Guide to Food Import
2023

Issued by

Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization (MIPRO)
6th ﬂoor, World Import Mart Bldg.
3-1-3, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
TEL: +81-3-3971-6571
URL https://www.mipro.or.jp

March 2024
Unauthorized copying of the contents of this guidebook is strictly prohibited.

<Notes>・The translations of the Japanese laws, regulations, announces, notices and guidelines provided in this booklet are not for oﬃcial use. Only the original Japanese texts of laws andregulations have legal eﬀect in Japan. The translations are to be used solely as reference material to aid in the understanding of Japanese laws and regulations.
・Although MIPRO has made every eﬀort to provide as accurate information as possible in this booklet based on the latest information available at the time of preparation, MIPRO shallnot be held responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the legislative materials provided in this booklet, or for any consequence resulting from use of the information in thisbooklet. For all purposes of interpreting and applying law to any legal issue or dispute, readers should consult the original Japanese texts published in the Oﬃcial Gazette.

Issued by

Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization (MIPRO)

Guide to Food Import
Import and sale of foods require more complicated procedures than those for suchitems as interior goods and clothes. This guidebook has been prepared for people who
intend to import foods for the irst time and outlines the import procedures and regulations imposed upon the import and sale of food. Please check the laws and regulations
applicable to each food item and take necessary procedures based on relevant laws andregulations.
There may be changes to the content due to amendments of relevant laws or other reasons. Please make inquiries at relevant contact points to conirm the details.
March 2024
Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization（MIPRO）

Contents
1 Laws Applicable to Food Import ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 3
2 Food Sanitation Act ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 5
1 Import Notiﬁcation to Quarantine Stations ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 5
2 Examination and Inspection at Quarantine Stations ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 10
3 Implementation of Self-Inspections ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 11
4 Preliminary Survey to Avoid Import of Violating Foods ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 14
3 Plant Protection Act ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 16
4 Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 18
5 Act on the Protection of Fishery Resources ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 21
6 Import and Labeling of Liquor ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 22
7 Import of Rice and Wheat, Salt, Sugar and Starch, Dairy Products, Fisheries
Products, and Articles Covered by the CITES ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 24
1 Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for Staple Food ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 24
2 Salt Industry Act ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 25
3 Act on Price Adjustment of Sugar and Starch ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 25
4 Act on Stabilization of Livestock Farming ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 25
5 Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 26
6 Act on Proper Domestic Distribution of Aquatic Animals and Plants ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 27
8 Customs Clearance Procedures ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 28
9 Customs System ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 29
Duty Rates; Duty Classiﬁcation; Advance Ruling System; Preferential Duty・ ・ ・ ・Rates; Procedures for Proving the Place of Origin; Tariﬀ Quota System
10 Labeling of Food ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 32
1 Food Labeling Act ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 32
・ ・ ・ ・ 35
2 Commodity Quantity System under the Measurement Act ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・・・
3 Misleading Representations under the Act against Unjustiﬁable Premiums and・ ・ ・ ・ 36
Misleading Representations ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・・・
4 Act on Record of Transaction Information and Dissemination of Origin
Information of Rice ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 37
・・・・
5 Act on Securing Quality, Eﬃcacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical
・・・・
Devices, Regenerative and Cellular Therapy Products, Gene Therapy Products,
and Cosmetics ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 38
6 Organic JAS Standards Based on the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards ・ ・ 39
11 Laws that Need to be Noted in Marketing・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 40
・ ・to・・
1 Major Regulations Concerning Permits, Notiﬁcations, Licenses, etc. Relating
Food Business ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 40
2 Act on Speciﬁed Commercial Transactions・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 41
3 Recycling-related Laws ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ 42
This Guide was compiled with subsidies for FY2023 provided
by the Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation.
1

1 Laws Applicable to Food Import
When importing foods into Japan for the purpose of marketing, etc. , an importer is subject toregulations under the Food Sanitation Act which are imposed for the purpose of ensuring safetyconcerning human health and preventing the occurrence of health problems.
Additionally, with regard to some items, regulations under other laws, such as those aiming toensure the safety of plants and livestock in Japan, sound development of external transactions,trade control for maintaining peace and safety in Japan as well as in the international community,
protection of domestic industries, or proper assessment and collection of taxes, are imposed,
and the importer needs to follow prescribed procedures when importing such items.
In advance, the importer should check what regulations are to be imposed on each item thathe/she intends to import.
Major Laws Applicable to Food Import
Food
Sanitation
Act → P.5

Plant
Protection
Act → P.16

Vegetables, fruits,nuts, grain, beans,tea, coffee beans(raw),
herbs, spices, etc.

○○⑴

Meat, processed meatproducts,
dairy products, etc.

○

Fishery products

Aquatic animals
LiquorAct onDomestic
AnimalInfectious
Diseases
Control→ P.18Foreign
Exchange
and Foreign
Trade Act
→ P.26

Other

△⑷

○

△⑷

△⑷

○

Act on Proper Domestic
Distribution of Aquatic
Animals and Plants⑸ → P.27△

Act on the Protection ofFishery Resources⑹ → P.21○

Liquor Tax Act → P.22
Act on Stabilization of
Supply, Demand andPrices for Staple Food
→ P.24

Rice, wheat, etc.
○

○⑴

Salt

○

Salt Industry Act → P.25

Sugar, starch,
sweetened preparations○

Act on Price Adjustmentof Sugar and Starch → P.25

Butter, skim milk, etc.
Other processed foods
Notes

○

Act on Stabilization ofLivestock Farming → P.25

○⑶

○
△⑵

△⑵

△⑷

( 1) Excluding those highly processed ( e. g. , tea and spices packed in containers for retail, roasted coffee beans)( 2) An inspection may be required depending on how they are processed. Please inquire at the plant protection station or animal quarantine
service when you are not sure.
( 3) As butter oil and other certain items are excluded from application of the law, please inquire at the animal quarantine service.
( 4) Those announced by import notice( 5) Applicable to business operators handling class I aquatic animals and plants ( abalone and sea cucumber, and their processed products)
and importers of class II aquatic animals and plants ( squid and cuttlefish, Pacific saury, mackerel and sardine, and their processed
products)( 6) Out of living aquatic animals for human consumption ( abalone, oysters, prawns, etc. ) , those stored in waters for public use or at
facilities draining water directly into waters for public use

Flow from Import to Sale of Foods
Cargoes that arrive at Japan by ship or by air are transported into bonded areas. Import procedures
differ by types of foods.
Firstly, an importer files an application for inspection [ i] at a plant protection station under thejurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries ( MAFF) for plant foods such as
vegetables and fruits, and [ ii] at an animal quarantine service under the jurisdiction of MAFF forlivestock products such as meat, processed meat products, and dairy products, and for some aquatic
animals, and undergoes inspections.
3Regarding those inspected at a plant protection station or an animal quarantine service, and otherfoods, i.e., all foods imported for the purpose of marketing, import notifications need to be submitted toquarantine stations under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ( MHLW) .
Quarantine stations examine whether the relevant food items comply with the Food Sanitation Act andmake judgments regarding whether an inspection is required or not. If the import is judged as being
legitimate as a result of an examination and inspection at a quarantine station, a certificate of notification
for importation of foods is returned to the importer. Then, the importer makes an import declaration atcustoms by attaching this certificate to the declaration form. When the import is permitted, theimporter is allowed to transport imported foods out of a bonded area. The importer is required tocomply with regulations on food labeling, etc. when selling imported foods.

Flow from Import to Sale of Foods
Arrival of cargoes and their transport to bonded areas＜Regulations upon import＞

Vegetables,
fruits, nuts,
grain, beans, etc.

Meat, processedmeat products, milk
and dairy productsPlant quarantine

Plant protection
station (MAFF)
Plant Protection
Act

Some aquatic
animals

Animal quarantine

Animal quarantine
service (MAFF)
Act on Domestic
Animal Infectious
Diseases Control /Act on the Protectionof Fishery Resources

Aquatic animal
quarantine

Other foods
and food
additives

Food sanitation
inspection

Quarantine station (MHLW)

Food Sanitation Act

Customs (Ministry of Finance) Customs Act【Bonded area】 Notiﬁcation for importation(1) /Examination and inspection at customs / Payment of
duties and consumption taxes(2) / Import approval＜Regulations upon sale＞

Transport from a bonded area

Regulations on food labeling
Food Labeling Act, Act against Unjustiﬁable Premiums andMisleading Representations, etc.

Regulations concerning permits, notiﬁcations, licenses
and sales activities relating to food business(depending on food types and business modes)

Food Sanitation Act , Liquor Tax Act, etc.

Domestic distribution
Notes ( 1) When any permission or approval is required under laws and regulations other than those related to tariffs and duties,
an importer must obtain the required permission or approval under relevant laws and regulations and obtainconfirmation by proving such fact upon making an import declaration or receiving an examination and inspection atcustoms.
( 2) In the case of importing liquor, an importer must affix a label in Japanese under the Act on Securing of Liquor Tax andon Liquor Business Associations, and the Food Labeling Act, etc. to the products within a bonded area, and ispermitted to transport them out of the bonded area only after paying duties, consumption taxes and liquor tax.

4

2 Food Sanitation Act
1 Import Notification to Quarantine Stations
When importing foods into Japan for the purpose of business, an importer must make an importnotification to a quarantine station.
It is prohibited to use any imported foods in business by selling them to a third party or using them indishes served at a restaurant, etc. without making an import notification.
Obligation Concerning Import Notification (Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Act)
A person who intends to import food, additives, apparatus or containers and packaging to serve forthe purpose of marketing or to use in business shall make a notification to the Minister of Health,Labour and Welfare on a case- by- case basis, pursuant to an Ordinance of the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare.
Food Items Requiring Import Notification
As provided for in Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Act, import notifications need to be made forimported foods that are to be served for the purpose of marketing or to be used in business. The term
“ marketing” as prescribed in Article 5 of said Act includes delivery other than sales to many andunspecified persons. Therefore, notifications are also required for foods that are to be delivered tomany and unspecified persons for free.
Food Items Not Requiring Import Notification
Whether notification is required or not is generally determined in consideration of the item's shape,
purpose of use, labeling and other objective circumstances found in relevant documents, etc. However,the following are excluded.
 The following that will not in any case be served for the purpose of marketing or used in businessas food, etc. in Japan
Food items for personal use:
Limited to cases where a person who imported the item consumes it personally, where theitem is a gift from overseas, or where a tourist, etc. brings in the item as a souvenir or for
personal use
Food items for test and research:
Limited to cases where the item is used for test and research in a laboratory or research room
Food items for in- house discussions:
Limited to cases where the item is imported for in- house discussions
Food items for display:
Limited to cases where the item is used solely for display
Note! Notification is required when the item is delivered or served for tasting purposes to many and unspecified
persons at an exhibition, etc.

Food items weighing 10kg or less
Food items whose entire amount imported is evidently for re- export.
 Raw materials for food additives
 Food items set forth in Appended Table 10 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation
Act: Raw salt; Copra; Fats or oils of animal origin or plant origin which are used in the productionof edible fat and oil; Raw sugar; Crude alcohol; Molasses; Malt; Hops
9Confirmation certificate:whose submission may be requested at customs for a food
item not requiring import notification
With regard to a food item not requiring import notification, an importer, who makes an importdeclaration at customs, may be requested to submit a “ confirmation certificate, " which proves thatthe item does not require import notification under the Food Sanitation Act. In such a case, theimporter must first submit two copies of a written application for a confirmation certificate preparedin a prescribed format to a quarantine station to receive its confirmation that the item does not require
import notification. When the quarantine station finds said fact, it affixes a confirmation seal on eachcopy of the written application and returns one of them to the importer. The importer must submit
this to customs.
5

Notification Procedures (Article 32 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act)
Right after the arrival of a cargo, ( Note) an importer must submit an import notification prepared in aprescribed format, together with the necessary documents depending on food items, to the quarantine
station that has jurisdiction over the place for customs clearance of said cargo.
An importer needs to secure the effectiveness of a disposal order, etc. Accordingly, a non- resident
who does not have a domicile or residence in Japan and an Attorney for Customs Procedures ( ACP)
( prescribed in Article 95 of the Customs Act: A person who undertakes procedures for making animport/export declaration to the customs, witnesses an inspection, pays customs duties, etc. on behalfof a person not residing in Japan) are not permitted to file an import notification.

( Note) Notification must be made right after the arrival of a cargo, in principle, but there is an Advance Notification System,
under which notification is accepted from 7days prior to the scheduled arrival of the cargo. When using this system, acertificate of notification for importation of foods, etc. is issued promptly for a cargo that does not require an inspection
prior to arrival or after the transport into a bonded area. However, where any change arises in the content of thenotification after arrival of the cargo, an importer must report to that effect to the quarantine station to which the importermade the advance notification.

