vessel etc. on which rodents carrying or likely to be carrying Yersinia pestis are discovered, or a Vessel, etc. that is or is likely to be contaminated with pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease:
(i)isolate, or have a quarantine officer isolate, a patient with an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (i) or (ii);
(ii)detain, or have a quarantine officer detain, a person likely to be infected with pathogens of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (i) or (ii) (limited to when an infectious disease listed in the same items occurs overseas and the entry of its pathogens into Japan is found to present a significant risk to the lives and health of the citizens of Japan);
(iii)disinfect, or have a quarantine officer disinfect, an article or an area which is contaminated or likely to be contaminated with pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, or order the disposal of the items which are difficult to disinfect;
(iv)cremate a corpse (including a dead fetus) that is infected or is likely to be infected with pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease pursuant to the provisions of the Graveyards and Burials Act (Act No. 48 of 1948);
(v)prohibit or restrict the use of an article or an area that is contaminated or likely to be contaminated with pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, or prohibit the transfer of the article;
(vi)have a quarantine officer or another person the quarantine station chief finds to be appropriate exterminate rodents or insects; or
(vii)immunize, or have a quarantine officer immunize, persons as found necessary.
(2)A quarantine station chief may instruct the captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. to bring the Vessel, etc. to another Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport, after indicating the grounds for this, when the quarantine station chief finds it to be impossible to comply with necessary measures listed in item (i) through item (iii), or item (vi) of the preceding paragraph, due to inadequate equipment at the quarantine station.
(Isolation)
Article 15(1)Isolation as provided for in paragraph (1), item (i) of the preceding Article is to be entrusted to a medical institution listed in each of the following items according to each of the infectious diseases specified in the respective items; provided, however, that a quarantine station chief may, when it is an urgent necessity, entrust the isolation to a hospital or clinic other than the medical institutions listed in the same items that the quarantine station chief finds to be appropriate:
(i)infectious diseases listed in Article 2, item (i):Medical institutions designated for specific infectious diseases (medical institutions designated for specific infectious diseases as provided for in the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases; the same applies hereinafter), or medical institutions designated for Class I infectious diseases (medical institutions designated for Class I infectious diseases as provided for in the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases; the same applies hereinafter); or
(ii)infectious diseases listed in Article 2, item (ii):Medical institutions designated for specific infectious diseases, medical institutions designated for Class I infectious diseases, or medical institutions designated for Class II infectious diseases (medical institutions designated for Class II infectious diseases as provided for in the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases; the same applies hereinafter).
(2)When measures set forth in the preceding paragraph are taken, the quarantine station chief, after it is confirmed that a patient of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (i) or (ii) is no longer a carrier of pathogens of the infectious disease, must lift the isolation of the isolated person immediately.
(3)An administrator of a hospital or clinic which is entrusted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) must give notice to the quarantine station chief when it is confirmed that a patient of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (i) or (ii) who has been isolated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), item (i) of the preceding Article is no longer a carrier of pathogens of the infectious disease.
(4)A person who has been isolated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), item (i) of the preceding Article, or the guardian of the person (a person who exercises parental authority or a guardian; the same applies hereinafter) may request the quarantine station chief to lift the isolation on the isolated person.
(5)A quarantine station chief must, when there has been a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, confirm whether the isolated patient of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (i) or (ii) is a carrier of pathogens of the infectious disease.
(Detention)
Article 16(1)Detention pursuant to the provision of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (ii) of a person that is likely to be infected with pathogens of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (i) is to be entrusted to a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases or a medical institution designated for Class I infectious diseases, specifying a period of time; provided, however, that the quarantine station chief may, in case of emergency or other compelling reason, entrust the detention to a hospital or clinic other than a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases or a medical institution designated for Class I infectious diseases that the quarantine station chief finds to be appropriate, or may accommodate the person on board a vessel with the consent of the captain of the vessel.
(2)A quarantine station chief may entrust detention as provided for in Article 14, paragraph (1), item (ii) of a person who is likely to be infected with pathogens of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (ii) to a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases, a medical institution designated for Class I infectious diseases, or a medical institution designated for Class II infectious diseases, or a hospital or clinic other than these which is found to be appropriate by the quarantine station chief, specifying a period of time, or may accommodate the person in an accommodation facility with the consent of the manager of the accommodation facility, or on board a vessel with the consent of the captain of the vessel.
(3)The period set forth in the preceding two paragraphs must not exceed 144 hours for plague, as listed in Article 2, item (i) and must not exceed a period of time less than 504 hours specified by a Cabinet Order, taking into consideration the incubation period of each respective infectious disease, for infectious diseases listed in Article 2, item (ii) other than plague.
(4)A quarantine station chief must, if measures have been taken as set forth in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), release a detained person immediately after it is confirmed that the person is no longer a carrier of pathogens of the infectious disease pertaining to the detention.
(5)The administrator of a hospital or clinic which is entrusted as set forth in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) must give notice to the quarantine station chief when it is confirmed that a person who is detained pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (ii) is no longer a carrier of pathogens of the infectious disease pertaining to the detention.
(6)A person who is detained pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (ii) or the guardian of the person may request that the quarantine station chief release the detained person.
(7)A quarantine station chief must, when there has been a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, confirm whether the detained person is a carrier of pathogens of the infectious disease pertaining to the detention.
(Special Provisions for Appeal for Review)
Article 16-2(1)A person who has been isolated pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) or the guardian of the person may, if more than 30 days have elapsed since the start of the isolation, appeal for a review of the isolation (including further requests for administrative re-examination; the same applies in paragraph (2) and paragraph (3)) to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, orally or in writing.
(2)The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare must, when an request for administrative review is made as set forth in the preceding paragraph, make a determination on the request for administrative review within five days of the date of the request for administrative review.
(3)When a person who has been isolated pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) or the guardian of the person requests for administrative review to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare based on the Administrative Appeal Act (Act No. 160 of 1962) before 30 days have elapsed since the start of the isolation, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare must make a determination within 35 days of the date of the isolation of the person isolated pertaining to the request for administrative review, pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i).
