The removal of South Korea from a Japanese "whitelist" of preferential procedures for export took effect on Wednesday, which will deepen the rift between the feuding neighbors. The action has already been approved by the cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier.

It is the second round of trade restrictions Japan put against South Korea. Since July 4, Japan has tightened regulations on the export to South Korea of several chemicals used in chip and smartphone production amid a row with Seoul on wartime forced labor.

Half a month ago, South Korea has since taken Japan off of its own "whitelist" of trusted trade partners and announced tighter restrictions for importing coal ash and some waste recycling materials from Japan.

Japan's trade minister Hiroshige Seko said on Tuesday that the move is "aimed at implementing the appropriate export controls," adding that "it's not meant to impact relations between Japan and South Korea."

"We will carry out (the plan)," Seko told a press conference, denying that the move is aimed to strike a blow on the South Korean economy.

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Since the removal has taken effect, South Korea will no longer enjoy minimum trade restrictions on sensitive goods including electronic components, and Japanese companies must receive case-by-case approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan before such goods can be exported.

Last week, the South Korean government announced the decision to scrap the General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA with Japan on exchanging classified military information.

According to Reuters, South Korea later in the day summoned Japan’s ambassador, protesting the decision to remove Seoul’s fast-track export status.

(With imput from Xinhua)

(Cover: Graphic by CGTN's Qu Bo)