Documents Required for Making Notification□

Written notification for importation of foods, etc. : 2 copies
How to obtain and fill in a notification form is explained on the webpages relating to imported
foods of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and individual quarantine stations.
→ https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/yunyu_kanshi/kanshi/index_00004. html□

Documents to be attached vary depending on item name, country of origin, processing method, etc.
In the case of processed foods, an ingredient list and a food production flow chart are
required.
In the case of unprocessed foods, a document showing the names and locations of theexporter and the packager and a document concerning the scientific names and varieties of therelevant foods are required. If additives are used, an ingredient list is also necessary.
Ingredient list
・A document showing such information as specific chemical names and compositions of raw
materials ( ingredients) and additives used in the processed foods
・When any processed food is used as a raw material, information on its ingredients, additives
used, and production flow ( for food items for which production criteria are defined) is required.
・When any additive for which utilization criteria are defined is used, purposes of its use, theamount used, and at what stage it was used should be stated.
Food production flow chart
・A chart that describes a series of production flows, such as through what production andprocessing processes raw materials are made into products and are packed
・For food items for which production criteria are defined ( soft drinks, mineral water, retort
foods, etc. ) , the disinfecting method ( temperature and heating time, etc. ) , handling of raw
materials, and other detailed information are required.

[ Examples of documents to be attached as necessary]
・For meat, processed meat products, milk, dairy products, oysters to be eaten raw and pufferfish( fugu) , a sanitary ( health) certificate issued by a government organization of the exporting country
・In the case where a herb or spice from a country where radicidation is permitted was used, adocument issued by the producer to the effect that radicidation was not conducted for the relevant
herb or spice・For some raw materials, a document stating the content confirmed by the department in charge ofpharmaceutical affairs regarding whether anything in the relevant food item falls under the categoryof pharmaceutical ingredients as prescribed in the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of
Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
・In the case of an additive, a document specifically stating its chemical name, origin andmanufacturing method, and in the case of an additive preparation, a table of ingredients( compounding ratio)[ Points to note regarding attached documents]
・A document should contain the producer's company name ( letterhead) or signature, etc, thatclearly show who prepared and issued it
・The producer, product name, product number, etc. should be clearly indicated in an ingredientlist, food production flow chart, results of past self- inspections, and product description so thatthey can be identified as documents for a cargo that arrived in Japan.
・When a document is in any language other than English or Japanese, a translation thereof should
also be attached.
□
6

Results of past self- inspections as necessary

（Source: Ministry for Health, Labour and Welfare website）

An importer is obliged to ensure the safety of the imported foods and prepare and retain records
on the import and sale of food items.
Article 3 of the Food Sanitation Act provides that a food business operator shall, on his/her own responsibility, endeavor
to ensure the safety of the food, and for that purpose, he/she shall endeavor to( i) obtain the knowledge and technologies on food sanitation, ( ii) ensure the safety of raw materials to be used,( iii) conduct self- inspections, and ( iv) take other necessary measures.
With regard to imported foods, the importer must confirm their safety including their conformity to the Food Sanitation
Act. Article 8 of the Food Safety Basic Act also provides for the obligations of the food importer.
Based on Article 3, paragraph ( 2) of the Food Sanitation Act, the importer is required to endeavor to make a proper
record of the import and sale of the foods they import and retain such record so that the status of distribution of imported
foods can be checked at any time. When any violation of the Food Sanitation Act is detected, the importer must submit therelevant information promptly to the related quarantine station or prefectural government, etc.

7

Notification Method
・Ask a customs broker, etc. ( Note) to submit documents by proxy ( an importer must prepare documents
to be attached)・Bring in documents directly to a quarantine station
・Send documents by post ( enclose a return envelope with a stamp)
・Submit documents online using the Food Automated Import Notification and Inspection Network
System ( FAINS)( Need to register the relevant terminal equipment, etc. with the MHLW in advance)( Note) A customs broker refers to a person engaging in custom- house business with a license granted by the director- general ofcustoms. A customs broker undertakes affairs concerning import declaration ( tax filing) , etc. in place of the importer andoften engages in international forwarder business, warehousing business, harbor transport business, etc. as well.

■ Inquiries: Quarantine station of the MHLW having jurisdiction over the port where the importer
imports a cargo
Offices to accept import notification: Food Inspection Division (32 locations nationwide)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/importedfoods/1-2.html

Prior consultation: Offices of Imported Food Consultation (13 locations nationwide as below;◎: Dedicated phone numbers)
Otaru Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-134-32-4304
Food Inspection Division
Sendai Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-22-367-8102
Food Inspection Division
Narita Airport Quarantine Station;◎: +81-476-32-6728
TEL: +81-476-32-6741
Food Inspection DivisionTokyo Quarantine Station;◎: +81-3-3599-1519
TEL: +81-3-3599-1520
Food Inspection Division
Yokohama Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-45-201-0505
Food Inspection Division
Niigata Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-25-244-4405
Food Inspection Division
Nagoya Quarantine Station;◎: +81-52-661-4132
TEL: +81-52-661-4133
Food Inspection Division
Osaka Quarantine Station;◎: +81-6-6571-3554
TEL: +81-6-6571-3523
Food Inspection Division
Kansai Airport Quarantine Station;◎: +81-72-455-1295
TEL: +81-72-455-1290
Food Inspection Division
Kobe Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-78-672-9655
Food Inspection Division
Hiroshima Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-82-255-1379
Food Inspection Division
Fukuoka Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-92-271-5873
Food Inspection Division
Naha Quarantine Station;
TEL: +81-98-868-4519
Food Inspection Division■ Reference information: MHLW Website: “Imported Food Safety”

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/yunyu_kanshi/index_00017.html

FAQ
Ｑ Is notification for importation of foods required even in the case where an individual isdoing business personally?
Ａ Under the Food Sanitation Act, notification is required when goods are imported for the purpose of
marketing or use in business, or for the purpose of delivery other than sales to many and unspecified
persons. Therefore, import notification needs to be made even if the importer is an individual. It is
prohibited to use any imported foods in business by selling them to a third party or serving them at arestaurant that the importer runs, without making an import notification.
On the other hand, in the case where a person imports goods only for personal use, the person shalltake full responsibility for the safety of the goods for human consumption and is not required to makea notification.
Ｑ We want to import foods that are already being sold in Japan. Do we need to make animport notification?
Ａ As prescribed in Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Act, an importer must prepare necessary
documents for cargoes to be imported and make an import notification on each occasion.
Furthermore, as prescribed in Article 3 of said Act, an importer is obliged to ensure the safety of thefoods that his/her company imports ( see the previous page) .
8Flow of Import Notification Procedures under the Food Sanitation Act
Preparation of import notiﬁcation
Written notiﬁcation for importation of foods, etc.
Documents to be attached
Processed foods: An ingredient list and a food production ﬂow chart
Unprocessed foods: For items containing additives, an ingredient list
A document showing the exporter, packager, andproducer (country or region), etc.
A sanitary certiﬁcate issued by a government organization of theexporting country depending on the item namePrior consultation at a quarantine
station as necessary

Arrival of cargoes and theirtransport to bonded areas

Import notiﬁcation to a quarantine station
Examination at thequarantine station

Inspection
not required

Inspection required

Monitoring
inspection
Sampling and inspection
by the quarantine station

Orderedinspection

Self-inspection

Sampling and inspection by aregistered conformity assessment body

PassedSubmission of a report of the inspection
results to the quarantine station(Rejected)
Collection
or othermeasuresfor rejected
items

Examination at the quarantine station

PassedIssuance of a certiﬁcate of
notiﬁcation for importationof foods, etc.

Rejected

Disposal,
return, etc.

Import declaration to customs( Source) Prepared by processing the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's webpage “ Flow of Import Notification
Procedures”

9

2 Examination and Inspection at Quarantine Stations
A quarantine station of the MHLW checks the details of an importer's notification and examines
whether the relevant food items contain any toxic or hazardous substances and whether they conform to
the standards and criteria under the Food Sanitation Act.
When the quarantine station finds the necessity to confirm any matters through an inspection, it gives
direction on the required inspection, and makes a judgment on legality based on the inspection results.
When the cargo to be imported is found to conform to the Food Sanitation Act, a certificate of
notification is returned and the importer may proceed with customs clearance procedures.
On the other hand, when the cargo is found to violate a law, it is shipped back or disposed of and theimporter must bear the expenses therefor.
Checking of notification details (documentary examination)
A food sanitation inspector conducts an examination based on the item, exporting country,
processor and processing facility, raw materials, production method, additives, etc. stated in a
written notification for importation of foods, etc.
< Examples of matters to be checked > Whether the used raw materials conform to the Food Sanitation Act
 Whether additives are used in a proper manner Whether the item conforms to production criteria
 Whether the processor or the processing facility has any history of causing sanitary problems
 Whether the item is subject to an order for recall in the exporting country Whether required documents ( such as a sanitary certificate issued by the exporting country) areattached, etc.
On-the-spot inspection by food sanitation inspector
With regard to a food item requiring on- the- spot checking or a food item imported for the firsttime, and in cases where any accident occurred during transportation, a food sanitation inspector
checks the relevant item on the spot, in locations such as a warehouse where it is stored, concerningwhether there is any problem in appearance. A food sanitation inspector also collects samples for amonitoring inspection, etc.
< Examples of matters to be checked > Whether the item is not suited for human consumption due to being rotten or other reasons Whether any foreign substances are mixed in Whether the storage environment ( temperature, etc. ) is appropriate
 Whether there are no errors in the content of the notification, etc.
 Whether any poisonous fish, etc. are mixed in ( fish) Whether any dangerous parts are mixed in ( beef)
Checking through testing and inspection
When a quarantine station finds the necessity to confirm any matters through an inspection, it
orders and guides a required inspection or carries out an inspection by itself, and checks theconformity to the Food Sanitation Act based on the inspection results.
< Examples of matters to be checked > Agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs
 Food additives
 Pathogenic microorganisms such as enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Vibrio
parahaemolyticus
 Bacterial counts and coliforms, etc. specified by the Standards for Constituents
 Hazardous substances such as aflatoxin and other mycotoxins, and shellfish poisons Mixing of genetically modified foods whose safety has yet to be approved Whether the item is sterilized by irradiation, etc.
( Source) MHLW “ Quarantine Stations' Efforts for Ensuring Safety of Imported Foods” January 2016

10

Testing and Inspections Directed by Quarantine Station
Orderedinspection

An inspection that a quarantine station orders animporter to conduct, on each occasion, based on
Article 26 of the Food Sanitation Act, with regard tocargoes that are considered to be highly likely to violatea law, such as those found to violate a law as a result ofa self-inspection or a monitoring inspection, or arandom inspection(Note) in Japan, etc.
Items subject to ordered inspection, matters to beinspected, sampling methods, and inspection methods
are publicized on the MHLW Website.

Sampling and inspection: Registeredconformity assessment bodies
Expenses: To be borne by importers
Import is not permitted until theinspection results are obtained.

Selfinspection(instructed
inspection)

An inspection that the national government instructs Sampling and inspection: Registeredan importer to conduct upon importing a cargo for the conformity assessment bodies
first time and regularly thereafter as part of the Expenses: To be borne by importers
importer"s own efforts for sanitary supervision
Import is not permitted until theinspection results are obtained.

Monitoring
inspection

An inspection that the national government conducts
based on an annual plan for the purpose of monitoring
food sanitation conditions widely and taking measures,such as the strengthening of inspections upon import,
as necessary

Sampling: Quarantine stations
Expenses: To be borne by thenational government
Import is permitted without needing
to wait for inspection results.

( Note) A random inspection refers to an inspection that a food sanitation inspector of a public health center conducts based on the Food Sanitation
Act by collecting the required amount of foods as samples from processing facilities and retailing stores, etc.

3 Implementation of Self-Inspections
Self- inspection is also called instructed inspection because it is an inspection that the quarantine office
instructs importers to conduct periodically ( including at the time of first import into Japan) whilereferring to whether there are any applicable standards and criteria, the status of using additives,
agrochemicals and veterinary drugs, etc. , and information on legal violations of food items of the same
type, etc.
There are three ways to conduct self- inspections: Inspection before or after notification at registeredconformity assessment bodies in Japan, or inspection before importation at foreign official laboratories.
When conducting inspections in Japan, the importer can select and request inspections at theirdiscretion from among the registered conformity assessment bodies listed on the website of the Ministryof Health, Labour and Welfare. Please check with a registered conformity assessment body regarding
the sample quantities and documents required for testing before importing. Also, please contact aregistered conformity assessment body regarding expenses and the number of days required forinspection.
If the importer underwent an inspection at a foreign official laboratory and a report of inspection
results issued by the foreign official laboratory is attached to the import notification, instructed
inspection for the relevant matters will be exempted. However, as some inspection results by a foreign
official laboratory are not accepted, please be sure to consult with a quarantine station in advance.
■ Reference information: MHLW Website, “List of Registered Conformity Assessment Bodies”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/jigyousya/kikan/index.html(Japanese)

Self-inspection (i) Implementation of inspection of samples collected from notified
cargo at registered conformity assessment bodies
・The importer requests a registered conformity assessment body to inspect matters to be inspected as
instructed by the quarantine station after import notification.
・The registered conformity assessment body collects and inspects samples from the cargo in a bonded
warehouse.
・The importer submits the report of inspection results for the cargo to the quarantine station.

