Steps taken by Japan to implement and enforce the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions

(Information as of 29 June 2006)

Date of deposit of instrument of ratification/acceptance or date of accession

Date of accession: 13 October 1998

Deposit of instrument of ratification/acceptance: 13 October 1998
Entry into force of the Convention: 15 February 1999
Entry into force of implementing legislation: 15 February 1999

Implementing legislation 

Identification of the law

Unfair Competition Prevention Law

The purpose of this Law is by providing for measures for the prevention of, and compensation for damages from unfair competition, etc. in order to ensure fair competition among entrepreneurs and the full implementation of international agreements related thereto, and thereby to contribute to the wholesome development of the national economy. 

Date of adoption and date of entry into force

Date of adoption:  18 September 1998

Date of entry into force:  15 February 1999

Other relevant laws, regulations or decrees that have an impact on a country’s implementation of the OECD Convention or the Recommendations

Recommendations for remedial action under Phase 1

In 2001, Unfair Competition Prevention Law (UCPL) was amended to meet part of the recommendations under Phase 1 by 1)) removing the so-called “Main office” exception from “UCPL”, and 2) by broadening the definition of foreign public officials in relation to public enterprises, as well as by enacting a government ordinance

Countries’ international commitments arising from other international instruments

None

Other information

Relevant authorities

- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Relevant Internet links to national implementing legislation, for example

http://law.e-gov.go.jp/htmldata/H05/H05HO047.html (Japanese only)

Signature/Ratification of other relevant international instruments

1. December 2000, signature of the United Nations Convention against  Transnational  Organized Crime.

2. December 2003, signature of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Working Group on Bribery Monitoring Reports

Phase 1:  Review of Implementation of the Convention and 1997 Recommendation
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/15/21/2387870.pdf

Phase 2:  Report on the Application of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and the 1997 Recommendation on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/7/34554382.pdf

Phase 2bis:  Second Report on the Application of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and the 1997 Recommendation on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/54/23/37018673.pdf