In future, in case of a potential avian flu epidemic Japan will not impose restrictions on poultry products originating from all territories of Hungary, but only on products from the infected areas.

The recent success for Hungarian food exports is the result of one and a half years of negotiations, as confirmed by the Japanese authorities’ approval of new animal health certificates.

The favourable decision was preceded by almost 18 months of professional consultations. Chief Veterinarian Dr. Lajos Bognár participated in several negotiations in cooperation with the Embassy of Hungary in Tokyo. Furthermore, the fact that Japanese auditors assessed Hungary positively in 2017 also contributed to the success.

After the recognition of the securities provided by the Hungarian animal health services, on this occasion the Japanese authorities approved the animal health certificates necessary for the export of poultry meat and processed meat products. It has therefore become possible to continue the export from unaffected areas without any interruptions in the case of a potential future bird flu epidemic, ensuring the competitiveness of Hungary, the first European country to receive such licences, on the Japanese market.

(Ministry of Agriculture Press Office)