(4)When a person who has been isolated pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) for a period of isolation that does not exceed 30 days or the guardian of the person requests for administrative review to the quarantine station chief, and subsequently more than 30 days elapse since the start of the isolation, the quarantine station chief must transfer the case to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, and give notice thereof to the person making the request for administrative review.
(5)When a case is transferred pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the provisions of paragraph (3) apply, by deeming the request for administrative review to have been made to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare from the start.
(6)The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare must hear the opinions of a Council, etc. (organs as provided for in Article 8 of the National Government Organization Act (Act No. 120 of 1948) as specified by a Cabinet Order in advance, when the Minister makes a determination as set forth in paragraph (2) or paragraph (3) (limited to cases pertaining to a person who has been in isolation for a period exceeding 30 days).
(Issuance of Quarantine Certificates)
Article 17(1)A quarantine station chief must issue a quarantine certificate to the captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. if the quarantine station chief finds there to be no risk of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease entering the country via the Vessel, etc.
(2)If a captain of a vessel makes a report as set forth in Article 6 regarding matters specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare pursuant to an Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the quarantine station chief must give notice in advance that a quarantine certificate will be issued to the captain of the vessel if the quarantine station chief finds there to be no risk of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease entering the country via the vessel based on the report.
(Issuance of Provisional Quarantine Certificates)
Article 18(1)If a quarantine certificate cannot be issued, a quarantine station chief may issue a provisional quarantine certificate to the captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc., specifying a certain period of time, if the quarantine station chief finds there to be very little risk of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease entering the country.
(2)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, the quarantine station chief may request that a person who is likely to be infected with pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease (except infectious diseases listed in Article 2, item (ii)) who is not detained present the passport pursuant Article 2, item (v) of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951), request that the person report the place of residence in Japan, contact name and address, travel schedule and other matters as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, request that the person report the health condition of the person including body temperature within a period as specified by the preceding paragraph, or ask questions, or have a quarantine officer do it.
(3)If a quarantine station chief confirms that a person has any health problems as a result of reports or questions pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the quarantine station chief must instruct the person to undergo a medical examination at a public health center or other medical institution and provide other instruction as necessary on preventive measures regarding Quarantinable Infectious Diseases, and must give notice of the instructions and other matters specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to the prefectural governor (city mayor or ward mayor in a city with a public health center or a special ward of Tokyo; the same applies in paragraph (5) and Article 26-3) who has jurisdiction over the location of residence of the person.
(4)In the case of paragraph (1), the quarantine station chief may request a person that is likely to be infected with pathogens of an infectious disease listed in Article 2, item (ii) and is not detained to present the passport as provided for in paragraph (2), or request the person to report the place of residence in Japan, contact name and address, travel schedule and other matters as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, or have a quarantine officer do it.
(5)The quarantine station chief must give notice of matters reported pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph to the prefectural governor who has jurisdiction over the location of residence of the person specified in the preceding paragraph.
(Expiry of Provisional Quarantine Certificates)
Article 19(1)If a person is infected by or dies from a Quarantinable Infectious Disease in a Vessel, etc. which has received a provisional quarantine certificate within the period specified pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the provisional quarantine certificate expires.In this case, the captain or pilot of the Vessel etc. must immediately notify the chief of the nearest quarantine station thereof.
(2)A quarantine station chief who has issued a provisional quarantine certificate may invalidate the provisional quarantine certificate only within the period specified pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, if the quarantine station chief finds additional measures to those listed in the items of Article 14, paragraph (1) to be necessary in respect of the Vessel, etc.In this case, the quarantine station chief must immediately give notice thereof to the captain or pilot of the Vessel, etc.
(3)If a provisional quarantine certificate is invalidated pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, when the vessel is berthed in port or the aircraft is parked at a location in Japan (including the waters of a port), the quarantine station chief who received notification as set forth in paragraph (1), or the quarantine station chief who issued the provisional quarantine certificate, may order the captain or pilot of the Vessel, etc. to move the Vessel, etc. into a quarantine area or other location as instructed, or to move the vessel out of the port, or to have the aircraft take off from the ground or water of the location.
(Issuance of Certificates)
Article 20If a quarantine station chief has taken any of the measures listed in the items of Article 14, paragraph (1), or given instructions as set forth in Article 14, paragraph (2), the quarantine station chief must issue the certificate when requested by the captain or pilot of the Vessel, etc. or any other relevant person.
(Quarantine at Non-Quarantine Ports)
Article 21(1)A captain of a vessel that meets all the following requirements may move the vessel into a non-Quarantine Port for quarantine, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4; provided, however, that this is limited to cases where the permission of the chief of the nearest Quarantine Port is received in advance:
(i)the vessel did not arrive after departing from or calling at an overseas area as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as an area where a Quarantinable Infectious Disease is, or is likely to be, endemic;
(ii)the vessel has not picked up a person or loaded articles from another vessel or aircraft which has departed from or visited an overseas area provided for in the preceding item (except a vessel or aircraft to which a quarantine certificate or provisional quarantine certificate has been issued) on the way;
(iii)no one has been infected by a Quarantinable Infectious Disease during the voyage;
(iv)a physician, or a person with a qualification equivalent to that of a physician under overseas laws and regulations is included in the crew as the ship's doctor; and
(v)the vessel holds a certificate certifying that a rodent extermination has been adequately undertaken or confirming that no extermination of rodents is necessary (limited to those issued within the preceding six months by a quarantine station chief or an equivalent foreign institution).
(2)When the captain of a vessel attempts to receive a permission under the proviso to the preceding paragraph, the captain must make a report and application on the matters listed in the items of the preceding paragraph and other matters as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, pursuant to the provisions of an Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(3)When a quarantine station chief receives an application for permission as set forth in the proviso to paragraph (1), the chief must promptly decide whether or not permission is to be granted, and give notice thereof to the captain of the vessel.
(4)When the captain of the vessel set forth in paragraph (1) has put the vessel into a non-Quarantine Port, the captain must move the vessel immediately to an area of the port as instructed by the quarantine station chief.
(5)The provisions of Article 9 and Article 10 apply mutatis mutandis to cases where the vessel set forth in paragraph (1) moves into an area as instructed pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.