11

Self-inspection (ii) Implementation of inspection of samples imported prior to notification (advance samples) at registered conformity assessment bodies
Samples that are imported for inspection prior to importing the cargo for sale are called “ advancesamples. ”
Import notification is not required for inspection samples, and the Ministry of Health, Labour andWelfare refers to inspections conducted on advance samples as “ inspections conducted on food, etc.
without import notification. ” Since it can be confirmed that the products conform to the Food Sanitation
Act before import notification, this inspection has the advantage of avoiding the risk of disposal or
shipping back due to the import of non- conforming products. Please note that matters that may change
during transport ( bacteria, mycotoxins, etc. ) cannot be inspected using advance samples.
The quarantine station will only accept the results of an inspection conducted on an advance sample if
the prescribed “ confirmation certificate” is attached and it is possible to confirm that certain
requirements are satisfied with regard to the matters stated in the report and the documents to be
attached. Please make inquiries at the relevant registered conformity assessment body to confirm thedetails. Please consult with the quarantine station in advance about matters to be inspected.
< Basic requirements for advance samples >・Advance samples must be unopened ( except for those opened due to inspection by customs or otheradministrative agencies) and sent directly from the manufacturer or exporter to the registeredconformity assessment body.
・Documents relating to samples ( documents indicated in confirmation item 2 of the quarantine station
form “ Written confirmation of inspection results conducted on food, etc. without importnotification” ) prepared by a manufacturer, etc. ( manufacturer, manufacturing facility, exporter) in
the exporting country must be enclosed with advance samples.
■ Reference information: MHLW Website,“Written confirmation of inspection results conducted on food, etc. without importnotification”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/file/06-Seisakujouhou-11130500-Shokuhinanzenbu/170831.pdf(Japanese)

Procedure for conducting inspections on advance samples

ImporterConduct preliminary survey( 1) Survey of cargo to be imported
・Raw materials, manufacturing method, etc.
( 2) Setting matters to be inspected*Please use Quarantine Station Consultation Room.
( 3) Confirmation of number of inspection samples*Consult with registered conformity assessment body↓

Deliver inspection samples and related documents( 1) Attachment of invoice and B/L( 2) Enclosure of sample information documents
・Product name, product code, JAN code, manufacturer name, catalog,
Manufacturer
photograph, etc.
・If the sample is a part of a product ( e. g. a component) , information showing thecorrelation with the completed product ( developed figure, drawing)・Raw materials, quality, and manufacturing method↓ Direct delivery
Registered conformity
assessment body

Conduct inspection

Issue of report of inspection results↓
Importer

Submit written notification for importation of foods, etc.
inspection results

Attach report of( Source) Excerpt from Kobe Quarantine Station “ Imported Food Consultation Q&A”

12

Self-inspection (iii) Implementation of inspection at foreign official laboratories
A foreign official laboratory is a conformity assessment body recognized by the government of theexporting country as a testing institution with a certain level of inspection capacity in its own country,
and regarding which a request has been made in advance by the government of the exporting country to
the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
If a report of inspection results from a foreign official laboratory is attached to the import notificationand the inspection results conform to the Food Sanitation Act, instructed inspection for the relevant
matters will be exempted. Please note that matters that may change during transport ( bacteria,
mycotoxins, etc. ) cannot be exempted at the time of importing a cargo.
There are certain acceptance requirements for inspection results. For details, please contact thequarantine station.
・The name and address of the relevant laboratory are the same as those on the list.
Records of inspections conducted by a branch or local office of laboratories on the list are notaccepted.
・The inspection method employed is equivalent or superior to test methods specified by the Food
Sanitation Act of Japan.
・The report of inspection results contains information with which inspected goods can be identified,such as the manufacturer name, product name and code, etc. , for the purpose of confirming theidentity between the inspected samples and the goods to be imported to Japan.
・The report of inspection results is written in English or Japanese.
Minimum matters that should be stated on the foreign official laboratory report ofinspection results( 1)

Information relating to conformity assessment body
Name and location( 2)

Information relating to requester
Name and address ( for business operators, name and location of principal office)( 3)

Information relating to samples
Country of origin
Name and location of the manufacturing or processing facility, or country of origin
Name ( including information that can identify the sample, such as a code, etc. )( 4)Information relating to tests
Tested item
Test method ( including source and rationale)
Test results ( including the limit of detection or limit of quantification)
Date of preparation and issuance and number of report of inspection results( Source) Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare“ Minimum Preferably Required Information in Test Certificates Issued by Foreign Official Laboratories”■ Reference information: MHLW Website,“Foreign official Laboratories”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/yunyu_kanshi/index_00017.html“Minimum Preferably Required Information in Test Certificates Issued by Foreign
Official Laboratories”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000532508.pdf

13

4 Preliminary Survey to Avoid Import of Violating Foods
Each exporting country has original laws concerning food sanitation based on their climate and foodculture, etc. Some food items that can be distributed in a certain exporting country may not conform to
the Food Sanitation Act and their import and sale may not be permitted in Japan.
An importer assumes equal responsibility for the safety of imported foods as the processor thereof.
Therefore, the importer him/herself must have knowledge concerning food sanitation and needs to
conduct a sufficient preliminary survey on such matters as where, how, and by whom the relevant food
item was processed or produced, whether its quality conforms to the provisions of the Food Sanitation
Act, and how it was packed and is being stored.
As matters to be surveyed vary by food item, please refer to Appended Table 2 “ Basic Guidance for
Importers” of the Imported Food Monitoring and Guidance Plan. ( Note)
Upon executing import transactions, it is important to select reliable processors and other business
partners who comply with quality requirements on the Japanese side.
( Note) The Imported Food Monitoring and Guidance Plan is a plan established by the national government with regard tomeasures to be taken by the MHLW and quarantine stations. A plan for the following fiscal year is publicized at the end of
every fiscal year.

Major Matters to be Surveyed
Major matters to be surveyed
Processed
foods

・Item name, product number and JAN code, etc.
・Name and location of the processor (in English)
・Name and location of the processing facility (in English)
・Raw materials (survey places of production and compounding ratios to the extent possible;
for items containing additives, names and usage of substances, and for additives subject
to specified utilization criteria, the amount used; for items using processed foods as raw
materials, whether any non-designated additives are used in said processed foods)
・For items containing health foods or oriental drugs as raw materials, their scientific names,
used parts and purposes of their use
・Whether the item falls under the category of those using recombinant DNA technology
・Processing/production methods (concrete methods and conditions for washing, filtration(sterile filtration), disinfection, freezing or refrigeration (including temperature control),and metal detection (X-ray))・Quality of packaging material (quality of materials for the part directly touching the food)・Storage methods (at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen)
・Usage (for marketing, as raw materials, or other)
・Methods of cooking, eating, or using

Unprocessed
foods

・Item name, product number and JAN code, etc.
・Name and location of the importer (in English)
・Name and location of the packager (in English)
・Details of additives used (if any)・Country/region of origin
・Scientific name and reference materials and photos concerning varieties
・Whether any additives are used
・For a food item to be imported to Japan for the first time, the history of use as food at theplace of origin and whether it has toxicity
・Quality of packaging material
・Storage methods (at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen)
・Usage (for marketing, as raw materials, or other)
・Methods of cooking, eating, or using

Additives

・Name and location of the producer (in English)
・Name and location of the production facility (in English)
・Name of substances (chemical names, Japanese name, and English name)・Ingredients and their ratios in the case of additive preparations
・Purpose of use
・Quality of packaging material
・Storage methods (at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen)
・Specifications( Source) Created based on data held by each quarantine station14

Checkpoint 1: Standards for Constituents and Production Criteria, etc. of Foods
Under Article 13 of the Food Sanitation Act, standards for constituents and criteria for the methods ofproducing, processing, cooking, or preserving foods in general are specified. Concrete details areshown in Public Notice of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare No. 370. For items requiring
special efforts for ensuring safety ( such as soft drinks and processed meat products) , standards andcriteria are established separately. For foods subject to the established production, processing orpreservation criteria, conformity to such criteria is to be checked based on their production flow chart.
An importer should check with the producers, etc. regarding the use of any agricultural chemicals andthe status of sanitation management at the production stage, and carry out a self- inspection asnecessary on the conformity to residue standards for agricultural chemicals and standards for coliforms,
etc. to confirm safety.
“Standards and Criteria for Food and Additives, etc.”(Public Notice of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare No.370)− No.1: Structure of Food

No. 1 Food
A. Standards for constituents for food in general
B. Criteria for producing, processing, and cooking food in general
C. Criteria for preserving food in general
D. Respective standards and criteria for soft drinks; powdered soft drinks; ice; ice confectionery;processed meat and whale meat; processed meat to be eaten raw; edible avian eggs; blood, blood
cells, and blood plasma; processed meat products; whale meat products; fish paste products;
salmon roe, salted salmon roe, and salted cod roe; boiled octopus; boiled crab; fresh seafood to beeaten raw; oysters to be eaten raw; agar; grain, beans, and vegetables; azuki bean paste; tofu;
instant noodles; frozen food; and retort pouch food
( Note) Standards and criteria for milk and dairy products are separately specified in the Ministerial Ordinance Concerning the
Ingredient Standards for Milk and Dairy Products ( Ordinance of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare No. 52) .

Checkpoint 2: Additives
Additives that can be used in Japan are limited to those designated by the national government, inprinciple. Exceptionally, only existing additives, natural flavoring agents, and articles that havegenerally been served for human consumption and are used as additives may be used without obtaining
designation. Additives that are not designated cannot be imported or used. For some additives,
utilization criteria ( maximum limits and food items in which they may be used, etc. ) are specified.
Therefore, whether such additives are used within permitted ranges need to be checked.
■ Reference information: MHLW Website: “Food Additives”

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/syokuten/index_00012.html

Checkpoint 3: Whether Pharmaceutical Ingredients are Contained
In the case of health food or supplements, it is necessary to check whether any ingredient falling under
the category of medicine as specified in the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Act is contained in
raw materials. The division between food and medicine is shown in the “ Standards on the Scope ofMedicine” attached to the MHLW's Notice, “ Control of Unapproved Medicine and Unauthorized
Medicine, ” ( Yakuhatsu No. 476 of 1971) .
During import clearance procedures, an importer may be requested to submit a document by which toconfirm the non- applicability of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Act. Therefore, theimporter should consult, in advance, with the pharmaceutical affairs department of the competentprefectural government with jurisdiction over its business office, and prepare a document recording thedetails of what the importer has confirmed ( when and to whom the importer made inquiries, rawmaterials in question and handling thereof, etc. ) .
Use import consultation services and information on monitoring and guidance available atquarantine stations.
The Offices of Imported Food Consultation in quarantine stations provide prior consultations to people intending to importfoods, etc. with regard to import procedures, inspection systems, and standards and criteria for foods, etc. under the Food
Sanitation Act. Reservation is required for an over- the- counter consultation. Check the method for making a reservation inadvance by phone or on the website of the relevant quarantine station. A prior consultation does not substitute a preliminary
survey or ensure import permit.
Webpages of the MHLW and quarantine stations also provide information on monitoring and guidance, such as items
subject to ordered inspection or monitoring inspection and past cases of violations of the Food Sanitation Act.

15

Import of Fruits, Vegetables, Grain,
3 Plant Protection Act ― Beans,
and Spices, etc.
In order to prevent the entry into Japan of pests that may damage useful plants, plants to beimported must be quarantined under the Plant Protection Act.
All imported plants are subject to quarantine, irrespective of transportation modes of cargoes,
personal effects, and articles sent by international mail, etc. , or their quantity or usage such as
for business or for personal consumption.
Under the Plant Protection Act, plants are categorized into three categories: [ i] import- prohibited articles, [ ii] articles exempted from import inspection, and [ iii] articles subject toimport inspection. When any food to be imported is a plant, it is necessary to check, in advance,(a) the category of said plant, (b) whether the importer is exempted from the obligation to
attach a phytosanitary certificate issued by a government organization of the exporting countryand (c) whether it is possible to obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country.
Import-Prohibited Articles (Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Plant Protection Act)
1. Plants that are sent from areas set forth in Appended Table 2 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Plant
Protection Act or those sent by way of such areas and which are provided for in said table
2. Plants that are sent from areas set forth in Appended Table 2- 2 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Plant
Protection Act or those sent by way of such areas and which are provided for in said table ( excluding thosesatisfying the standards set forth in said table)
3. Plants that are provided for in Appended Table 1- 2 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Plant Protection Act( excluding those that were grown in areas set forth in said table)
4. Live pests subject to plant quarantine
5. Soil or plants to which soil is attached
6. Containers or packages of articles listed in 1. to 5. above( Source) Plant Protection Station's website “ Ban on Imports”

As damage by plant pests varies by country and region, import of the same plants may be permitted insome countries and regions but be prohibited in others. Furthermore, even though a producing country
or region is free from plant pests, import of articles that were sent by way of any area sustaining damage
by plant pests may be prohibited due to a possibility that pests may have become attached to the articles
during the transportation process. In order to check whether the plant to be imported falls under the
category of import- prohibited articles, make inquiries to the Plant Protection Station, or use the“ Database for Importing Conditions” available on the Plant Protection Station's website to search
importing conditions by inputting the country or region and the relevant plant.
■ Reference information: Plant Protection Station's website: “Database for Importing Conditions”
https://www.pps.go.jp/eximlist/Pages/exp/conditionE.xhtml

Articles Exempted from Import Inspection (Article 6 of the Imported Plant Quarantine Rules)
・Processed tea ( dried, heated, fermented, or otherwise processed tea) ; dried hop flowers; dried bamboo shoots
・Fermented vanilla beans
・Plants pickled in sulphurous acid, alcohol, acetic acid, sugar, salt, etc.
・Dried apricot, fig, persimmon, Actinidia chinensis, plum, pear, jujube, date, pineapple, banana, papaya,
grape, mango, peach, and longan
・Grained endocarp of Cocos nucifera
・Dried spices sealed in containers for retail sale
( Note) Processed tea refers to green tea, black tea, oolong tea or other tea ( including mate, guava tea, wolfberry tea, Jasmine
tea, Hibiscus tea, ginseng tea, herb tea, and persimmon tea) that has been dried, heated, fermented, or otherwise
processed ( including primary processed tea) .

