EXCLUSIVE: Japan Eyes Standardized Radio Tag for Use in Customs

Tokyo, Nov. 1 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government plans to
propose using an internationally standardized radio-frequency
identification, or RFID, tag to facilitate customs procedures, sources told Jiji Press on Monday.

Japan plans to make the proposal jointly with the United States and
Taiwan at a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to be held
in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on Nov. 13-14, aiming for its inclusion in the
leaders' declaration, the sources said.
Tokyo intends to work with GS1, a Brussels-based organization for
global standardization, to establish an international RFID standard based on
Japanese cutting-edge technology.
The use of RFID technology enables companies to track shipments at
a distance, monitor inventories in real time, and respond better to changes
in demand.
Japan aims to establish a common system that allows customs
authorities, goods owners and shipping firms to track the movements of
articles carrying a standardized RFID tag.
In June, APEC trade ministers agreed to improve regional logistics
and transportation networks to facilitate smoother flows of goods, services
and business travelers.
The RFID tag standardization will help companies use the tag in
international trade. Promoting the use of the tag, however, requires rules
on sharing costs and reusing the tag.
Wider use of the tag is expected to open new business opportunities
for Japanese companies, which have developed technologies for mass
production and miniaturization of the tag and for optimum systems for
utilizing the tag.