(6)When a quarantine station chief finds the vessel set forth in paragraph (1) to be contaminated or likely to be contaminated with pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, or finds it necessary to move the vessel to a Quarantine Port for additional medical examination or inspection as provided for in Article 13, the quarantine station chief must discontinue quarantine at the port, indicating the reason for this to the captain of the vessel.
(7)When quarantine at a non-Quarantine Port is discontinued pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the captain of the vessel must move the vessel out of port immediately.
(8)The provisions of Article 20 apply mutatis mutandis to cases where the quarantine station chief discontinues quarantine pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6).
(Special Provisions for Vessels falling under Article 4, item (ii))
Article 22(1)The captain of a vessel or pilot of an aircraft which falls under Article 4, item (ii) (except a vessel or aircraft which also falls under Article 4, item (i)) may move the vessel into a non-Quarantine Port or land the aircraft on the ground or on water in an area of Japan outside a Quarantine Airport (including the waters of a port), for quarantine, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4, if it would be difficult for the vessel or aircraft to reach a Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport, due to being unable to withstand long-distance travel, or for other reasons.
(2)When the captain of a vessel or pilot of an aircraft set forth in the preceding paragraph puts the vessel into a non-Quarantine Port or lands the aircraft on the ground or on water in an area of Japan outside a Quarantine Airport (including the waters of a port), the captain must report immediately to the chief of the nearest public health center as to the existence of a patient of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, and the date and location when the Vessel, etc. came to fall under Article 4, item (ii), and other matters specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; provided, however, that this does not apply when the captain of the vessel or pilot of the aircraft reports the relevant matters to the chief of the nearest quarantine station in advance.
(3)The chief of a public health center who receives a report as set forth in the preceding paragraph may take necessary precautionary measures against Quarantinable Infectious Diseases including inspection and disinfection of the vessel or aircraft.
(4)Permission under item (iii) of the proviso to Article 5 may be granted to vessels and aircraft as set forth in the preceding paragraph by the chief of a public health center.
(5)The provisions of Article 4 and Article 5 do not apply to vessels or aircraft as set forth in paragraph (1), if confirmation is received from the chief of a public health center that confirms that there is no risk of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease entering the country via the vessel or aircraft.
(6)The provisions of Article 9 and Article 10 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the captain of a vessel as set forth in paragraph (1) moves the vessel into a non-Quarantine Port after reporting as set forth in the proviso to paragraph (2), and the provisions of Article 10 apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the pilot of an aircraft as set forth in paragraph (1) lands the aircraft on the ground or on water in an area of Japan outside a Quarantine Airport (including the waters of a port), after reporting as set forth in the proviso to paragraph (2).
(Emergency Evacuation)
Article 23(1)If a captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. that has not received issuance of a quarantine certificate or provisional quarantine certificate unavoidably puts the Vessel, etc. into a port in Japan or lands the aircraft on the ground or on water in an area of Japan outside a Quarantine Airport (including the waters of a port) in order to avoid imminent danger, and the imminent danger ends, the captain or pilot must immediately move the vessel to a Quarantine Port or a location as instructed by a quarantine station chief, or out of port, or have the aircraft take off from the ground or water of the location.
(2)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if it is not possible to move the vessel to a quarantine area, etc., or out of port, or have the aircraft take off from the ground or water of the location for unavoidable reasons, the captain or pilot of the Vessel, etc. must report to the chief of the nearest quarantine station, or in the absence of a quarantine station to the chief of a public health center, as to the existence of a patient of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, the port of departure, ports of call, and other matters as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(3)A chief of a quarantine station or public health center who receives a report as set forth in the preceding paragraph may take necessary precautionary measures against Quarantinable Infectious Diseases including examination and disinfection of the Vessel, etc.
(4)A chief of a public health center may also grant permission as provided for in item (iii) of the proviso to Article 5 to the Vessel, etc. as set forth in paragraph (2).
(5)The provisions of Article 5 do not apply to a Vessel, etc. as set forth in paragraph (2) which has received confirmation from a quarantine station chief or chief of a public health center that there is very little risk of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease entering the country via the Vessel, etc., provided that the Vessel, etc. remains in the location.
(6)The provisions of the preceding four paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to a Vessel, etc. which is crippled on the coast of the country outside a port.
(7)The captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. who has not received a quarantine certificate or provisional quarantine certificate, when any person unavoidably disembarks or unloads any article from the vessel, or leaves or unloads any article from the aircraft in order to avoid imminent danger, must immediately report to the chief of the nearest public health center or municipality as to the existence of a patient with a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, and other matters as specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(Request for Cooperation)
Article 23-2If a quarantine station chief finds it necessary in order to smoothly perform quarantine activities in the quarantine station, the quarantine station chief may request the owner, captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc., or the administrator of a Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport to distribute a document concerning enquiries pursuant to the provisions of Article 12, supply information on quarantine procedures, or make any other necessary requests for cooperation.
Chapter III Other Public Health Operations conducted by Quarantine Station Chiefs
(Emergency Measures)
Article 24When carrying out quarantine, if a quarantine station chief discovers that a person is infected by or has died from an infectious disease other than a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, as provided for in Article 6, paragraph (3) through (5) and paragraph (8) of the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases, or if the quarantine station chief finds the Vessel, etc. to be contaminated or likely to be contaminated with pathogens of the infectious disease, take necessary preventive emergency measures, where there is an urgent necessity, including medical examination, disinfecting, or have a quarantine officer do it.
(Extermination of Rodents)
Article 25When carrying out quarantine, if a quarantine station chief finds that rodent extermination has not been adequately undertaken on the vessel, the quarantine station chief may order the captain of the vessel to carry out rodent extermination; provided, however, that this does not apply to the case where the captain of the vessel presents a certificate certifying that rodent extermination has been adequately undertaken, or confirming that no extermination of rodents is necessary (limited to those issued within the preceding six months by a quarantine station chief or an equivalent foreign institution).
