Article 1The purpose of this Act is to aim to secure the profits of producers of specific agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs by establishing a system for protection of names of specific agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs based on Annex 1C (Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization, and thereby contribute to the development of agricultural, forestry and fishery industries and relevant industries as well as to protect the interests of consumers.

Article 2(1)The term "agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs" as used in this Act means those set forth below; provided, however, that those falling under liquors prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Liquor Tax Act (Act No. 6 of 1953), and medicines prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Regenerative and Cellular Therapy Products, Gene Therapy Products, and Cosmetics (Act No. 145 of 1960), quasi-pharmaceutical products prescribed in paragraph (2) of that Article, cosmetics prescribed in paragraph (3) of that Article, and regenerative medical products prescribed in paragraph (9) of that Article are excluded:

(2)The term "specific agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs" (hereinafter referred to as "SAFFPF") as used in this Act means any agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs falling under the following items:

(3)The term "geographical indication" as used in this Act means the indication of the name of a SAFFPF (limited to what can identify the matters set forth in the respective items of the preceding paragraph by the name).

(4)The term "production" as used in this Act means the series of acts conducted until the shipment of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs to impart a characteristic to or preserve the characteristic of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs, and the term "place of production" as used in this Act means the place, region or country where agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs have been produced, and the term "producer" as used in this Act means a person that undertakes production as its business.

(5)The term "group of producers" as used in this Act means a group comprised of producers as direct or indirect members (hereinafter simply referred to as "members") as provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (for an organization without legal personality, limited to those which provide for a representative or administrator and those which provide to the effect that the group may not deny enrollment to any person eligible to become a member nor impose any conditions on enrollment more stringent than those imposed on existing members without a just cause, based on laws or regulations or articles of incorporation or other basic contract provisions).

(6)The term "production process management" as used in this Act means the following operations undertaken by a group of producers:

Article 3(1)A person who transfers, delivers, displays for the purpose of transfer or delivery, exports, or imports SAFFPF related to the registration set forth in Article 6 (simply referred to as "registration" in the following paragraph (excluding item (ii)) and paragraph (1) of the following Article) may use a geographical indication on the SAFFPF or its package, container, advertisement, price list or transaction document (including information on these provided through electro or magnetic means (which means electronic means, magnetic means, or any other means that cannot be perceived by the human perceptions)) (hereinafter referred to as "package, etc.").

(2)Except in cases under the preceding paragraph, no person may use a geographical indication pertaining to a SAFFPF, or, an indication similar to it or indication which is likely to mislead the public as to that geographical indication (hereinafter referred to as "similar indication, etc." under this paragraph and Article 5, item (i)) on agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs belonging to the classification to which the SAFFPF pertaining to the registration is affiliated (meaning a classification of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs defined by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries considering the established international classifications and other circumstances concerning agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs; the same applies hereafter), or agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs manufactured or processed using those products as a main raw material or ingredient, or on its package, etc.; provided, however, that this does not apply in the following cases:

Article 4(1)A person who uses a geographical indication for the SAFFPF or its package, etc., subject to registration may use the registered mark (meaning a mark stating that the geographical indication refers to the name of the SAFFPF pertaining to the registration and provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the same applies to the following paragraph and Article 5, item (ii)).

(2)Except for the cases under the preceding paragraph, no person may use a registered mark or a mark similar to this for an agricultural, forestry, and fisheries product and foodstuffs or its package, etc.

Article 5The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may order a person that violates the provisions set forth in the following items to take measures provided in the respective items and other necessary measures:

Article 6If the agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs for which a group of producers that undertakes production process management has created specifications is a SAFFPF, the group may receive registration of the relevant agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 7(1)A group of producers that intends to receive a registration prescribed in the preceding Article (excluding Article 15, Article 16, Article 16-2, paragraph (1) proviso, Article 17, paragraphs (2) and (3), and Article 22, paragraph (1), item (i), (d); hereinafter simply referred to as a "registration") must submit a written application specifying the following information to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(2)The following documents must be attached to the written application of the preceding paragraph:

(3)A group of producers that undertakes production process management may apply for registration jointly with others.

