New opportunities for Polish meat exports to Japan
15.04.2026
April 14, 2026, marks a significant date in the history of co-operation between the Polish and Japanese ministries of agriculture. Years of efforts to expand the range of meat products exported by Polish companies to the Japanese market have been completed.
During an official delegation to Tokyo, as part of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visit to Korea and Japan, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski met with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Norikazu Suzuki and Minister of Health, Labor, and Social Welfare Kenichiro Ueno. The ministers of both countries announced the completion of bilateral arrangements and the entry into force of new rules for Polish beef exports to Japan.
Changes to beef export terms to Japan
As of April 14, 2026, the terms for Polish beef exports to Japan have changed. Previously, under the import conditions introduced on August 1, 2014, only beef from animals no older than 30 months could be shipped from Poland to Japan.
Based on the results of a food health impact assessment submitted in February 2026 by the Food Safety Commission, the Japanese side conducted consultations with the Polish Government and conducted on-site inspections of establishments certified to export to Japan. As a result, the decision was made to change the import conditions for beef originating from Poland.
The Japanese side’s decision introduces one of the most significant changes in access to the Japanese market for beef exporters in recent years. Poland is currently the leading supplier of frozen beef to Japan. Polish beef processing plants can now expand their product range to include additional categories, including processed beef products. For Polish beef exporters, this is a significant development boost and an opportunity for an even greater presence in the demanding Japanese market. The removal of the age limit does not mean deregulation. Japan's import control system remains one of the most stringent in the world.
The following are still in effect:
- the Export Verification Programme, which includes full animal traceability and strict veterinary supervision of the entire production chain;
- mandatory removal of Specified Risk Materials (SRM), such as selected nervous system tissues;
- exports only from facilities approved by the Japanese side.
Opening of export opportunities for processed poultry
The agriculture ministers of both countries also announced the opening of export opportunities for processed poultry products from Poland to the Japanese market. The Japanese side approved the first Polish poultry processing plant for the export of such products. Poland is awaiting the review of applications from other poultry companies interested in entering the Japanese market.