(Inspection by Application)
Article 26(1)If an owner or captain of a vessel or aircraft pays a fee of an amount stipulated by Cabinet Order in consideration of the actual cost, and requests a quarantine station chief to conduct an investigation into the existence of pathogens of Quarantinable Infectious Diseases in the vessel or aircraft, disinfection, rodent extermination or insect extermination, medical examination or immunization of crew, or to issue a certificate on the relevant matters, the quarantine station chief may respond to the requests provided that they are not a hindrance to quarantine activities at the quarantine station.
(2)If a person who is going overseas pays a fee of an amount specified by Cabinet Order in consideration of the actual cost, and requests a quarantine station chief to execute a medical examination for Quarantinable Infectious Diseases, investigation into the existence of pathogens, immunization, or to issue a certificate on the relevant matters, the quarantine station chief may respond to the requests provided that they are not a hindrance to quarantine activities at the quarantine station.
(3)If a person who intends to export cargo pays a fee of an amount specified by Cabinet Order in consideration of the actual cost, and requests a quarantine station chief to execute an investigation into the existence of pathogens of Quarantinable Infectious Diseases with regard to the cargo to be exported, disinfection, insect extermination, or to issue a certificate on the relevant matters, the quarantine station chief may respond to the requests provided that they are not a hindrance to quarantine activities at the quarantine station.
(Medical Examination of Infectious Diseases other than Quarantinable Infectious Diseases)
Article 26-2If a person who intends to travel abroad or a person specified in Article 12 pays a fee of an amount determined by Cabinet Order in consideration of the actual cost, and requests a quarantine station chief to execute a medical examination for an infectious disease specified by Cabinet Order other than a Quarantinable Infectious Disease, as provided for in Article 6, paragraph (3) through (6) and paragraph (8) of the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases, an investigation into the existence of pathogens, immunization, or to issue a certificate on the relevant matters, the quarantine station chief may respond to the requests provided that they are not a hindrance to quarantine activities at the quarantine station.
(Collaboration with Prefectural Governors)
Article 26-3A quarantine station chief must, if it becomes clear based on the results of a medical examination provided for in Article 13, paragraph (1), Article 24, Article 26, paragraph (1) or the preceding Article that a person who has received the medical examination is a carrier of pathogens of an infectious disease as provided for in Article 6, paragraph (2) through (5), paragraph (7) and paragraph (8) of the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases, except in the cases specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, give notice of matters specified by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to the prefectural governor who has jurisdiction over the place of residence of the person (or current residence if there is no place of residence or the place of residence is not known).
(Investigation and Sanitation Measures to be carried out by the Quarantine Station Chief)
Article 27(1)A quarantine station chief may investigate food, drinking water, waste material, wastewater, rodents and insects in vessels or aircrafts within areas of Quarantine Ports or Quarantine Airports provided the area is specified by Cabinet Order, or investigate sea water, waste material, wastewater, rodents and insects in facilities, buildings and other places located in the areas, in order to determine the existence of insects that are a vector of pathogens of a Quarantinable Infectious Disease or similar infectious diseases specified by Cabinet Order, and to clarify sanitation measures with respect to these diseases in a Quarantine Port or Quarantine Airport, or have a quarantine officer do it.
(2)If a quarantine station chief deems an infectious disease provided for in the preceding paragraph to be prevalent or finds there to be a risk of this, the quarantine station chief may, within the areas specified by Cabinet Order pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, exterminate rodents or insects, or clean or sterilize vessels or aircrafts in the areas, or facilities, buildings and other places located in the areas, or may perform health checks or exterminate insects with regard to persons engaging in work in the areas, or have a quarantine officer or other person deemed as appropriate do it.
(3)If measures are taken as set forth in the preceding paragraph, the quarantine station chief must give notification of this promptly to the chief of the relevant administrative body.
(Collection and Provision of Information)
Article 27-2(1)A quarantine station chief must provide information on overseas incidence of Quarantinable Infectious Diseases and precautionary methods to persons that intend to travel abroad or have arrived from overseas, and disseminate the information.
(2)A quarantine station chief must endeavor to collect, organize, and analyze information regarding Quarantinable Infectious Diseases in order to accurately provide the information specified in the preceding paragraph.
Chapter IV Miscellaneous Provisions
(Quarantine Officers)
Article 28A quarantine officer is to be appointed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to carry out the duties provided for in this Act.
(Right of Entry)
Article 29Quarantine station chiefs and quarantine officers may enter vessels, aircraft, or facilities, buildings and other places as provided for in Article 27, paragraph (1) and (2), when necessary in the performance of duties pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
(Interpretation of Authority)
Article 30The authority of quarantine station chiefs and quarantine officers under the provisions of this Act must not be construed as being granted for criminal investigation purposes..
(Obligation to Wear a Uniform and to Carry an Identification Card)
Article 31(1)Quarantine station chiefs and quarantine officers must wear uniforms and carry identification cards during the performance of duties pursuant to the provisions of this Act, and must present them upon the request of persons concerned.
(2)Uniforms of quarantine station chiefs and quarantine officers are to be specified by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(Collection of Actual Costs)
Article 32(1)A quarantine station chief must collect the actual costs as specified by Cabinet Order from the owner, captain or pilot of a Vessel, etc. in the following cases:
(i)if measures are taken as provided for in Article 4, paragraph (1), item (iii), (iv), or (vi);
(ii)if measures are taken against the crew of a Vessel, etc. as provide for in Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii).
(2)If a quarantine station chief finds it to be difficult for a person who is to bear the actual costs pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph to bear all or part of the costs due to economic circumstances, the quarantine station chief may omit collection of all or part thereof, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph.
(3)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to cases where a quarantine station chief or chief of a public health center takes necessary measures pursuant to the provisions of Article 22, paragraph (3) or Article 23, paragraph (3) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 23, paragraph (6)).
(Payment and Allocation of Costs)
Article 33Costs for measures taken by the chief of a public health center pursuant to the provisions of Article 22, paragraph (3) or Article 23, paragraph (3) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 23, paragraph (6)) must be paid by the relevant prefecture, city or special ward in which the public health center is located, and must thereafter be borne by the national treasury as stipulated by Cabinet Order.