Out of processed foods made of plants, highly processed articles such as processed tea as well as dried
spices sealed in bottles or cans, which are free from pests subject to plant quarantine, are exemptedfrom import quarantine. Regarding whether articles to be imported are exempted from importinspection, make inquiries to the Plant Protection Station after preparing the food production flow chartor processing flow chart, or other reference materials by which the plant's name and used parts can be
identified.
16

Articles Subject to Import Inspection and ProceduresPlants other than those falling under the categories of import- prohibited articles and articles
exempted from import inspection are all subject to import inspection. Foods subject to plant quarantine
include fruits ( fresh, frozen, and dried) , vegetables ( fresh, frozen, and dried) , grain, beans, green
coffee beans, spices, herbs, rapeseed, sesame, plant materials for Chinese medicine.
Prior to importing such articles, it is necessary to obtain a phytosanitary certificate issued by agovernment organization of the exporting country ( there is an exemption provision; see the column
below) . Without this certificate, no one can import plants from overseas.
In order to receive import inspection, an importer must submit an application for import inspection ofplants and import- prohibited articles to the plant protection station that has jurisdiction over the port
( airport) where the importer intends to import the relevant plant, together with required documents,
such as a phytosanitary certificate issued by a government organization of the exporting country, an
invoice, packing list, and air way bill.
When it is confirmed, as a result of the inspection, that the relevant articles do not fall under the
category of import- prohibited articles and no pests subject to plant quarantine are found, an inspection
certificate will be issued. If any pest is found, the articles are rejected, but even in such cases, if thearticles can be sterilized ( at the expense of the importer) , an inspection certificate may be issued after
the sterilization is completed.

Flow of Import Inspection under the Plant Protection Act
PlantsImport-prohibited
articles・Plants that may beparasitized bypests that havenot existed inJapan but willcause signiﬁcantdamage toagricultural
products once
entering Japan andare diﬃcult to be
detected in importinspection
・Pests themselves
・Soil

Articles other than import-prohibited articles andarticles exempted from import inspection

Articles exempted fromimport inspection

Application for import inspection(with phytosanitary certiﬁcate issued
by the exporting country)

Highly processed
articlesImport inspection

When quarantine
pests are found

Sterilization

Disposale.g.)Processed tea,
Dried mango

When quarantine
pests are not foundInspection
certiﬁcate
Procedures under the
Food Sanitation Act( Source) Prepared by processing the Plant Protection Station's webpage “ Flow of Import Inspection”■ Inquiries: Plant protection station having jurisdiction over the port of importation■ Reference information: Plant Protection StationHs website:IOther Languages MenuJ
https://www.maff.go.jp/pps/j/information/language_top.html

Plants for which the importer is exempted from the obligation to attach a phytosanitarycertificate from the exporting country (Article 5-3 of the Enforcement Regulation)
From August 5, 2020, importers who import plants to which harmful plants or animals subject to quarantine are unlikely toadhere were newly required to only undergo an import inspection and were exempted from the obligation to attach aphytosanitary certificate from the exporting country to a written application for import inspection.
 Dried plants, plants that are dried and compressed, shredded, crushed or smashede. g. : Green coffee beans, spices, medicinal ginseng, dried vegetables, and nuts
 Frozen plants: Plants in a completely frozen state through freezing treatment or in a state at −17. 8°c ( 0°F) or lower intemperature17

4 Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control― Import of Livestock Products
In order to prevent the entry into Japan of domestic animal infectious diseases, the Act on
Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control specifies targets of animal quarantine (designatedquarantine items) and requires import inspection for such livestock animals (including dairy
products) . Designated quarantine items are subject to animal quarantine irrespective of theirquantity or usage such as for business or for personal consumption, or transportation modes ofcargoes, personal effects, and articles sent by mail, etc.
When intending to import foods, it is necessary to check, in advance, [ i] whether any raw
materials derived from designated quarantine items are used, [ ii] whether the producing
country is a country or region from where import of foods is prohibited, [ iii] whether anagreement on Animal Health Requirements has been signed for the relevant foods, and [ iv]
whether it is possible to obtain a health certificate or veterinary certificate from the exporting
country.
Livestock Products Subject to Import Inspection (designated quarantine items: Article 45 of
the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control)

When it is impossible to determine whether import inspection is necessary or not after checking the
raw materials and the processing flow, etc. of a food item to be imported, please make inquiries to theanimal quarantine service.
( 1) Following animals and dead bodies thereof
・Cloven- hoofed animals, such as cattle, buffalo, pig, sheep, goat, deer, boar, and llama, as well as
horse
・Chicken, quail, pheasant, ostrich, guinea fowl, turkey, and Anseriformes birds such as duck and
goose
・Dogs
・Rabbit・Honey bees( Note)( 2) Eggs of chicken, quail, pheasant, ostrich, guinea fowl, turkey, and Anseriformes birds( 3) Bone, meat, fat, blood, skin, coat, feather, horn, hoof, tendon, and organ of the animals
mentioned in ( 1)
( 4) Raw milk, milk, etc. ( milk, skim milk, cream, butter, cheese, condensed milk, powdered milk,
and other products whose major raw material is milk, but excluding those imported as personal
effects ( including unaccompanied goods) ) , semen, fertilized egg, unfertilized egg, feces andurine of the animals mentioned in ( 1)
( 5) Bone meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, blood meal, hide powder, feather powder, hoof andhorn powder, and organ powder of the animals mentioned in ( 1)
( 6) Sausage, ham and bacon made from those mentioned in ( 3)
( Note) Honey is not a designated quarantine item, but comb honey ( products in the form of honeycombs) and products containing
bee larvae or bees are subject to inspection.

Livestock Products for which Import is Prohibited or Suspended
Regarding virulent domestic animal infectious diseases, out of monitored infectious diseases, which
are serious and highly contagious ( rinderpest, foot- and- mouth disease, classical swine fever, African
Swine Fever, and highly- pathogenic avian influenza, at present) , the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious
Diseases Control classifies regions for each type of animal according to the level of infection spread andthe implementation of epidemic prevention measures and specifies those for which import is prohibited( Article 43 of the Regulation for Enforcement of Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control) .
It should be noted that there may be cases in which import is temporarily suspended for some animals
and livestock products whose import is permitted depending on the circumstances of occurrence of otherdiseases.
■ Reference information: Animal Quarantine Serviceʼs website: “Import Prohibition Area”
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/news/im_prohibit.html

18

Import Inspection
Prior to importing livestock products, it is necessary to obtain a health certificate or veterinary
certificate issued by a government organization of the exporting country. Such certificate verifies theresults of the inspection conducted in the exporting country based on the Animal Health Requirements
agreed upon in advance between the relevant country and Japan. Without such certificate, no one canimport livestock products from overseas.
An importer must submit an application for import inspection to the animal quarantine service thathas jurisdiction over the port of importation, without delay after the arrival of the relevant designatedquarantine item in Japan ( in the case of a cargo by ship, by the day preceding the day on which theimporter wishes to have the relevant item inspected, in principle) , together with required documents,
such as a health certificate or veterinary certificate issued by a government organization of the exporting
country, an invoice, packing list, air way bill, and IAW ( inquiries on inward cargo information) , etc.
Submission of a product description ( raw materials, etc. ) and processing flow chart, etc. may also berequested.
Types of designated quarantine items that can be imported are defined for each port and airport.
However, articles sent by mail are inspected by post offices that handle customs procedures and are
excluded from the restriction on place of import.
An animal quarantine service examines submitted documents and inspects the relevant products, andalso conducts a detailed inspection and sterilization as necessary. When it finds that the products haveno risk of spreading pathogens of monitored infectious diseases, it issues an import quarantine
certificate.
( Note) Import inspection of livestock products is conducted based on the Guidelines for Import Inspection of Livestock Products
and other related guidelines ( see the List of Notices on the Animal Quarantine Service's Website) .

Flow of Import Inspection of Livestock Products

Arrival at thedesignated port

Inspection uponleaving thecountry

Importer
Apply for importinspection

Designatedinspection station

Import inspection

Examination of documents

No problem: Passed
Issuance ofimport quarantine
certiﬁcate

Examine certiﬁcates issued by exporting countries for
all livestock products

Inspection of products
Serious infectious
animal diseases
Disease-freecountries andregions↓
Randominspection

Countries andregions where aserious disease
occurred↓

Inspect all
applications

Conduct the following
as necessary

Detailed
inspection

Any problem found:
Rejected
Incineration,
returnSterilization( Source) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries■ Inquiries: Animal quarantine service having jurisdiction over the port of importation
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/contactus.html■ Reference information: Animal Quarantine Service's website: “What is animal quarantine?”
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/index.html
19Quarantine of Dairy Products
In order to build a quarantine system at an international level and deal with contamination risks due todairy products from countries where foot- and- mouth disease has occurred, dairy products were newly
made subject to animal quarantine in November 2017, in addition to raw milk that had already been
subject to animal quarantine. Specific coverage is defined by HS codes ( see p. 29) .
When considering import of dairy products, check the HS code of the relevant product in advance byutilizing the Advance Ruling System or other means to confirm whether the product is subject to animal
quarantine.
Procedures for importing dairy products are basically the same as those for importing processed meatproducts.
When an importer submits an inspection certificate issued by the government organization of theexporting country, and undergoes and passes inspection at an animal quarantine service or a designatedinspection station, an import quarantine certificate is issued.
Dairy Products Subject to Animal Quarantine (HS codes)
0401 ( milk, cream, etc. ) ; 0402 ( milk, cream, etc. ) ; 0403 ( butter milk, etc. ) ;0404 ( whey powder, etc. ) ; 0405 ( butter, etc. ) ; 0406 ( cheese, etc. )3502. 20, 3502. 90 ( milk albumin, etc. , products made of raw milk or dairy products)
2309. 10, 2309. 90 ( feed and pet food, etc. made of raw milk or dairy products)
Dairy Products Exempted from Animal Quarantine
・Ice cream, modified milk powder for babies, LL milk, fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria beverage,
unsweetened condensed milk, unsweetened condensed skim milk, butter oil, and processed cheese
・Products made of dairy products whose HS codes as final products are not included in the coverage ofanimal quarantine
e. g. , a frozen pizza topped with natural cheese ( HS code: 0406) ( HS code of the final product: 1905)
・Canned products, bottled products, and retort products ( products that are heat sterilized after being
packed and can be stored at room temperature for a long period)
・Dried pet food, etc.
・Personal effects ( including unaccompanied goods)＊ However, for those to be sold or used for business, those weighing over 10kg, and those for feed,
it is preferable to obtain an inspection certificate.
・Dairy products weighing 10kg or less that are for personal consumption and are not to be sold or used
for business ( excluding those for feed)＊ Those in small quantity for personal consumption that are imported mainly by international courier
service or mail
■ Inquiries: Animal quarantine service having jurisdiction over the port of importation
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/contactus.html■ Reference information: Animal Quarantine Serviceʼs website“Animal quarantine inspection for dairy products”
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/topix/dairy_products_en.html

20

5 Act on the Protection of Fishery Resources
In order to prevent intrusion of diseases of aquatic animals from overseas, which may cause
serious damage to the aquaculture industry in Japan, import approval of the Minister ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is required for the import of aquatic animals specified by the
Act on Protection of Fishery Resources. An importer must confirm that the relevant aquatic
animal is one for which an agreement on Animal Health Requirements has been signed with theexporting country, and submit an application for import approval together with an inspection
certificate issued by a government organization of the exporting country to an animal quarantine
service by five days prior to the aquatic animal's arrival in Japan. When no abnormality is foundthrough a document inspection and physical inspection, a certificate of import approval isissued.
Aquatic Animals Subject to Import Inspection (Article 1-1 of the Regulation for Enforcement of

the Act on Protection of Fishery Resources)
Fish

Salmonidae (all species); Cyprinidae (Cyprinus calpio, Carassuis (all species) ,Hypophthalmichthys nobilis/ Aristichthys nobilis, H. molitrix, Mylopharyngodon piceus,
Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Cichlidae (Oreochromis niloticus); Sparidae (Pagrus major)

Crustacea

Penaeidae (all species); Sergestidae (Acetes (all species)); Palaemonidae (all species)

Shellfish

Haliotidae (Hariotis diversicolor aquatilis/ supertexta, H. diversicolor diversicolor, H. discus
hannai, H. discus discus, H. madaka, H. gigantea)
Ostreidae (Crassostrea (all species)); Pectinidae (Mizuhopecten yessoensis)
Pyuridae (Halocynthia roretzi)

Aquatic Animals Subject to Import Inspection by Usage (Article 1-2 of the Regulation for

Enforcement of the Act on Protection of Fishery Resources)

Out of the aquatic animals above, those falling under ( i) or ( ii) below are subject to importinspection.
( i) Living aquatic animals ( regarding living aquatic animals for human consumption, limited to thosestored in waters for public use or at facilities draining water directly into waters for public use)( ii) Non- living aquatic animals ( including processed ones and limited to those to be used for cultivation( excluding fish meal and fish oil) )For purposes other than for humanconsumption (for cultivation or forornamental purposes, etc.)