(4)When an application for registration is filed, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must, without delay, publicly notify the information set forth in paragraph (1), items (i) through (iii) and other information specified by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 7-2(1)If the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries finds that there is an insufficiency in form in the written application specified by the preceding Article, paragraph (1) or the documents set forth in the items of the same Article, paragraph (2), or finds that important information among the information that should be provided in the relevant written application or documents is provided insufficiently, the Minister may order a correction of the application for registration, specifying a reasonable period of time.

(2)When the person who has been ordered to correct the application for registration pursuant to the preceding paragraph fails to make that correction within the specified period of time pursuant to the same paragraph, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may dismiss that application for registration.

Article 8(1)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries accepts an application for registration (if the Minister had ordered a correction of the application pursuant to the preceding Article, paragraph (1), then when that correction is made), the Minister must, without delay, publicly notify the information set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), items (i) to (viii) and any other necessary information.

(2)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must make the written application referred to in Article 7, paragraph (1) and the documents set forth in paragraph (2), items (i) and (ii) of the same Article available for public inspection for three months from the date of the public notice under the preceding paragraph, as well as publicly announce them by use of the Internet and by other means specified by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 9(1)When there is a public notice under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, any person may submit a written opinion about the application for registration pertaining to that public notice to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries within three months from the date of the relevant public notice.

(2)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received a written opinion under the preceding paragraph, the Minister must send a copy of that written opinion to the group of producers that has made the application for registration.

Article 10(1)For the purpose of applying the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article and paragraphs (2) and (3) of the following Article, an application for registration falling under both of the following items is deemed to be a submission of a written opinion pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article with regard to the application for registration pertaining to the public notice under Article 8, paragraph (1).In this case, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must notify it to the group of producers that has made the application for registration falling under all of the respective items:

(2)An application for registration falling under paragraph (2) of the preceding Article cannot be made after the passage of a period of time prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article; provided, however, that this does not apply after an application for registration pertaining to a public notice under Article 8, paragraph (1) has been withdrawn, refused pursuant to the provisions of Article 13, paragraph (1) or carried out.

Article 11(1)When the period prescribed in Article 9, paragraph (1) has expired, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must consult with persons having relevant knowledge and experience (hereinafter referred to as "persons with relevant expertise") as to whether the applications for registration fall under the cases set forth in Article 13, paragraph (1), items (ii) to (iv).

(2)In the case of the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must show the contents of written opinions submitted pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1) to persons with relevant expertise.

(3)Persons with relevant expertise that have been consulted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), if they find it to be necessary, may hear opinions of the group of producers that made the application for registration or the person that submitted the written opinion pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1), or other relevant persons.

(4)Persons with relevant expertise that have been consulted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) may not disclose or misappropriate secrets that they have learned in the course of being asked for their opinions.

Article 12(1)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has accepted an application for registration and finished the procedures under the provisions of Article 7-2 through to the preceding Article, the Minister must register the application, except when registration is refused pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article.

(2)The registration is to be made by specifying the following information in the register of SAFFPF:

(3)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has made the registration, the Minister must publicly notify it to the group of producers that made the application for registration and also publicly notify matters provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 13(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must refuse a registration in the following cases:

(2)The provisions in the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to item (iv), (b)) do not apply if a group of producers falling under any of the following items files an application for registration regarding agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs whose names are provided in item (iv), (b) of that paragraph:

(3)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has refused registration pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the Minister must give notice in writing to the effect and the reason to the group of producers that filed the application for registration.

Article 14The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must make the register of SAFFPF available to the public.

Article 15(1)A group of producers intending to undertake production process management for SAFFPF pertaining to a registration under Article 6 (excluding the group of producers that received the registration) may register a change to add the information set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), item (i) pertaining to that group of producers to the matters set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (iii).

