950804

Japan mulls

new rule on

arms-related

products export

TOKYO: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is considering the introduction of a new regulation on the export of industrial products that can be used to make weapons, according to a Japanese media report.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun said in its evening editions that the new rule would require companies to apply for government export approval for products they suspect can be used to make weapons. The rule would be applied to exports to all countries, it said.

MITI officials were not immediately available for comment. The new rule would specifically target products that can be used to make nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and missiles, Nihon Keizai said.

Japan's current rule requires companies to apply for permission when they export products such as rocket parts, the export of which is internationally controlled.-Reuter