LivingFor human
consumption

Aquatic
animals(all growthstages)For
cultivation
Non-living

Subject to ection
import insp

Those stored (i) in waters for
public use or (ii) at facilities
draining water directly into
waters for public use(*1)

Subject to ection
import insp

Other than the above (those
immediately sold at shops, etc. andconsumed)
Feed, etc. other than ﬁshmeal and ﬁsh oil(*2)

Subject to ection
import insp

Fish meal and ﬁsh oil

For purposes other than for cultivation(for human consumption, etc. (thoserefrigerated, frozen, or dried))( Note) In the case where living aquatic animals for human consumption ( abalone, oysters, prawns, etc. , in particular) arestored for a certain period of time after import until the time of shipment, if the water used at the relevant storage facility isdischarged into sewers or is drained after sufficient sterilization, those aquatic animals are exempted from importinspection and it is unnecessary to apply for import approval therefor. Therefore, an importer needs to inquire at the Fishand Fishery Products Safety Office in advance.
( Source) Animal Quarantine Service “ Notice for Importers of Aquatic Animals”■ Inquiries:
For *1 and *2 above, whether import approval is required or not
Fish and Fishery Products Safety Office, Animal Products Safety Division, Food Safety andConsumer Affairs Bureau, MAFF: TEL: +81-3-6744-2105
Procedures for applying for import approval
Animal quarantine service having jurisdiction over the port of importation■ Reference information: Animal Quarantine Serviceʼs website: “Entry into Japan-Aquatic Animals”
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/im_aquatic_animal.html

21

6 Import and Labeling of Liquor
In order to import liquor (alcoholic beverage with an alcoholic content of one percent or
higher) for the purpose of marketing, it is necessary to obtain a license to sell liquor in advance.
When undergoing import clearance procedures, an importer needs to file an import notification
under the Food Sanitation Act.
A license to sell liquor is not required when a person running an eating and drinking
establishment imports liquor only for the purpose of serving it at his/her bar or restaurant, etc.
and does not sell unopened cans or bottles of liquor to customers or other shops. However, as
such import falls under the category of import for the purpose of business, an import notification
under the Food Sanitation Act is required.
( Note) In the case where it is clear that the purpose of importing liquor is just for personal consumption due to a fact such as thatthe total amount is 10kg or less, neither a license to sell liquor nor an import notification is required.

License to Sell Liquor under the Liquor Tax Act
The license to sell liquor varies by category depending on whether it is for retail services or wholesale
services, the scope of types of liquor the person deals with ( all types, beer, foreign liquor, or liquor forexport and import, etc. ) , and sales method ( at stores or online) . Requirements also differ by category( personnel requirements, locational requirements, business base requirements, and supply anddemand adjustment requirements) .
Prior to applying for a license, the applicant should make it clear to whom he/she intends to sell whattypes of liquor in what amount and in what manner, and should consult with a chief examiner of theliquor tax and industry division of a tax office.
For example, a person who intends to import liquor and sell it to liquor distributors must obtain alicense to wholesale imported liquor, and a person who intends to retail all kinds of liquor, in principle,
to consumers or persons in the entertainment business dealing with liquor, such as those running eating
and drinking establishments, must obtain a general license to retail liquor. When selling imported
liquor to consumers living in a wide area covering two or more prefectures via the Internet or by sending
catalogues, etc. , a license to retail liquor by mail is required.
Payment of Liquor Tax
Under the Liquor Tax Act, a person who receives imported liquor from a bonded area is considered to
be a taxpayer. The importer must pay liquor tax together with duties and consumption taxes upon filingan application for import clearance.
■ Reference information: Japan Customsʼ Website:“Customs Answer No.3105”
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/kojin/3105_e.htm

Notification of Labeling Method for Liquor
By the time of receiving imported liquor from a bonded area, an importer must affix a label thatindicates the matters specified by laws and regulations in accordance with the item category on aconspicuous part of each of the containers in an easily distinguishable manner ( Article 86- 5 of the Act on
Securing of Liquor Tax and on Liquor Business Associations) .
Regarding a labeling method, the importer must prepare two copies of written notification of thelabeling method and submit one of them to customs having jurisdiction over the relevant bonded area,
together with a copy of his/her license to sell liquor, thereby obtaining confirmation on the method from
customs. After obtaining the confirmation, the importer must affix labels to liquor containers by thetime of transporting them out of the bonded area.
Labeling of liquor must contain the matters specified by the Food Labeling Standards based on the Act
on Securing of Liquor Tax and on Liquor Business Associations and the Food Labeling Act. Required
matters common to the both laws may be indicated once, but other matters need to be indicated basedon the relevant law, respectively. See the National Tax Agency's “ Q&A on Labeling of Liquor under the
Food Labeling Act” for the details of the changes( Note) Under the Food Labeling Act, liquor packed in containers to be sold to consumers falls under the category of processedfood for general consumers.

22

Example of LabelingLabeling of Wine

Labeling of Whiskey

果実酒

品

750ml

原 材 料 名モルト、グレーン

アルコール分添加物

13度
酸化防止剤(亜硫酸塩)

原産国名

フランス

アルコール分内容量
原 産 地 名

43度
750ml
スコットランド

輸○○株式会社品目
内容量

輸入者及び引取先 株式会社○○

目

入

者

東京都港区○○町3-1-3
20歳未満の者の飲酒は法律で禁止されています

ウイスキー

東京都新宿区○○町○―○
引取先

横浜市中区○○町○―○

飲酒は、20歳になってから。
■ Inquiries: Customs having jurisdiction over the place to receive imported liquor

Tax rates are to be revised in stages.

Through the FY2017 Tax Reform, the structure of tax rates for liquors was
significantly revised from the perspective of restoring tax burden fairness between
different types of liquors. Tax rate revision is to be enforced on October 1, 2020, but asufficient transitional period up to October 1, 2026, is set and the revision is to be
implemented in stages. For example, the basic tax rate for fermented liquors is
uniformly set at 100,000 yen/kl with the aim of eliminating the tax rate difference
between wine and refined sake. Therefore, the tax rate for wine is to be raised instages.
Oct. 1, 2020

Oct. 1, 2023

200,000円/㎘

181,000円/㎘

Low-malt beer (maltrate: 25% or more but
less than 50%)

167,125円/㎘

155,000円/㎘

Low-malt beer (maltrate: less than 25%)

134,250円/㎘

Other beer-like liquors(new genre)

108,000円/㎘

Other beer-like liquors(other than new genre)

80,000円/㎘

Beer-like liquors

Oct. 1, 2026

155,000円/㎘
134,250円/㎘

Fermented liquors

120,000円/㎘

Refined sake

110,000円/㎘

Wine90,000円/㎘

80,000円/㎘

100,000円/㎘

100,000円/㎘

100,000円/㎘

Mixed liquors (alcohol
content: less than 21%)200,000円/㎘

200,000円/㎘

200,000円/㎘

Distilled liquors with a low
alcohol content

80,000円/㎘

80,000円/㎘

100,000円/㎘(Source) Ministry of Financeʼs Website, “FY2017 Tax Reform (Main Points) - Liquor Tax Reform”

23

7 Import of Rice and Wheat, Salt, Sugar and Starch, Dairy Products,
Fisheries Products, and Articles Covered by the CITES

Import and sale of rice and wheat, salt, sugar and starch, and some dairy products are
regulated by respective laws and regulations for such purposes as securing their stable supply to
the general public, stabilizing their prices, and ensuring stable management of domestic
producers, and prescribed procedures need to be followed.
When intending to import fisheries products designated for the government's import controls
under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act or articles covered by the CITES (Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), it is necessary to takeprocedures to obtain import permits or approval, etc.
In order to ensure proper import and export and domestic distribution regarding illegally
captured or gathered aquatic animals and plants, prescribed procedures for importing andselling designated aquatic animals and plants need to be followed.

1 Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for Staple Food
Major Items（Article 1 of the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for Staple Food）
Rice, wheat, ( wheat, barley, and naked barley) , maslin, and triticale
・Rice flour, wheat flour, barley flour, and naked barley flour
・Ground rice, wheat, barley, and naked barley groats and meal thereof
・Wheat starch・Rice cake, dumplings, and other similar prepared foodstuffs made of rice ( excluding those for baby food or
dietary cures, or those with a rice content of 30% or less of the total weight)
・Grained rice already heated or otherwise cooked ( excluding those with a rice content of 30% or less of the total
weight)・Other processed or prepared foodstuffs made of rice, wheat, barley, naked barley, maslin, or triticale that aredesignated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Import Levy on Rice and Wheat, etc.
When importing rice, etc. for commercial use, an importer is obliged to pay an import levy under the
Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for Staple Food.
A person who intends to import rice for marketing must fill in an import levy payment form andsubmit it to the relevant regional agricultural administration office, together with documents by which
the item name and quantity can be confirmed ( such as an invoice, B/L, packing list, or written
contract) . When no deficiency is found as a result of an examination, [ i] a payment notice is issued and[ ii] a copy of the import levy payment form is returned. The person must bring the payment notice [ i]to a financial institution and pay the import levy on rice, etc. ( 292 yen/kg) , and upon undergoing
import clearance procedures, he/she must submit the receipt of the import levy and the copy of theimport levy payment form [ ii] to customs and pay duties ( temporary duty rate: 49 yen/kg) andconsumption taxes.
When importing wheat, etc. for commercial use, an importer is also obliged to pay an import levy
under the Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for Staple Food.
( Note) Since April 2016, procedures can be undertaken through electronic applications.

Report of the Import Quantity of Rice
When importing rice, it is necessary to report the import quantity to the relevant regional agriculturaladministration office in advance.
Import of Processed or Prepared Products Made of Rice or Wheat
When importing any products subject to an import levy, it is required to pay a levy and duties as in thecase of importing rice. Regarding whether products to be imported are subject to an import levy, makeinquiries to customs where the importer intends to make an import declaration after preparing referencematerials that show the blending ratio of rice and wheat, etc.
24

2 Salt Industry Act
The Salt Industry Act defines salt as solids with a sodium chloride content of 40% or more. A person
who imports and sells salt needs to be registered as a specified wholesaler of salt by the director- generalof customs. When importing and selling only salt that has a special usage and property and which is
specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Finance ( Article 4 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Salt
Industry Act) , an importer needs to file a notification as a specified wholesaler of special- use Salt to thedirector- general of customs.
Regarding whether products to be imported fall under the category of salt, for which registration isrequired, or the category of salt for special purposes, for which a notification is required, or whether
they are not covered by the Salt Industry Act, make inquiries to the customs where the importer intends
to make an import declaration after preparing reference materials on the production method,
ingredients, usage, and samples, etc.
■ Inquiries: General examination officers or special examination officers of administrative affairs
departments of respective customs

3 Act on Price Adjustment of Sugar and Starch
Regarding sugar and starch, a price adjustment system has been introduced, under which subsidies
mainly financed by funds collected from cheap imported goods are granted to producers and processorsof domestic products to compensate the amount of difference between their sales price and processing
and production costs.
As the TPP Agreement came into force on December 30, 2018, imported sweetened preparations( cocoa preparations, coffee preparations, etc. with a sugar content of 50% or more) were newly
included in the coverage of the price adjustment system.
When importing sugar, starch, and sweetened preparations, a person making an import declarationmust conclude a transaction agreement in writing with the Agriculture & Livestock Industries
Corporation in advance and is obliged to pay the amount of difference in sales and purchases asadjustment funds to the Corporation.
Regarding whether products to be imported are subject to transactions, make inquiries to the customs
where the importer intends to make an import declaration after preparing reference materials on the
production method, ingredient ratios, property, usage, and samples, etc. When the importer seeks
responses that will be respected in an examination of import declaration, it is recommendable to utilize
the Advance Ruling System ( see p. 29) .

4 Act on Stabilization of Livestock Farming
Designated dairy products, etc. specified by said Act ( butter, powdered skim milk, whey andmodified whey, dairy spread, butter oil, etc. ) are imported by the national government through state
trading, and also by general importers who pay the amount of money equivalent to duties as specified
for persons out of the state trading framework. Prior to making an import declaration, a generalimporter must [ i] register him/herself with the Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation, [ ii]submit an application for selling and buy- back, and [ iii] provide a deposit equivalent to the amountlegally specified, thereby obtaining the issuance of a written consent for purchasing and sell- back.
Regarding whether products to be imported fall under the category of designated dairy products,
etc. , make inquiries to the customs where the importer intends to make an import declaration after
preparing reference materials on production method, ingredient ratios, property, usage, and samples,etc. When the importer seeks responses that will be respected in an examination of import declaration,
it is recommendable to utilize the Advance Ruling System ( see p. 29) .

25

5 Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act
The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act aims to enable the proper development of foreigntransactions and the maintenance of peace and security in Japan and in the international community
through the minimum necessary control or coordination of foreign transactions. Concrete control
methods are specified in the Import Trade Control Order and the Public Announcement on Import, etc.
When importing specified goods or goods whose place of origin or place of shipment is any of thespecified countries or regions, the permission and approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade andIndustry needs to be obtained. There are five systems as follows to enhance the effectiveness of theregulatory purposes.
SystemOutlineMajor targets

System to allocate import quotas to importers, etc.
based on the quantity or value of the goods to beimported based on domestic demand, etc. [quantitative restrictions]

Herring, cod, yellowtail, and otherfish caught in adjacent waters; scallop; squid; edible seaweed; and prepared foodstuffs made of seaweed,etc.