(2)The provisions in Article 7, paragraphs (1) through (3), Articles 7-2 through Article 9 and Articles 11 to 13 apply mutatis mutandis to a registration of change prescribed in the preceding paragraph.In this case, the term "the following information" in Article 7, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "the information set forth in item (i), the registration number, and the information set forth in Article 9", the term "the information set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), items (i) through (viii) " in Article 8, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "the information set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), item (i), the registration number", the term "Article 13, paragraph (1), items (ii) through (iv)" in Article 11, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "Article 13, paragraph (1), items (ii) and (iv) (excluding (a))", the term "through to the preceding Article" in Article 12, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with " through to Article 9 and the preceding Article", the term "following information" in paragraph (2) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with "information set forth in the date of change and item (iii)", the term "in the following cases" in Article 13, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "in the cases set forth in items (i), (ii) and (iv) (excluding (a))", and the term "the information provided in the application form" in item (ii), (a) of that paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the information provided in the application form as set forth in paragraph (2), item (ii) of the preceding Article pertaining to registration number".

Article 16(1)When a group of producers that received a registration referred to in Article 6 (including a group of producers that received a registration of change referred to in the preceding Article, paragraph (1); hereinafter referred to as "registered group of producers") intends to change information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (ii), the group of producers must receive a registration of change.

(2)In the case of the preceding paragraph, if there are two or more registered groups of producers pertaining to a registration in Article 6, all registered groups of producers pertaining to the registration must jointly apply for registration of change in that paragraph.

(3)The provisions of Article 7, paragraphs (1), (2), and (4), Articles 7-2 through 9, and Articles 11 through 13 (if the information pertaining to registration of change as prescribed in paragraph (1) is what is specified as minor by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, excluding the provisions of Article 7, paragraph (4), Article 8, Article 9, and Article 11) apply mutatis mutandis to the registration of change referred to in paragraph (1).In this case, the description "the following information" in Article 7, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "of the information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), items (i) and (iii) and among the information set forth in the same paragraph, item (ii), those concerned with the change"; the description "When an application for registration is filed" in the same Article, paragraph (4) is deemed to be replaced with "When an application for registration has been filed and a change occurred to the information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (ii) (limited to the part concerning Article 7, paragraph (1), item (iii))"; the description "the information set forth in paragraph (1), items (i) through (iii)" in the same Article, same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), items (i) and (iii), the information that is concerned with the change"; the description "the information set forth in paragraph (1), items (i) through (viii) of Article 7" in Article 8, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with " the information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), items (i) and (iii), the information set forth in the same paragraph, item (ii) that is concerned with the change"; the description " Article 7-2 through to the preceding article " in Article 12, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "Articles 7-2 through 9 and the preceding Article " in cases other than the case where the information pertaining to the registration of change as prescribed in paragraph (1) are those provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor, or replaced with "Article 7-2" if the matters pertaining to the registration of change as prescribed in that paragraph are those provided by the relevant Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as being minor; the description "the following information" in paragraph (2) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with "the information pertaining to the date of change and the change"; and the description "the information" in Article 13, paragraph (1), item(ii), (a) is deemed to be replaced with "among the information, those pertaining to change".

Article 16-2(1)If a registered group of producers intends to change specifications, it must receive approval by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:provided, however, that this does not apply when making changes to specifications in combination with a registration of change referred to in the preceding Article, paragraph (1).

(2)A registered group of producers that intends to receive the approval referred to in the preceding paragraph (referred to as "applying registered group of producers" in the following paragraph and paragraph (4)), pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, must submit the written application including the information that is concerned with the change in the description of the specifications to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries by attaching its production process management rules .

(3)When the written application for the approval of change in specifications falls under any of the following items, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must approve the change in the specifications:

(4)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries makes an approval under the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applying registered group of producers of that fact and publicly notify the information specified by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 17(1)Whenever a registered group of producers makes changes to any of the information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (iii) pertaining to the registered group of producers, the group must notify the same and the date to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries without delay.

(2)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received a notification under the preceding paragraph, the Minister must register the change by specifying the information pertaining to the notification in the register of SAFFPF.

(3)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has registered the change prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the Minister must publicly notify the same.