(Appeal for Review)
Article 33-2Any person who disagrees with a determination concerning an request for administrative review regarding measures conducted by a chief of a branch or a field office of a quarantine station pursuant to the provisions of this Act may make a request for re-examination to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(Application of this Act to Infectious Diseases other than Quarantinable Infectious Diseases)
Article 34If there is an outbreak of an infectious disease other than a Quarantinable Infectious Disease overseas (except for new infectious diseases as provided for in paragraph (1) of the following Article), and there is a risk of pathogens thereof entering Japan or significant harm to the lives and health of the people unless it is quarantined, all or some of the provisions of Article 2-2, Chapter II, and this Chapter (excluding Article 34-2 through Article 40) may apply mutatis mutandis to the infectious disease by specifying a type of infectious disease by Cabinet Order, for a period not exceeding one year.In this case, special provisions on the period of dentition may be created by the same Cabinet Order, taking into consideration the incubation period of the infectious disease.
(Measures pertaining to New Infectious Diseases)
Article 34-2(1)If the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, in case of an outbreak of a new infectious disease (a new infectious disease as provided for in the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases, other than new infectious diseases stipulated by Cabinet Order pursuant to Article 53 of the same Act; the same applies hereinafter in this Article) overseas, finds it urgently necessary for the prevention of outbreak or spread of the new infectious disease, the Minister may have a quarantine station chief carry out medical examination of persons suspected of being infected with the new infectious disease.In this case, the quarantine station chief may have a quarantine officer carry out the medical examination.
(2)The quarantine station chief must, if a medical examination provided for in Article 13 (1), Article 24, Article 26, paragraph (1), Article 26-2, or the preceding paragraph results in a person being diagnosed to have symptoms of a new infectious disease, immediately report the name, age and gender of the person with symptoms, and other matters stipulated by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(3)A quarantine station chief may, in the case of a report as set forth in the preceding paragraph being made, deem the new infectious disease to be an infectious disease as described in Article 2, item (i) (or Article 2, item (ii) for activities provided for in Article 18, paragraph (4) and (5)), in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, and conduct all or some of the activities provided for in Article 13, Article 13-2, Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) through (vi), Article 17, Article 18, Article 19, paragraph (2) and (3), and Article 20.
(4)The provisions of Article 19 (1) apply mutatis mutandis to the new infectious disease regarding a Vessel, etc. to which a provisional quarantine certificate is issued, pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.
(5)The Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare must hear the opinions of the Health Science Council in advance when the Minister intends to instruct a quarantine station chief pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3).
(Isolation pertaining to New Infectious Diseases)
Article 34-3(1)Isolation provided for in Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) to be implemented by a quarantine station chief pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article is to be entrusted to a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases; provided, however, that if there are unavoidable reasons such as an emergency, the isolation may be entrusted to a hospital other than a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases if a quarantine station chief finds it appropriate.
(2)If the measures set forth in the preceding paragraph are taken, and the quarantine station chief has confirmed that there is no risk of the new infectious disease pertaining to the isolation spreading to the general public, the quarantine station chief must lift the isolation on the isolated person immediately in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(3)The administrator of a hospital entrusted as set forth in paragraph (1) may state an opinion to the quarantine station chief regarding the person isolated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article, that there is no risk of the new infectious disease pertaining to the isolation spreading to the general public.
(4)A person isolated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article or the guardian of the person may request that the quarantine station chief lift the isolation on the isolated person.
(5)If a quarantine station chief receives a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the quarantine station chief must confirm whether there is any risk of the new infectious disease pertaining to the isolation of the isolated person spreading to the general public, in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(6)The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare must hear the opinions of the Health Science Council in advance of when the Minister intends to instruct a quarantine station chief pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) or the preceding paragraph.
(Detention pertaining to New Infectious Diseases)
Article 34-4(1)Detention as provided for in Article 14, paragraph (1), item (ii) implemented by a quarantine station chief pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3) is to be entrusted to a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases; provided, however, that if there are unavoidable reasons such as an emergency, it may be entrusted to a hospital other than a medical institution designated for specific infectious diseases if a quarantine station chief finds it appropriate.
(2)If the measures set forth in the preceding paragraph are taken, the quarantine station chief must lift the detention of the detained person in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare immediately after it is confirmed that there is no risk of the new infectious disease pertaining to the detention spreading to the general public.
(3)The administrator of a hospital entrusted as set forth in paragraph (1) may state an opinion to the quarantine station chief regarding the person detained pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3), that there is no risk of the new infectious disease pertaining to the detention spreading to the general public.
(4)A person detained pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3) or the guardian of the person may request that the quarantine station chief lift the detention on the detained person.
(5)If a quarantine station chief receives a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the quarantine station chief must confirm whether there is any risk of the new infectious disease pertaining to the detention of the detained person spreading to the general public, in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
(6)The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare must hear the opinions of the Health Science Council in advance of giving instructions to a quarantine station chief pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) or the preceding paragraph.
(Division of Affairs)
Article 34-5(1)Affairs that are to be executed by a prefecture, city with a public health center, or special ward of Tokyo pursuant to the provisions of Article 22, paragraph (2) through (5), Article 23, paragraph (2) through (5) (including cases where they are applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 23, paragraph (6)), and paragraph (7), and Article 26-3 are Type I statutory entrusted functions pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947).
(2)Affairs that are to be executed by a municipality pursuant to the provisions of Article 23, paragraph (7) are Type I statutory entrusted functions pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the Local Autonomy Act.
(Transitional Measures)
Article 34-6If an order is established, revised or abolished based on the provisions of this Act, the order may specify required transitional measures (including transitional measures pertaining to penal provisions) within the scope reasonably necessary in accordance with the establishment, revision or abolition.
(Penal Provisions)
Article 35Any person who falls under any of the following items is to be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than one year or a fine of not more than one million yen:
(i)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 5; or
(ii)a person who has been subjected to an isolation or detention order and has run away while the order was in effect.