System to require approval for import from a
specified place of origin or place of shipment
Approval under[restrictions on specific regions]
item (ii)

Salmon and trout whose place oforigin or place of shipment is China,
North Korea, or Taiwan, and prepared foodstuffs made thereof, etc.

Import quota

System to require approval for import of specified Fauna and flora listed in Appendix I ofApproval undergoods irrespective of their place of origin or place of the CITES and derivatives thereof
item (ii)-2
shipment [restrictions on all regions]
System under which an importer who has obtained
Prior confirma- prior confirmation by the Minister of Economy, Tradeand Industry, etc. is permitted to import specified
tion
goods without approval

Frozen tuna, Antarctic toothfish, andfrozen crab; fauna and flora listed inAppendices II and III of the CITES andderivatives thereof, etc.

System under which an importer who submits
Confirmation
documents specified upon undergoing import clearupon customs
ance procedures to customs is permitted to import
clearance
specified goods without approval

Fresh or chilled tuna and crab: faunaand flora listed in Appendices II and IIIof the CITES and derivatives thereof,etc.

■ Inquiries: Agricultural and Marine Products Office, Trade Control Department,
Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, METI: Tel: +81-3-3501-0532■ Reference information: METI website: “Trade Control”
https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/external_economy/trade_control/index.html

CITES and Import Restrictions
The CITES classifies endangered species of wild fauna and flora into three categories ( Appendices I, II, and III) dependingon the necessity of their protection and restricts their international trade. When importing anything regulated by the CITES,
an importer needs to obtain an export permit issued by a government organization of the exporting country as specified in theConvention and a certificate of import approval or a certificate of prior- confirmation issued by the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry. Upon making an import declaration, the importer must submit such documents to customs to seek
confirmation therefrom.
Required procedures vary by classification of Appendices and place of origin or place of shipment of the relevant fauna andflora.
 Those listed in Appendix I ( trade for commercial purposes is prohibited in principle)⇒ For artificially propagated ones, application for import approval to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
 Those that are listed in Appendices II and III and are designated in 7, (2) , (3) or(4) of Public Announcement on Import III⇒ Application for prior confirmation to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
 Those that are listed in Appendices II and III and are designated in 8, ( 3) or ( 4) of Public Announcement on Import III⇒ Confirmation upon customs clearance ( An application under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act is not
required. An importer must submit a CITES export permit to the customs upon making an import declaration. )It should be noted that if a person imports goods regulated by the CITES without obtaining an export permit or a certificate
of import approval, the import is rejected at customs in Japan. Import is often rejected for such foods or Chinese medicine as
crocodiles, caviar, musk, Saussureae costus, and American ginseng, etc.
■ Inquiries: Licensing Group, Office of Trade Licensing for Wild Animal and Plants, Trade Control Department, Trade andEconomic Cooperation Bureau, METI: Tel: +81-3-3501-1723

26

ઈ

Act on Proper Domestic Distribution of Aquatic Animals and Plants
In order to prevent the mixing of illegally captured or gathered aquatic animals and plants in the
distribution process and the inflow of aquatic animals and plants captured or gathered through illegal,
unreported and unregulated ( IUU) fishing, the Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution andImportation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants was promulgated and was enforced in December 2022.
Coverage and Obligations under the Proper Domestic Distribution System for Aquatic
Animals and Plants
Class I aquatic animals and plants are defined as aquatic animals and plants that are recognized to beunder significant risk of illegal and excessive capture or gathering in Japan and are recognized to beparticularly in need for conservation and management, and class II aquatic animals and plants aredefined as aquatic animals and plants that are recognized to be in need for measures to regulate theimport thereof by reasons that they are recognized to be under significant risk of illegal capture orgathering by foreign fishing vessels. Regulations are imposed on these aquatic animals and plants bydesignating their species.
Fish species

Obligations

Abalone and sea cu- The following obligations are imposed on capturers or gatherers andcumber (including business operators engaging in import, processing and wholesale,
theirprocessed etc. of class I aquatic animals and plants.
products)(i) Notification to administrative organs(Electronic filing using eMAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry(Note) The Act will
and Fisheries' filing services))
Class I aquatic
become applicable(ii) Communication of a catch number or a lot number upon aanimals andto glass eels fromtransaction
plants
December 2025.
・In the case of imported or cultured aquatic animals and plants,
communication of that fact・A commercial exporter must attach a legal harvest certificate
upon export.
(iii) Preparation and preservation of transaction records (for three
years)
Squid and cuttle- ・A catch certificate issued by a government organization of thefish, Pacific saury,
relevant foreign state (flag state) must be attached upon import.
Class II aquaticmackerel and sar- ・When an aquatic animal or plant processed in a third state otheranimals anddine (including theirthan the flag state is imported, a processing statement issued byplantsprocessed proda government organization of the third state (place of processing)ucts）
must also be attached upon import.

Outline of the System( Source) Japan Fisheries Agency White Paper “ FY2021 Trends in Fisheries, FY2022 Fisheries Policy”■Reference information: Fisheries Agency Website: “Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic
Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants”:
https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/220614.html
27

8 Customs Clearance Procedures
When importing cargoes from abroad that arrived in Japan, the importer must make an import(tax) declaration to the director- general of the customs that has the jurisdiction over the bonded
area where the relevant cargoes are stored, in principle. The customs that received the importdeclaration examines documents and inspects cargoes as necessary, confirms the payment of
duties, etc. , and permits the import of the cargoes. This series of procedures is called customs
clearance. Only after going through customs clearance procedures, cargoes are permitted to be
distributed in Japan.
Required customs clearance procedures differ by import method (general cargoes, articles
sent by international mail, or international courier service) or when hand baggage is used uponentry. In any case, an importer is not permitted to import items that require permission orapproval under other relevant laws and ordinances, unless he/she gets confirmation from thecustoms by proving that he/she has obtained the required permission or approval.
( Note) A bonded area refers to a place where cargoes from abroad may be stored temporarily without paying duties andconsumption taxes.

Examination and Confirmation under Other Relevant Laws and Ordinances
Other relevant laws and ordinances are those set forth in Article 70 of the Customs Act, meaning laws
and ordinances other than those relating to customs duties that provide for permission and approval,
etc. for the import and export of goods. The Food Sanitation Act, Plant Protection Act, Act on Domestic
Animal Infectious Diseases Control, and Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, etc. are included inother relevant laws and ordinances. An importer presents such documents as a certificate of importnotification, inspection certificate, or certificate of approval in customs clearance procedures andundergoes examinations as to whether conditions under other relevant laws and regulations are
satisfied.
Tax Declaration and Payment of Duties
Taxes, such as duties and consumption taxes ( or liquor tax in the case of liquor) , are imposed on
imported goods. It should be noted that even in the case of duty- free goods, consumption taxes, etc.
are imposed.
When importing a general cargo, an article sent by international mail for which the taxation amountexceeds 200, 000 yen, or hand baggage for which the total of taxation amounts exceeds 300, 000 yen, theimporter needs to submit a written import ( tax) declaration by entering therein the information relating
to the payment of duties, such as item names and quantities ( determination of customs duties under the
self- assessment system) . An import declaration is to be made by a person who intends to import a
cargo, but such person may ask a customs broker to undertake procedures by proxy. In the case ofinternational courier service, a courier makes an import declaration by proxy.
On the other hand, in the case of an import declaration for personal effects/unaccompanied goods
upon entering Japan and in the case of articles sent by international mail for which the taxation amount
does not exceed 200, 000 yen, the amount calculated by the customs should be paid as duties( determination of customs duties under the official assessment system) .
■ Inquiries Concerning Customs Procedures (Contact Points for Major Customs Counselors)

Hakodate Customs

TEL:＋81-138-40-4261

hkd-gyomu-sodan@customs.go.jp

Tokyo Customs

TEL:＋81-3-3529-0700

tyo-gyomu-sodankan@customs.go.jp

Yokohama Customs

TEL:＋81-45-212-6000

yok-sodan@customs.go.jp

Nagoya Customs

TEL:＋81-52-654-4100

nagoya-gyomu-sodankan@customs.go.jp

Osaka Customs

TEL:＋81-6-6576-3001

osaka-sodan@customs.go.jp

Kobe Customs

TEL:＋81-78-333-3100

kobe-sodan@customs.go.jp

Moji Customs

TEL:＋81-50-3530-8372

moji-sodankan@customs.go.jp

Nagasaki Customs

TEL:＋81-95-828-8619

nagasaki-sodan@customs.go.jp

Okinawa Regional Customs

TEL:＋81-98-863-0099

oki-9a-sodan@customs.go.jp■ Reference information: Japan Customsʼ website: https://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm
28

9 Customs System
When importing goods, the following taxes are basically imposed:
・Duty: Customs value (CIF price + Miscellaneous additions( Note) ) × Duty rate
・Consumption tax: (Taxable price + Duty) × Consumption tax rate
( Note) ・Customs value: Value that serves as the standard when calculating duty amounts
・Miscellaneous additions: Expenses relating to transport to the port of importation, license fees, expenses formembers offered for free, etc.

Duty Rates
Duty rates are determined for each item categorized under the Customs Tariff Act. There are various
duty rates depending on item category and country of origin, such as the general duty rates, temporary
duty rates ( duty rates determined by amending the general duty rates depending on domestic andoverseas economic conditions) , preferential duty rates ( duty rates applied to goods imported fromdeveloping countries) , WTO duty rates ( duty rates determined by the WTO) , and EPA duty rates ( duty
rates determined among EPA member countries) , and the lowest duty rate applicable to the relevant
exporting country is applied basically. However, in order to receive the application of preferential duty
rates or EPA duty rates, the rules of origin must be satisfied.
Japan’ s Tariff Schedule is available on the Japan Customs’ website ( https: //www. customs. go. jp/
english/tariff/index. htm) . If it is difficult to find applicable duty rates, the Advance Ruling System may
be utilized to make an inquiry about duty classification.
Additionally, simplified duty rates are also established for goods brought in with people entering
Japan, as well as general cargoes ( including international courier services) and international mails, forwhich the total customs value is 200, 000 yen or less, for easy calculation of duty amounts.
Duty Classification (HS Classification)
Japan’ s Tariff Schedule is a list aiming to systematically classify all commodities based on theinternational “ HS Convention.” Nine- digit codes, adding Japan’ s original three- digit codes to theglobally harmonized six- digit codes ( HS codes) , are set for all commodities. Identifying applicable
codes for imported products in the Tariff Schedule is referred to as duty classification or HSclassification.
Example of Classification of an Item ( black tea directly packed whose net weight is 3kg or less ( 0902. 30- 010) )Sub-heading

Duty subdivision /Statistics subdivision

0902

0902.30

0902.30-010

TeaBlack tea and partially fermented tea(limited to such tea directly packed whose
net weight is 3kg or less)Black tea

Chapter

Heading09
Coffee, tea, mate tea, andspicesAdvance Ruling System
The Advance Ruling System is a system under which a person can make an inquiry about the duty
classification ( duty code) , duty rate, certification of origin, customs valuation, etc. of goods prior toimportation and receive a response from customs. Under this system, inquiries are to be made inwriting and responses are to be given in writing, in principle.
When a person makes an inquiry in writing, a written response ( valid for three years) is issued. If theperson attaches the written response upon making an import declaration, its content is to be respectedin customs examinations. Inquiries may also be made orally ( by phone or at customs counters) or byemail, but the content of oral responses is merely treated as reference information and is not respected
in examinations of import declarations.
■ Inquiries: Customs counselors and customs appraiser departments, etc. of respective customs■ Reference information: Japan Customs' website: “Advance Ruling System”
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/advance/index.htm

29Three Conditions for Applying Preferential Duty Rates (GSP Duty Rates and EPA Duty Rates)
Preferential duty rates are lower rates only applicable to products from specific countries or regions.
There are GSP duty rates and EPA duty rates.
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) duty rates: Applied to developing countries and regions( Note) Products of least developed countries ( LDC) are almost duty- free ( special preferential tariff system) .

EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) duty rates: Applied to EPA partner countries
For applying preferential duty rates ( GSP duty rates or EPA duty rates) , the following three conditions
must all be satisfied.
( i) Preferential duty rates ( GSP duty rates, EPA duty rates, or special preferential duty rates) havebeen set for goods to be imported.
( ii) Produced goods are acknowledged as those that originated from the exporting country or region( =satisfaction of the rules of origin criteria) .
( iii) An importer proves and reports to customs that the relevant goods satisfy both the rules of origin
criteria and the consignment conditions ( =procedures for proving the place of origin)( Note) The rules of origin criteria, which provide for the criteria for acknowledging goods as those that originated from relevant
exporting countries or regions; the consignment conditions, which provide for the conditions that must be satisfied fortransporting goods to Japan; and the procedures for proving the place of origin, which provide for procedures for
applying for preferential duty rates, are collectively referred to as the "rules of origin. "Three Types of Procedures for Proving the Place of Origin
In order to receive the application of preferential duty rates, an importer needs to prove that therelevant goods originated from the exporting country or region. An importer should confirm the detailsof the procedures adopted for the preferential duty rates to be applied, in advance, and prepare therequired documents. However, when the total customs value is 200, 000 yen or less, and when the
goods are found to evidently originate from the relevant country or region, preferential duty rates can beapplied through simple procedures ( presentation of an invoice, purchase price receipt, etc. ) .
Third-party
certification
systemAn importer submits a certificate of origin, which
was issued at the request of an exporter by acertificate issuing authority such as a chamber ofcommerce, to customs of the importing country.