Article 18A registered group of producers that intends to make changes to its production process management rules must notify the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in advance.

Article 19A registered group of producers that intends to suspend its production process management must notify in advance the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 20(1)A registration (when there are two or more registered groups of producers pertaining to the registration, this is limited to the part pertaining to a registered group of producers falling under any of the respective items among the information set forth in Article 12, paragraph (2), item (iii); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) will be invalidated if the registration falls under any of the following items:

(2)When a registration has been invalidated pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the registered group of producers pertaining to the registration (in the case set forth in item (i) of that paragraph, a liquidator) must notify the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the reason and the date of its invalidation without delay.

(3)When a registration has been invalidated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must delete the registration from the register of SAFFPF.

(4)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has deleted a registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must publicly notify the same.

Article 21The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in the following cases, may order a registered group of producers to change the specifications or the production process management rules, and to take any necessary measure:

Article 22(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in the following cases, may cancel all or part of a registration:

(2)The provisions of Articles 8, 9, and 11 apply mutatis mutandis to the cancellation of registration under the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to items (ii) and (iii)).In this case, the description "without delay, publicly notify the information set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), items (i) through (viii)" in Article 8, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "publicly notify the registration number and the reason for cancellation in advance," the description "the written application referred to in Article 7, paragraph (1) and the documents set forth in paragraph (2), items (i)" in the same Article, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "the documents set forth in Article 7, paragraph (2), items (i)," and the description "Article 13, paragraph (1), items (ii) through (iv)" in Article 11, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "Article 22, paragraph (1), items (ii) and (iii)."

(3)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has cancelled all or part of a registration under paragraph (1), the Minister must delete all or part of the registration from the register of SAFFPF.

(4)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has deleted all or part of a registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must give notice of the same to the registered group of producers pertaining to the cancellation of the registration, and publicly notify it.

Article 23(1)In order for Japan to protect the name of a SAFFPF mutually with a foreign state (meaning a state or region outside the territory of Japan; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph) that has an equivalent system for protection of names of SAFFPF in accordance with this Act (hereinafter referred to as "equivalent system") and that falls under all of the below noted items (hereinafter referred to as "contracting state"), the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may designate the SAFFPF of the contracting state whose names are protected under the equivalent system of that contracting state:

(2)The designation in the preceding paragraph (hereinafter simply referred to as "designation") is to be made by providing for the following matters:

Article 24When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries intends to provide a designation, the Minister must publicly notify, in advance, the information set forth in the items under the preceding Article, paragraph (2) and other necessary matters.

Article 25When a public notice is made under the preceding Article, any person may submit a written opinion about the designation of the SAFFPF pertaining to the public notice to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries within three months from the day of that public notice.

Article 26(1)For the purpose of applying the provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of the following Article, an application for registration falling under all of the following items is deemed to be a submission of a written opinion pursuant to the preceding Article with regard to the designation of the SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24 (hereinafter referred to as "candidate SAFFPF for designation").In this case, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must notify it to the group of producers that has applied for the registration that falls under all of those items:

(2)An application for registration falling under item (ii) of the preceding paragraph cannot be made after the period under the preceding Article expires; provided, however, that this does not apply after a candidate SAFFPF for designation has not been designated or has been designated pursuant to the provisions of Article 29, paragraph (1).

Article 27(1)When the period prescribed in Article 25 has expired, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must consult with persons with relevant expertise as to whether the candidate SAFFPF for designation falls under a case set forth in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) and whether the name of the candidate SAFFPF for designation falls under a case set forth in item (ii), (a) and (b) of the same paragraph.

(2)When the period prescribed in Article 25 has expired, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may consult with persons with relevant expertise as to whether the name of the candidate SAFFPF for designation falls under a case set forth in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (c).

(3)In the case of the preceding two paragraphs, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must show the contents of written opinions submitted pursuant to Article 25 to persons with relevant expertise.

(4)Persons with relevant expertise that have been consulted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2), may hear opinions of the person that submitted a written opinion pursuant to Article 25 and other relevant persons if they find it to be necessary.

