The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has started accepting compensation claims for reputational damage after it began releasing treated and diluted water from the facility.

Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, says compensation payments will be made regardless of the period of time, area and type of business.

The company began accepting applications on Monday and will start sending necessary documents to applicants on November 20.

TEPCO says it will compensate those experiencing declines in sales or prices of products such as marine and agricultural food items, as well as costs resulting from the suspension of imports by other countries.

China has suspended all imports of seafood from Japan following the release of the treated water.

TEPCO plans to promptly assess the extent of damage for applicants, determine the compensation amount and offer payments to those who are eligible.

A new support desk opened in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, on Monday in addition to existing ones in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant has been mixing with rain and groundwater.

The accumulated water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium.

Before releasing the treated water into the sea, TEPCO dilutes it to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.

Since the start of the treated water discharge, tritium concentrations in seawater samples have been below the detectable level in multiple checks conducted by the TEPCO, the Environment Ministry and Fukushima Prefecture.