・Generalized System of Preferences
・Following EPAs
Japan-Singapore, Japan-Mexico,
Japan-Malaysia, Japan-Chili, Japan-Thailand,
Japan-Indonesia, Japan-Brunei, Japan-ASEAN,
Japan-Philippines, Japan-Switzerland,
Japan-Vietnam, Japan-India, Japan-Peru,
Japan-Mongolia, Japan-Australia, RCEP

Self-certification
systemAn importer, exporter, or producer prepares astatement on origin, and an importer submits it tocustoms of the importing country. When making
an import declaration, it is necessary to submit
documents to prove that the goods originatedfrom the exporting country or region (a detailed
statement, written contract, price list, foodproduction flow chart, etc.).

TPP 11,
Japan-EU EPA,
Japan-US Trade Agreement.
Japan-UK EPA,
Japan-Australia EPA,RCEPApproved
exporterself-certification
systemAn importer submits a declaration of origin, which
was prepared by an exporter approved by thegovernment of the exporting country, to customsof the importing country.

Japan-Switzerland EPA,
Japan-Peru EPA,
Japan-Mexico EPA,
RCEP

■ Inquiries: Place of origin examiners of respective customs■ Reference information: Japan Customsʼ website: “Rules of Origin”
https://www.customs.go.jp/roo/english/index.htm

Utilize the Advance Ruling System in writing for certification of origin.

The Advance Ruling System, under which an importer can make an inquiry and receive a
response in writing from customs, is useful for confirming in advance whether GSP duty rates or
EPA duty rates may be applicable for goods to be imported.
<Advantage of the Advance Ruling System in writing>・Responses in writing from customs are respected in customs examinations for three years.
・Handling of places of origin and applicability of preferential duty rates can be confirmed inadvance, which is helpful for cost calculation, etc.
・Certification of origin is conducted smoothly in customs examinations and goods can be
accepted earlier.

30

Tariff Quota System
The Tariff Quota System is a system to ensure the supply of imported goods to demanders at low prices
by applying lower duty rates ( primary duty rates) to imports of specific items up to a certain quantity,
while applying relatively high duty rates ( secondary duty rates) to imports exceeding said certain
quantity. Targeted items have been added or deleted depending on changes in circumstances
surrounding domestic industries. The following are covered under this system in FY2022.
Items Covered by the Tariff Quota System (only foods)( as of April 1, 2022)

Corn ( as raw materials for corn starch, etc. ) ; Natural cheese ( as raw materials for processedcheese) ; Malt; Sugar- free cocoa preparations ( for producing chocolate) ; Tomato puree and paste( for producing tomato ketchup and sauce) ; Canned pineapple; other dairy products; Powdered skim
milk; Sugar- free condensed milk; Whey, etc. ; Butter and butter oil; Miscellaneous beans; Starch,
inulin, and starch preparations; Peanuts; Konnyaku imo; Prepared edible fat
An importer who seeks the application of a primary duty rate must prepare application documents inaccordance with the Tariff Quota Notice, which is publicized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries in April every year, and submit them to the responsible department to obtain a tariff quota
certificate. The importer must submit this certificate to customs upon making an import declaration.
Apart from this general framework, there is another tariff quota system under EPAs which covers 12
countries and two regions in FY2022. Covered items and procedures are available on the MAFF website.
Countries Covered by the Tariff Quota System under EPAs

( 1) Mexico ( 2) Malaysia ( 3) Chile ( 4) Thailand ( 5) Indonesia ( 6) the Philippines ( 7) Switzerland( 8) Vietnam ( 9) Peru ( 10) Australia ( 11) Mongolia ( 12) CPTPP ( 13) the EU ( 14) U. S. A
■ Inquiries: International Economic Affairs Division, Export and International Affairs Bureau,
MAFF: TEL:＋81-3-6744-7165

Import of goods with a label falsifying the place of origin or misleading consumers is not
permitted.

The term “ place of origin” generally refers to a country or region where the relevant cargo was
actually produced or processed. When any label falsifying the place of origin or misleading
consumers is affixed directly to an imported cargo or indirectly to a container or packaging of animported cargo, regulations under Article 71 of the Customs Act are applied and the import is not
permitted by customs. In such cases, the import is permitted if any of the measures including thedeletion or correction of the false or misleading labeling or reshipment are taken.
For ensuring smooth customs clearance procedures, pay attention to proper labeling of the placeof origin in advance.

31

10 Labeling of Food
Labeling provides significant information to enable consumers to understand the details whenselecting and purchasing food items and helps them learn preservation methods and usage
thereof. In the event of an accident, it can also be an aid in ensuring prompt and proper
administrative action such as seeking accountability or recalling relevant items.
Labeling under the Food Labeling Act is required for all food items to be sold to consumers, etc.
Additionally, there are the Measurement Act, which provides for proper measurement andlabeling, the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, which
prohibits misrepresentations concerning quality and other matters, the Health Promotion Act,
which prohibits false or deceptive advertising concerning the effects of promoting andmaintaining good health, the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals,
Medical Devices, Regenerative and Cellular Therapy Products, Gene Therapy Products, andCosmetics, which regulates pharmaceuticals to prevent confusion with food, the Act on Record ofTransaction Information and Dissemination of Origin Information of Rice, which aims to secure
proper and smooth distribution of rice, and the JAS Act, which regulates standards and labelingof organic food.

1 Food Labeling Act“ Food” covered by the Food Labeling Act include all kinds of food and drinks ( including additives)
excluding pharmaceuticals and quasi- pharmaceutical products, etc. Liquor specified by the Liquor Tax
Act is also included.
Concrete labeling rules are specified in the Food Labeling Standards and any food that is not labeled inaccordance with said standards may not be marketed.
The Food Labeling Standards categorizes food items into three, i. e. , processed foods, perishable
foods, and additives, and provides for overall mandatory labeling, voluntary labeling, labelingmethods, prohibited matters in labeling, with regard to business operators dealing with food for general
consumers, business operators dealing with food for business use, and distributors other than thoseengaged in food- related business, for each of the three food categories.
■ Reference information: Consumer Affairs Agencyʼs website:IFood LabelingJ
https://www.caa.go.jp/en/policy/food_labeling/32

List of Provisions of the Food Labeling Standards
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1

Scope of application (restaurants, etc. (excluding some) are not covered)

Article 2

Definition of terms

Chapter II Processed Foods

For general consumers

Article 3

Paragraph (1) Labeling common to all types of food (item name, names of raw materials, preservation
methods, etc.)
Paragraph (2) Labeling common to certain types of food (allergen, genetic modification, etc.)
Paragraph (3) Omission of labeling (exceptions of paragraphs (1) and (2))

Article 4

Individual mandatory labeling (individual standards under the former JAS Act; jam, and dairy products, etc.)

Article 5Special provisions on mandatory labeling (special provisions concerning liquor, those concerning local sellingand gratuitous conveyance)

Article 6

Recommended labeling (saturated fatty acid, food fiber)

Article 7

oluntary labeling (labeling emphasizing characteristic raw materials and nutrition, etc.)

Article 8Labeling methods, etc. (formats, font sizes, etc.)

Article 9

Prohibited matters in labeling (overall prohibited matters, prohibited matters for individual food items)
Mandatory labeling

For business use

Persons engaged in food-related businessOverall mandatory labeling

Article 10

Paragraphs (1) and (2) Overall mandatory labeling and individual mandatory labeling
Paragraph (3) Exceptions for labeling methods
Paragraph (4) Omission of labelingprovisions on mandatory labeling (special provisions concerning liquor, those concerning food for
Article 11 Special
dining out, local selling, and gratuitous conveyance, etc.)
Article 12 Voluntary labeling (labeling of characteristic raw materials and nutrients, etc.)
Article 13 Labeling methods, etc. (matters that can be stated on containers and packaging or in invoices, etc.)
Article 14 Prohibited matters in labeling (mutatis mutandis application of Article 9, paragraph (1))
Article 15 Mandatory labeling matters (item name, preservation methods, use-by date, etc.)

Other
Article 16 Labeling methods, etc.
distributors
Article 17 Prohibited matters in labeling (mutatis mutandis application of Article 9, paragraph (1))
Chapter III Perishable foods

For general
consumers

Article 19 Individual mandatory labeling (brown rice and polished rice, meat, milk, globefish (fugu), etc.)
provisions on mandatory labeling (special provisions concerning local selling, gratuitous conveyArticle 20 Special
ance, and food without containers or packaging, etc.)
Article 21 Voluntary labeling (labeling of nutrients, labeling emphasizing nutrition, etc.)
Article 22 Labeling methods, etc. (media, font sizes, etc.)
Article 23 Prohibited matters in labeling (overall prohibited matters, prohibited matters for individual food items)

For business
use

Persons engaged in food-related
business

Article 18 Overall mandatory labeling (item name, place of origin, genetic modification, etc.)

Article 24 Mandatory labeling (item name, place of origin, etc.)
Article 25 Special provisions on mandatory labeling (special provisions concerning food for dining out, local selling,gratuitous conveyance, and food without containers or packaging, etc.)
Article 26 Voluntary labeling (labeling of nutrients)
Article 27 Labeling methods, etc. (matters that can be stated on containers and packaging or in invoices, etc.)
Article 28 Prohibited matters in labeling (mutatis mutandis application of Article 23, paragraph (1))
Article 29 Mandatory labeling (item name, genetic modification, etc.)

Other
distributors Article 30 Labeling methods, etc.
Article 31 Prohibited matters in labeling (mutatis mutandis application of Article 23, paragraph (1))
Chapter IV Additives
Persons
engaged infoodrelated
business

Article 32 Mandatory labeling (item name, the fact of being additives, use-by date, etc.)
Article 33 Special provisions on mandatory labeling (special provisions concerning gratuitous conveyance)
Article 34 Voluntary labeling (labeling of nutrients)
Article 35 Labeling methods, etc. (formats, font sizes, etc.)
Article 36 Prohibited matters in labeling
Article 37 Mandatory labeling (item name, the fact of being additives, use-by date, etc.)

Other
Article 38 Labeling methods, etc. (formats, font sizes, etc.)
distributors
Article 39 Prohibited matters in labeling (mutatis mutandis application of Article 36)
Chapter V Miscellaneous Provisions
Article 40 Labeling alert regarding beef to be eaten raw

Article 41 Best efforts obligation (for voluntary labeling and preparation and preservation of documents)

33

Mandatory Labeling Concerning Quality and Sanitation
When selling processed foods in a container and packaging that are marketed for general consumers( such as those listed in Appended Table 1 of the Food Labeling Standards) , labeling should be madeaccurately in Japanese using terms that are easy to read and understand, presenting such information as
the item name, names of raw materials, additives, and net contents in the prescribed form at a place
easily visible without opening the container or packaging.
Basic Labeling Matters for Processed Foods for General Consumers
Item name

Generic term, not a product name

Names of raw
materials

Describe the names of used raw materials in accordance with the descending order of the
proportion in weight among all raw materials.
Allergens: Seven items such as eggs and flour must be indicated.
Genetically modified foods: Regarding the covered 33 processed foods, if an item contains
any genetically modified agricultural products or agricultural products without separating
genetically modified ones, that fact must be indicated.

Additives

Describe the names of used additives in accordance with the descending order of the
proportion in weight among all additives. Information on additives may be indicated in thecolumn for names of raw materials by clearly separating it from that on raw materials.
Allergens: Seven items such as eggs and flour must be indicated.

Net contents

Weight (g or kg), volume (ml or l), or quantity (number, etc.)

Best-before
date

Describe in the order of year, month and day. Regarding processed foods for which theperiod from the production date to the best-before date is over three months, only the year
and month may suffice.

Preservation
methodSpecifically describe the conditions for preservation until the indicated use-by date or
best-before date. Descriptions here are not matters to note after opening.

Name of the
For imported processed foods, the name of the country of origin must not be omitted.
country of origin
Importer

When a person engaged in food-related business that assumes responsibility for thecontent of labeling is an importer, the column title should be “Importer.” Describe theimporterʼs address (location of the office) and name (the individualʼs name when theimporter is an individual, and the corporationʼs name when the importer is a corporation; it
is not acceptable to only state the shop name.)( Note) In addition to basic labeling matters common to all processed foods, individual mandatory labeling ( Article 4, Appended
Table 19 of the Food Labeling Act) and labeling methods ( Appended Table 20) are prescribed for some foods.