Article 36Any person who falls under any of the following items is to be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than six months or a fine of not more than 500,000 yen:
(i)a person who has failed to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health or has submitted a Maritime Declaration of Health containing falsehoods in violation of the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (1);
(ii)a person who has failed to submit or present documents or has submitted or presented documents containing falsehoods, upon request to submit or present documents pursuant to the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (2);
(iii)a person who has failed to answer or has answered falsely in response to questions pursuant to the provisions of Article 12;
(iv)a person who has refused, obstructed, or evaded a medical examination (including cases where conducted pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)) or inspection (including cases where conducted pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)) by a quarantine station chief or quarantine officer pursuant to the provisions of Article 13;
(v)a person who has refused, obstructed, or evaded measures implemented by a quarantine station chief or quarantine officer pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), item (i) through (iii), (vi), or (vii) (including cases where implemented pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3));
(vi)a person who has violated an order set forth in Article 14, paragraph (1), item (v) (including cases where it is done pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3));
(vii)a person who has failed to present a passport (including cases where it is done pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)), has failed to report (including cases where it is done pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)) or reported falsely, or has failed to answer or answered falsely in response to questions (including cases where it is done pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)), pursuant to the provisions of Article 18, paragraph (2);
(viii)a person who has failed to present a passport (including cases where it is done pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)), or has failed to report (including cases where it is done pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3)) or reported falsely, pursuant to the provisions of Article 18, paragraph (4);
(ix)a person who has refused, obstructed, or evaded measures implemented by a quarantine station chief or quarantine officer pursuant to the provisions of Article 24;
(x)a person who has refused or obstructed entry by, or has evaded, a quarantine station chief or quarantine officer pursuant to the provisions of Article 29; or
(xi)a person who has refused, obstructed, or evaded a medical examination conducted by a quarantine station chief or quarantine officer pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (1).
Article 37A person who falls under any of the following items is to be punished with a fine of not more than 500,000 yen:
(i)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 4;
(ii)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) (including cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 34-2, paragraph (4));
(iii)a person who has violated an order based on the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (3) (including cases where implemented pursuant to the provisions of Article 34-2, paragraph (3));
(iv)a person who has made a false report on the matters listed in the items of Article 21 (1) when applying for permission set forth in the proviso to Article 21, paragraph (1), and has received the permission;
(v)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 21, paragraph (7);
(vi)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 22, paragraph (2); or
(vii)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 23, paragraph (1) or (2) (including cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 23, paragraph (6)), or Article 23, paragraph (7).
Article 38A person who falls under any of the following items is to be punished by a fine of not more than 200,000 yen:
(i)a person who has violated the provisions of Article 9 (including cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 21, paragraph (5) and Article 22, paragraph (6)); or
(ii)a person who has violated an order pursuant to the provisions of Article 25.
Article 39When a representative of a juridical person, or an agent, employee or other worker of a juridical person or individual commits any one of the violations set forth in Article 35 through Article 38 with regard to the affairs of the juridical person or individual, not only the offender, but also the juridical person or individual is to be punished by the fine prescribed in the respective Articles.
Article 40In the case of Article 34, the penal provisions of the preceding five Articles pertaining to the provisions applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Cabinet Order is also applied mutatis mutandis.
(Delegation pursuant to Order of the Ministry)
Article 41Procedures for the implementation of this Act and other matters necessary for its execution, except when delegated to Cabinet Order pursuant to this Act, are to be provided for by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare..
Supplementary Provisions[Extract]
(Effective Date)
(1)This Act comes into effect as of January 1, 1952.
(Repeal of Seaport Quarantine Act)
(2)The Seaport Quarantine Act (Act No. 19 of 1899) is repealed.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 66 of April 11, 1956][Extract]
(Effective Date)
(1)This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of promulgation.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 161 of September 15, 1962][Extract]
(1)This Act comes into effect as of October 1, 1962.
(2)The provisions revised by this Act also apply to dispositions by an administrative agency prior to the enforcement of this Act, inactions by an administrative agency pertaining to an application filed prior to the enforcement of this Act, or other matters that have arisen prior to the enforcement of this Act, except as otherwise provided for in these Supplementary Provisions; provided, however, that those provisions do not preclude effects which have arisen from provisions prior to the revision by this Act.
(3)Prior laws continue to govern the petitions, requests for administrative review, objections or other appeals (hereinafter referred to as "Petitions, etc.") filed prior to the enforcement of this Act even after this Act. The same applies to Petitions, etc. filed in the case of further objections to determinations, rulings or other dispositions on Petitions, etc., which have been made prior to the enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as "Determinations, etc."), or Determinations, etc., made after the enforcement of this Act with regard to Petitions, etc., filed prior to the enforcement of this Act.
(4)Those Petitions, etc. provided for in the preceding paragraph, which pertain to a disposition on which an appeal may be filed pursuant to the Administrative Appeal Act after the enforcement of this Act, are deemed to be appeals pursuant to the Administrative Appeal Act with regard to the application of laws other than the the Act.
(5)No appeal pursuant to the Administrative Appeal Act may be entered against Determinations, etc., on appeals for review, oppositions, or other appeals filed after the enforcement of this Act pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3).
(6)With regard to dispositions imposed by an administrative agency prior to the enforcement of this Act, on which Petitions, etc., may be filed pursuant to provisions prior to the revision by this Act and for which the statute of limitations has not been set, the statute of limitations for filing an appeal pursuant to the Administrative Appeal Act are counted from the date on which this Act comes into effect.
(8)Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to conduct that a person engages in before this Act comes into effect.
(9)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding eight paragraphs, transitional measures necessary for the enforcement of this Act are to be specified by Cabinet Order.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 59 of May 16, 1970]
(1)This Act comes into effect as of January 1, 1971.
(2)Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to illegal conduct that a person engages in before this Act comes into effect.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 84 of July 1, 1994][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the day of promulgation.
(Transitional Measures pertaining to Other Dispositions, Applications)
Article 13With regard to the application of relevant revised Acts after the date on which this Act comes into effect, permissions given and other dispositions imposed or other acts undertaken pursuant to the provisions of relevant Acts prior to the revision by and before the enforcement of this Act (with regard to the provisions set forth in the proviso to Article 1 of these Supplementary Provisions, the respective provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article and the following Article) (hereinafter referred to as the "dispositions and other acts" in this Article), or applications for permission, etc. filed or other acts undertaken pursuant to the provisions of relevant Acts prior to the revision by and at the time of the enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "applications and other acts" in this Article), are deemed to be the dispositions and other acts or the applications and other acts undertaken pursuant to the corresponding provisions of the relevant Acts after revision, except those prescribed in Article 5 through Article 10 of the Supplementary Provisions and the provisions concerning transitional measures in the respective revised Acts (including orders based thereon).