(5)Persons with relevant expertise that have been consulted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) may not disclose or misappropriate secrets that they have learned in the course of being asked for their opinions.

Article 28(1)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has completed the procedures under Article 24 through the preceding Article, the Minister except when the designation will not be provided pursuant to the provisions in paragraph (1) of the following Article, must make a designation.

(2)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has made a designation, the Minister must publicly notify the following matters promptly:

Article 29(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must not make a designation in the following cases:

(2)The provisions in the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to item (ii), (b)) do not apply if the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has obtained consent of the holder of the trademark pertaining to the registered trademark provided in (b) of that item with regard to a designation of a SAFFPF whose names are provided in (b) of the same item (if an exclusive use right is established for the trademark right pertaining to the registered trademark, a consent regarding the designation to the SAFFPF must be made by the licensee of the relevant exclusive use right).

Article 30A SAFFPF concerned with a designation is deemed to be a SAFFPF pertaining to the registration for the application of the provisions of Article 3 and Article 13, paragraph (1), item (iii), (b).In this case, the description "registration set forth in Article 6 (simply referred to as "registration" in the following paragraph (excluding item (ii)) and paragraph (1) of the following Article, paragraph (1))" in Article 3, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "designation set forth in Article 23, paragraph (1) (simply referred to as "designation" in the following paragraph)"; the description "date of registration as provided in Article 6 (when the information set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), item (iii) in pertaining to the registration)" in the same Article, paragraph (2), item (ii) is deemed to be replaced with "date of designation (when the information set forth in Article 23, paragraph (2), item (ii) in pertaining to the designation)"; the description "as provided for in Article 16, paragraph (1)" in the same Article, same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "under Article 31, paragraph (1)";the description "the registration is changed" in the same Article, same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the designation is changed"; the description "registration of that change" in the same Article, same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "change in designation"; the description "date of registration" in the same paragraph, item (iii) is deemed to be replaced with "date of designation"; the description "date of registration" in the same paragraph, item (iv) is deemed to be replaced with "date of designation"; and the description "after seven years starting from the date of registration of the SAFFPF, this is limited to if the entirety of the place of production of the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries product and foodstuffs is within the place of production of the relevant SAFFPF, and an appropriate indication is provided to the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries product and foodstuffs in order to prevent confusion with the SAFFPF" in the same paragraph, same item is deemed to be replaced with "limited to cases not exceeding seven years after the date of designation of the SAFFPF and the production of the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries product and foodstuffs occurring outside of the contracting state (as defined in Article 23, paragraph (1))."

Article 31(1)If any of the information set forth in the items of Article 23, paragraph (2) is changed in the equivalent system of the contracting state, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must change the designation of the applicable SAFFPF.

(2)The provisions of Articles 24, 25, and 27 through 29 (excluding Articles 24, 25, and 27 if the information concerned with the change of designation under the preceding paragraph are specified as being minor by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as "minor cases" in this paragraph)), apply mutatis mutandis to the change of designation under the preceding paragraph.In this case, the description "the information set forth in the items under the preceding Article, paragraph (2)" in Article 24 is deemed to be replaced with "the designation number and information set forth in the items under the preceding Article, paragraph (2) that is related to the change"; the description "the candidate SAFFPF for designation" in Article 27, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "the SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24"; the description "the name of the candidate SAFFPF for designation" in the same Article, same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "the name of the SAFFPF"; the description "the candidate SAFFPF for designation" in the same Article, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "the SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24"; the description "When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has completed the procedures under Article 24 to the preceding Article, the Minister" in Article 28, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has completed the procedures under Article 24, 25, and the preceding Article, the Minister " for non-minor cases and "The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries" for minor cases; the description "the following information" in the same Article, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "the designation number, the date of the change, the matters pertaining to the change, and other information specified by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries"; the description "the candidate SAFFPF for designation" in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) is deemed to be replaced with "the SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24" for non-minor cases and "the SAFFPF for which the change of designation is intended pursuant to the provisions of Article 31, paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "the candidate SAFFPF for change of designation" in this paragraph)" for minor cases; and the description "the candidate SAFFPF for designation" in the same paragraph, item (ii) is deemed to be replaced with "the SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24" for non-minor cases and "the candidate for change of designation as SAFFPF" for minor cases.

