The Japan Meat Traders Association is sounding out the United States about the possibility of buying back 1,380 tons of U.S. beef that cannot clear Japanese customs, association officials said Friday.

The proposal concerns some 1.4 billion yen worth of U.S. beef imported by 17 Japanese companies that has accumulated since Japan reinstated a full ban on U.S. beef Jan. 20 after receiving a shipment containing unauthorized spinal cords.

Japanese importers want to receive full refunds before the meat exceeds its expiry dates, the officials said. The association will make a decision on the request next Thursday, they said.

In late January, association executives met officials from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and officials of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, asking them to study the idea.

"Responsibility regarding the beef issue resides with the U.S. side, so we have asked them to consider paying compensation if Japanese importers suffer losses," said Tatsuo Iwama, an official of the Japanese traders' group.

Farm minister Shoichi Nakagawa said at a news conference Friday that the matter is for the industry to decide.

"I want them to make their own decisions about whether to return or incinerate the beef imports or take another action," he said.