(Delegation to Cabinet Order for Other Transitional Measures)
Article 15Beyond what is provided for in these Supplementary Provisions, transitional measures that become necessary as a result of the enforcement of this Act are to be specified by Cabinet Order.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 107 of June 26, 1996][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the day of promulgation.
(Delegation to Cabinet Order)
Article 14Beyond what is provided for in these Supplementary Provisions, transitional measures that become necessary as a result of the enforcement of this Act are to be specified by Cabinet Order.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 115 of October 2, 1998][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 1999.
(Transitional Measures)
Article 2(1)A person isolated in a hospital pursuant to the provisions set forth in the proviso to Article 15, paragraph (1) of the Quarantine Act prior to revision pursuant to the provisions of Article 1 of this Act (hereinafter referred to as "former Quarantine Act " in this Article) when this Act comes into effect is deemed to be a person isolated pursuant to the provisions of Article 15, paragraph (1) of the Quarantine Act after revision pursuant to the provisions of Article 1 of this Act (hereinafter referred as to "new Quarantine Act " in this Article).
(2)The period of detention for a person detained in a detention room pursuant to the provisions of Article 16, paragraph (1) of the former Quarantine Act, and continues to be detained pursuant to the provisions of Article 16, paragraph (1) of the new Quarantine Act when this Act comes into effect, is counted from the time that the person was accommodated in the detention room.
(3)A person detained within a vessel pursuant to the provisions of the proviso to Article 16, paragraph (1) of the former Quarantine Act when this Act comes into effect is deemed to be a person detained pursuant to the provisions of Article 16, paragraph (1) of the new Quarantine Act.
(Transitional Measures for Penal Provisions)
Article 3Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to conduct that a person engages in before this Act comes into effect.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 87 of July 16, 1999][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2000; provided, however, that the provisions of the following items come into effect as of the day specified by each item:
(i)The provisions of Article 1 to revise the Local Autonomy Act by adding five Articles and a section name after Article 250, two subsections, and two subsection names (limited to parts pertaining to Article 250-9, paragraph (1) of the Local Autonomy Act (limited to parts pertaining to the consent of both Houses)), provisions of Article 40 to revise paragraph (9) and paragraph (10) of the Supplementary Provisions to the Natural Parks Act (limited to parts pertaining to paragraph (10) of the Supplementary Provisions to the Natural Parks Act), provisions of Article 244 (except parts pertaining to provisions to revise Article 14-3 of the Agricultural Improvement Promotion Act), and provisions of Article 472 (except parts pertaining to provisions to revise Article 6, Article 8 and Article 17 of the Act on Special Provisions of the Merger of Municipalities), and provisions of Article 7, Article 10, Article 12, the proviso to Article 59, Article 60, paragraph (4) and (5), Article 73, Article 77, Article 157, paragraph (4) through (6), Article 160, Article 163, Article 164 and Article 202 of these Supplementary Provisions:the day of promulgation.
(Affairs of the State)
Article 159Beyond those provided for in the relevant Acts prior to the revision by this Act, affairs of the State, and other local governments and their public organs administered or executed by an organ of local government pursuant to Acts or a Cabinet Order based on the Acts before the enforcement of this Act (referred to as "Affairs of State, etc." in Article 161 of these Supplementary Provisions) are to be executed by local governments as affairs of the local government pursuant to Acts or a Cabinet Order based on the Acts after the enforcement of this Act.
(Transitional Measures for Dispositions and Applications)
Article 160(1)With regard to the application of relevant revised Acts after the date on which this Act comes into effect, permissions given and other dispositions imposed or other acts undertaken pursuant to the provisions of relevant Acts prior to the revision by and before the enforcement of this Act (with regard to the provisions set forth in the items of Article 1 of these Supplementary Provisions, the respective provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article and Article 163 of these Supplementary Provisions) (hereinafter referred to as the "dispositions and other acts" in this Article), or applications for permission, etc. filed or other acts undertaken pursuant to the provisions of relevant Acts prior to the revision by and at the time of the enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "applications and other acts" in this Article), wherein the person who is to undertake administrative affairs pertaining to the acts on the date on which this Act comes into effect is different, are deemed to be the dispositions and other acts or the applications and other acts undertaken pursuant to the corresponding provisions of the relevant Acts after revision, except those prescribed in Article 2 through the preceding Article of the Supplementary Provisions and the provisions concerning transitional measures in the respective revised Acts (including orders based thereon).
(2)After this Act comes into effect, the provisions of the relevant Acts after this Act comes into effect, except as otherwise provided for in this Act or by a Cabinet Order, apply to matters for which it was required to report, notify, or submit to, or take other procedures before former organs of the State pursuant to the provisions of the relevant Acts prior to the effective date of this Act, and of which procedures have not been completed, by deeming that procedures of matters for which it is required to report, notify, or submit to, or take other procedures before a corresponding organ of the State pursuant to the corresponding provisions of the relevant Acts after this Act comes into effect have not been completed.
(Transitional Measures for Appeals)
Article 161(1)With regard to an appeal pursuant to the Administrative Appeal Act against a disposition pertaining to the Affairs of State, etc. made prior to the effective date filed with the administrative agency which made the disposition (hereinafter referred to as "administrative agency ordering the disposition" in this Article) which was a higher administrative agency as provided for in the Administrative Appeal Act (hereinafter referred to as "higher administrative agency" in this Article) prior to the effective date, the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act apply by deeming the administrative agency ordering the disposition to continue to have higher administrative agency status after the effective date.In this case, the administrative agency deemed to have the higher administrative agency status of the administrative agency ordering the disposition is the administrative agency that had the higher administrative agency status of the administrative agency ordering the disposition prior to the effective date.