Article 32(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may, in the cases listed below, cancel all or a part of a designation:

(2)The provisions of Articles 24, 25, and 27 apply mutatis mutandis to the cancellation of designation under the preceding paragraph (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)).In this case, the description "the information set forth in the items under the preceding Article, paragraph (2)" in Article 24 is deemed to be replaced with "the designation number, reason for cancellation"; the description "whether the candidate SAFFPF for designation falls under a case set forth in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) and whether the name of the candidate SAFFPF for designation" in Article 27, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "the name of SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24"; the description "item (ii), (a) and (b) of the same paragraph" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Article 32, paragraph (1), item (i) (limited to the part pertaining to Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (a))"; the description "candidate SAFFPF for designation" in paragraph (2) of the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "SAFFPF concerned with the public notice under Article 24"; and the description "Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (c)" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Article 32, paragraph (1), item (i) (limited to the part pertaining to Article 29, paragraph (1), item (ii), (c))".

(3)Having cancelled all or a part of the designation under paragraph (1), the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must publicly notify it promptly.

Article 33(1)A public notice under this Act is to be performed through the Internet or through other appropriate methods.

(2)The necessary matters concerning a public notice set forth in the preceding paragraph are provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 34(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, to the extent necessary for the enforcement of this Act, may request a registered group of producers, producers and other persons concerned to make the necessary report on its business or have officials of the Ministry enter the offices, local offices, warehouses, farms, factories or any other place of the group, manufacturer or persons and have them inspect the situation of the business or agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foodstuffs and their ingredients, books, documents and other articles.

(2)The personnel that conducts the on-site inspections pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry an identification and present it to the relevant persons.

(3)The authority to conduct on-site inspection under paragraph (1) may not be construed as being granted for criminal investigations.

Article 35(1)Any person that considers that a fact involving violation of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) or Article 4, paragraph (2) exists may report it to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and request that the appropriate measures be taken, in accordance with the procedures as provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2)When a report under the preceding paragraph has been filed, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must conduct the necessary investigation, and when the Minister has found the contents of that report to be true, it must take the measures prescribed in Article 5 or 21 and other appropriate measures.

Article 36The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may request the heads of relevant administrative agencies to submit documents or information, offer their opinions and other cooperation as deemed necessary to attain the purpose of this Act.

Article 37The authority of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries provided in this Act may be delegated in part to chiefs of local administrative offices pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 38Beyond what is provided in this Act, procedures and other matters required for the implementation of this Act are specified by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 39Any person that violates an order under Article 5 (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) is to be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than 5 million yen, or both.

Article 40Any person that violates an order under Article 5 (limited to the part pertaining to item (ii)) is to be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine of not more than 3 million yen.

Article 41Any person that violates an order under the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (4) (including cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 15, paragraph (2), Article 16, paragraph (3), and Article 22, paragraph (2)) and Article 27, paragraph (5) (including cases where applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 31, paragraph (2) and Article 32, paragraph (2)) is to be punished by imprisonment for not more than six months or a fine of not more than 500,000 yen.

Article 42Any person that falls under any of the following items is to be punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

Article 43(1)When a corporation (including an organization without legal personality with provisions for a representative or an administrator; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph) or a representative or manager, or an agent, employee, or other worker of a corporation or individual commits a violation of any of the provisions set forth in the following items with regard to the business of that corporation or individual, not only the offender is to be punished but also the corporation, by the fine prescribed respectively in those items, and the relevant individual, by the fine prescribed in the respective Articles:

(2)When the preceding paragraph applies to an organization without legal personality, its representative or administrator represent the organization without legal personality in litigation, and the legal provisions concerning cases of criminal litigation in which a corporation is the accused or the suspect apply mutatis mutandis.