(2)In the case of the preceding paragraph, when the administrative agency deemed to have higher administrative agency status is an organ of local government, the affairs to be executed by the organ pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act are Type I statutory entrusted functions pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the New Local Autonomy Act.
(Transitional Measures for Fees)
Article 162Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of provisions of fees to payments of fees which were to be made pursuant to the provisions of relevant Acts prior to the revision by this Act (including orders based thereon) before this Act comes into effect, except as otherwise provided for by this Act or a Cabinet Order based on this Act.
(Transitional Measures for Penal Provisions)
Article 163Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to conduct that a person engages in before this Act comes into effect.
(Delegation of Other Transitional Measures to Cabinet Order)
Article 164Except for what is provided for in these Supplementary Provisions, transitional measures necessary for the implementation of this Act (including transitional measures for penal provisions) are to be specified by Cabinet Order.
(Review)
Article 250As well as striving to ensure that, as far as possible, Type I statutory entrusted functions pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the New Local Autonomy Act are not newly established, those listed in Appended Table 1 of the New Local Autonomy Act and those indicated in Cabinet Orders based on the New Local Autonomy Act are to be subjected to review and appropriately revised at discretion, from the viewpoint of promoting decentralization.
Article 251In order to enable local governments to execute their affairs and business autonomously and independently, the national government, while taking account of prevailing economic trends, is to review methods of enhancing and securing local tax revenues in accordance with the division of roles between the national and local governments, and take necessary measures based on the results thereof.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 160 of December 22, 1999][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act (except Article 2 and Article 3) comes into effect as of January 6, 2001; provided, however, that the provisions of the following items come into effect as of the day specified by each item:
(i)the provisions of Article 995 (limited to parts pertaining to provisions to revise the Supplementary Provisions to the Act on the Partial Revision of the Act on the Regulation of Nuclear Source Material, Nuclear Fuel Material and Reactors), Article 1305, Article 1306, Article 1324, paragraph (2), Article 1326, paragraph (2) and Article 1344:the day of promulgation.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 145 of October 16, 2003][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date on which twenty days have elapsed since the day of promulgation.
(Transitional Measures for Penal Provisions)
Article 3Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to conduct that a person engages in before this Act comes into effect.
(Review)
Article 4After five years have elapsed after the date on which this Act comes into effect, the national government is to review the provisions of this Act and, while taking account of the situation of enforcement of this Act and, when necessary, take necessary measures based on the results thereof.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 106 of December 8, 2006][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding six months from the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions in Article 1 that revise the table of contents of the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering from Infectious Diseases (limited to parts revised from "Article 26" to "Article 26-2" and parts revised from "Chapter VII - New Infectious Diseases (Article 45 through Article 53)" to "Chapter VII - New Infectious Diseases (Article 45 through Article 53) Chapter VII-2 - Tuberculosis (Article 53-2 through 53-15)"), provisions that revise Article 6, paragraph (2) through (6) of the same Act (limited to parts pertaining to Article 6, paragraph (3), item (ii) of the same Act), and provisions to revise Article 6, paragraph (11) of the same Act, provisions to revise Article 6 of the same Act by adding eight paragraphs (limited to parts pertaining to Article 6, paragraph (15), paragraph (21), item (ii) and paragraph (22), item (x) of the same Act), provisions to revise Article 10 of the same Act by deletion of paragraph (6), provisions to revise Article 18 through Article 20, Article 23 and Article 24 of the same Act, provisions to revise the same Act by adding one article after Article 24, provisions to revise Article 26 of the same Act, provisions to revise the same Act by adding one article after Article 26, provisions to revise the same Act by adding one article after Article 37, provisions to revise Article 38 through Article 44 and Article 46 of the same Act, provisions to revise the same Act by adding one article after Article 49, provisions to revise the same Act by adding one chapter after Chapter VII, provisions to revise Article 57 and Article 58 of the same Act, provisions to revise the same Act by adding two articles after Article 58, provisions to revise Article 59 through Article 62 and Article 64 of the same Act, provisions to revise the same Act by adding one article after Article 64, and provisions to revise Article 65, Article 65-2 (except parts pertaining to Chapter III) and Article 67, paragraph (2), the provisions of Article 2, the following Article through Article 7 of these Supplementary Provisions, Article 13 of these Supplementary Provisions (except parts pertaining to Chapter III in the provisions to revise paragraphs of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947) Appended Table 1 - Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases (Act No. 114 of 1998)), and Article 14 through Article 23 of these Supplementary Provisions, come into effect as of April 1, 2007.
(Review)
Article 12After five years have elapsed since the date on which this Act comes into effect, the national government is to review the provisions of this Act and, while taking account of the situation of enforcement of this Act and when necessary, take necessary measures based on the results thereof.
(Transitional Measures for Application of Penal Provisions)
Article 24Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to conduct that a person engage in before this Act (or with regard to the provisions of the proviso to Article 1 of these Supplementary Provisions, the provisions) comes into effect or while, pursuant to these Supplementary Provisions, prior laws continue to govern.
(Delegation of Other Transitional Measures to Cabinet Order)
Article 25Beyond what is provided for in these Supplementary Provisions, transitional measures necessary for the enforcement of this Act are to be specified by Cabinet Order.
Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 30 of May 2, 2008][Extract]
(Effective Date)
Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date on which ten days have elapsed since the date of promulgation.
(Review)
Article 2After five years have elapsed after the date on which this Act comes into effect, the national government is to review the situation of the enforcement of the provisions of the revised Act and, when necessary, take necessary measures based on the results thereof.
(Promotion of Research)
Article 3(1)The national government is to take necessary measures to promote research and development of medicines such as vaccines pertaining to infectious diseases such as novel influenza A (infectious diseases such as novel influenza A as provided for in Article 6, paragraph (7) of the Act on Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases after the revision by the provisions of Article 1), and take necessary measures to contribute to the authorization for the prompt marketing of the medicines pursuant to the provisions of the Act on the Assurance of the Quality, Effectiveness and Security of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment (Act No. 145 of 1960).
(2)The national government is to endeavor to guard against the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases such as novel influenza A and to store necessary quantities of anti-influenza drugs and pre-pandemic vaccines.