Recall Information Notification System for Food and Other Products − Introduction of obligation
to notify recall information −Since June 2021, a business operator who commenced a recall of food items has come to be
obliged to file a notification to that effect to the public administration without delay. This systemaims to enable the national government to surely ascertain recall information for food and otherproducts and publicize it in the form of a list to provide information to customers, thereby
preventing the occurrence of health damage caused by such food and other products. A notification
is to be filed online using the Food Business Application System for licenses, export certifications,and report of food recalls.
< Recalls that need to be reported >Food Sanitation Act: Recall of foods that violate or are highly likely to violate the Food Sanitation
Act, such as those contaminated with Bacillus coli and those containing hardforeign substances ( glass pieces, plastic, etc. )Food Labeling Act: Recall of foods for which labeling to ensure food safety is not made in accordancewith the Food Labeling Standards, such as those lacking labeling on allergens or
best- before date and those with incorrect labeling34

Obligation to Make Labeling for Nutrients
The Food Labeling Standards based on the Food Labeling Act require labeling of the contained
amounts of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and sodium ( in sodium chloride equivalent) forprocessed foods in a container and packaging that are marketed for general consumers, in principle.
When emphasizing the contained amounts of some nutrient ingredients and energy, such as low
calorie content or salt reduction, their contents need to satisfy certain standards.
[Example of labeling for nutrients]
栄養成分表示包装（個）当たり
熱量

483kcal

たんぱく質

17.2g

脂質

22.7g

炭水化物

52.0g

食塩相当量

3.6g

( Note) There are items for which labeling for nutrients can be omitted( e. g. , liquors, coffee beans, spices, etc. whose contributions as
nutrient sources are small, and items sold by small businesses
that are exempted from the obligation to pay consumer taxes) anditems for which labeling for nutrients is not required ( e. g. , whentransferring certain items to many or unspecified persons) .

■ Inquiries: Regarding the Food Labeling Act as a whole
Food Labeling Division, Consumer Affairs Agency: TEL: +81-3-3507-8800 (main)

2 Commodity Quantity System under the Measurement Act
The Measurement Act requires that business operators make efforts to ensure accurate measurementin transactions of commodities based on statutory measurement units.
When the relevant food falls under the category of specified commodities under the Measurement Act( consumer life products that are ordinarily traded in mass or volume, for which consumers need toconfirm their quantity when making a reasonable choice) , a person who sells the food by sealing it up in
a container by weight must measure the quantity of said food within the measurement error levelspecified by said Act ( the “ quantity tolerance” ) .
For certain types of specified commodities, persons who sell such commodities by sealing them up in
containers by weight must measure their quantity within the quantity tolerance and affix labeling toshow the net contents and name and address of a person responsible for the content of the labeling.
■ Inquiries: Metrology Policy Office,Industrial Science, Technology and Environment Policy Bureau, METITEL: +81-3-3501-168835

3 Misleading Representations under the Act against
Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
The Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations aims to protect the interest ofgeneral consumers by ensuring that they can make voluntary and reasonable choices in transactions ofgoods or services. Business operators are basically free to use any expressions in their advertising andmarketing activities to demonstrate appeal of their goods or services to customers, but misleading
representations are prohibited.
The term “ representations” here means not only those on products themselves ( including theircontainers and packaging, etc. ) but also those in stores and advertisements using such media asleaflets, newspapers, magazines, TVs, and the Internet. The term is defined specifically by a public
notice.
Representations that may mislead consumers into believing that the quality, standards, content, etc.
of a good or service are significantly better than they actually are ( misrepresentations concerning
quality) , those that may mislead consumers into believing that the price or other transaction conditions
are significantly advantageous ( misrepresentations concerning transaction conditions) , those that may
mislead consumers regarding the country of origin, and bait- and- switch advertising, etc. are all
misleading representations. When a violation of the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading
Representations is suspected, the Consumer Affairs Agency and relevant prefectures collect relatedmaterials, request reports from the business operators, or otherwise carry out an investigation. If any
act suspected to be in violation of the Act is found as a result of the investigation, guidance: such as the
improvement of the representations, is given, and violating acts are subject to an order to takemeasures.
Labeling of Country of Origin
The Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations prohibits misleading
representations concerning the country of origin of goods. The term “ country of origin” means a country
where an act resulting in a substantial change in the content of the goods( Note) was performed.
Regarding goods made in foreign countries, the following representations that make it difficult for
consumers to understand that the goods were actually produced in the country of origin are considered
to be misleading representations:( i) Name of a country or a place, or a national flag, etc. irrelevant to the country of origin( ii) Name of a business operator or a designer or trademark of a country other than the country of origin( iii) The entirety or the major part of the character representation is in the Japanese language( Note) An act resulting in a substantial change does not include such acts as affixing a label or other indication to goods, packing
goods in a container or wrapping goods, simply assorting or mixing multiple goods, or assembling simple parts.

False or Exaggerated Advertisements and Misleading Representations of Health Food
Careful attention is required for representations and advertisements of health food, as they may
conflict with the provisions of the Health Promotion Act, which prohibits false or exaggerated
representations regarding products’ effects and functions relating to the maintenance or promotion ofgood health, or with the provisions of the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading
Representations, which prohibits misrepresentations concerning quality. The Consumer Affairs Agency
presents basic concepts of legal regulations, examples of violations, and concrete examples ofrepresentations and advertisements that may cause problems in its notice titled “ Matters to Note with
Regard to Health Food under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations andthe Health Promotion Act” ( June 30, 2016, and partially revised in December 5, 2022) .
Advertisements Concerning Online Consumer Transactions
Attention should be paid to advertisements for Internet sales to general consumers as they may not
only be problematic in their expressions themselves but may mislead consumers in their selection andordering of goods, leading to the expansion of consumer damage as a result.
The Consumer Affairs Agency publicized a notice titled “ Problems and Matters to Note with Regard to
Online Consumer Transactions under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading
Representations” ( publicized on October 28, 2011, and partially revised in June 2022) .
36

Business Operators' Development of Labeling Management System and theAdministrative Monetary Penalty System
In order to prevent the inducement of customers by means of unjustifiable premiums and misleading
representations, business operators are obliged to establish necessary systems and take other necessary
measures to properly manage matters relating to premiums and representations ( Article 26, paragraph( 1) of the Act) .
Regarding matters necessary for properly and effectively fulfilling this obligation, the Guidelines for
Measures to be Taken by Business Operators for Managing the Provision of Premiums and Labeling ofGoods ( Notice of the Cabinet Office No. 276 of November 2014; amended in June 2022) were presented,
and business operators are required to develop a management system commensurate with their businesssize and type of business while referring to the Guidelines.
Furthermore, with the aim of preventing violations, the administrative monetary penalty system wasintroduced to impose an economic disadvantage on business operators that made misleading
representations ( representations that cause misperception regarding being significantly superior or
significantly more advantageous) after granting an opportunity for explanation.
■ Inquiries: Guidance Office, Representation Division, Consumer Affairs Agency
TEL: +81-3-3507-8800 (main)
Are there reasonable grounds for the labeling?− Regulations on undemonstrated advertisements
When a misrepresentation concerning quality is suspected with regard to the effects and efficacy of goods,
the Consumer Affairs Agency may request the relevant business operator to submit materials showing
reasonable grounds for the labeling.
When the business operator fails to submit requested documents by the deadline or when the submitted
documents fail to show reasonable grounds for the labeling, said labeling is considered to be amisrepresentation.
 Deadline for the submission of documents
By the elapse of 15 days from the day on which the Secretary General of the Consumer Affairs Agency issued aletter to request the submission of documents( excluding cases where justifiable grounds are found ( judgment is made on a case- by- case basis, but aneed to conduct new or additional testing or surveys is not accepted as a justifiable ground) ) Criteria for reasonable grounds − need to satisfy both of the following requirements
1. Submitted documents show objectively demonstrated facts.
( content of documents may be either the results of testing or surveys, or the opinions or academic
documents of an expert, expert body, or specialized organization)
2. Effects and efficacy in the labeling appropriately correspond to demonstrated facts.

4 Act on Record of Transaction Information and Disseminationof Origin Information of Rice (Rice Traceability Act)
The Act on Record of Transaction Information and Dissemination of Origin Information of Rice wasestablished with the aim of identifying a distribution route based on preserved records in the event of an
accident regarding rice, etc. , thereby preventing food whose safety is not guaranteed from being
distributed, and ensuring proper labeling and proper and smooth distribution of safe rice.
Rice ( brown rice, polished rice, and crushed rice) , rice flour, rice flour preparations, riceconfectionery dough, cooked rice, refined sake, sweet cooking rice wine, and other processed rice
foods are covered by the Rice Traceability System. Busines operators selling, importing, processing,producing, or supplying these items are obliged to [ i] prepare and preserve transaction records, etc.
and [ ii] provide information on places of production.
■ Inquiries: Food Labeling Division, Consumer Affairs Agency: TEL: +81-3-3507-8800 (main)37

5 Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of
Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Regenerative and Cellular
Therapy Products, Gene Therapy Products, and Cosmetics( Note) Abbreviated as the “ Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act”

In order to prevent health damage, etc. of consumers that may be caused by distribution of food
confusable with pharmaceuticals, this Act strictly classifies pharmaceuticals and food and regulates themseparately ( refer to the notice of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “ Standards Concerning
the Scope of Pharmaceuticals, ” for the classification of food and pharmaceuticals; see p. 15) .
The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act defines pharmaceuticals as those intended to be used forthe diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases and to affect the structure and functions of the body,and regulates them under various approval and authorization systems for ensuring their quality,
effectiveness, and safety. For example, food emphasizing pharmaceutical effects and efficacy, such as
being effective against cancer or high blood pressure, or food emphasizing a slimming effect that
contains a laxative agent, anorectic agent, or other pharmaceutical ingredients are subject toadministrative guidance and control as unapproved or unauthorized drugs.

Labeling indicating pharmaceutical effects, efficacy, or functions is not permitted for general food.
In Japan, the System for Food with Health Claims has been adopted, under which functions of food may be indicated. It
should be noted that the Food Labeling Act prohibits the use of any name confusable with food with health claims or the useof any term indicating functions of nutrients or expected achievement of specific health purposes in labeling for other general
food.

Classification of Orally-Ingested Goods
Pharmaceuticals (including quasi-pharmaceutical products and regenerative medicine)

Food(pharmaceuticalexpressions are
not permitted)

Food withhealthclaims(functions
may beindicated)

Food that contains
ingredients with healthfunctions that affect
Food forphysiological functions, etc.
specifiedof the body to which labeling
health uses
indicating expected
achievement of specific healthpurposes is affixedBusiness operators need tohave each product undergo an
examination concerning theireffectiveness and safety, etc.
and to obtain authorization forthe labeling from the Consumer
Affairs Agency

Food withfunction
claimsFood with labeling targetingpeople free from diseases toimply that functional
ingredients are expected to
improve and maintain good
healthBased on the rules specified by
the national government,
business operators need toreport necessary matters suchas the scientific grounds for thesafety and functional claims offood to the Consumer Affairs
Agency before commencing
sale of the relevant food

Food withnutrient
function
claimsFor food that conforms withthe standards and criteria
specified by the national
government, functions of thenutrient ingredients may be
indicated.

Business operators do not needto file an application forauthorization or make reports to
the Consumer Affairs Agency.

General food38

Functions may not be indicated.

6 Organic JAS Standards Based on the Act on Japanese
Agricultural Standards (JAS Act)The JAS Act specifies the mechanism of certification of organic food by a third party. JAS standards are
established for organic plants, organic processed foods ( categorized into organic processed foods ofplant origin, organic processed foods of animal origin, and organic processed foods of plant and animal
origin) , and organic livestock products, and such food for which the processing or producing method is
authorized is permitted to be distributed with an organic JAS mark.
Organic plants, organic processed foods, and organic livestock products are designated as specified
agricultural and forestry products for which it is especially necessary to ensure proper labelingconcerning their item names, because confusion in labeling is observed for these products and improperlabeling may significantly hinder consumers' ability to make correct selections. Accordingly, labelingusing such terms as 有機#or オーガニック#( meaning “ organic” ) or any other terms which mightcause confusion is not permitted for food items other than those that satisfy organic JAS standards and towhich certified business operators affix the organic JAS mark.
Organic liquor had not been covered by the JAS system, but the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards
was amended and business operators that intend to label liquor using such terms as 有機#or オーガ
ニック#came to be also required to obtain JAS certification for organic processed foods and affix theorganic JAS mark from October 1, 2022.
( The Labelling Standards for Organic Liquor under the jurisdiction of the National Tax Agency was repealed on October 1, 2022,
but the former standards continue to apply until September 30, 2025, as transitional measures. )Organic JAS
standards

Organic processed foods

Organic plants

Organic
processed foodsof plant origin
Organic
processed foodsof animal origin
Organic
processed foodsof plant andanimal origin

Organic livestock
products

Labeling regulations
under the JAS Act

Method of affixing organic JAS mark to imported products(i) A certified importer in Japan imports organic plants,
organic processed foods, and organic livestock products that were produced in a country for which Japan
has recognized the organic equivalency, and distributes those imports after affixing the organic JAS mark.
(For affixing the organic JAS mark, a certificate issued
by a government organization of the exporting country
or a copy thereof needs to be attached.)

Specified agricultural andforestry products
Organic JAS mark is
indispensable for labeling as(ii) An importer imports organic food items that anorganic foodoverseas business operator having JAS certificationfor organic processed foods produced and affixed theorganic JAS mark, and distributes those imports (assuch products were already certified as being organic
under the JAS system, they may also be imported byimporters other than certified importers).

( Note) ・Organic processed foods of animal origin, organic processed foods of plant and animal origin, and organic livestock
products were newly designated as specified agricultural and forestry products on July 16, 2020.
・Countries, etc. for which Japan has recognized the organic equivalency ( as of April 2021)
EU ( 27 countries) , United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Switzerland, Argentina, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan( However, for EU, United Kingdom, Argentina, New Zealand, and Taiwan, limited to organic plants and organic
processed foods of plant origin)■ Inquiries: Standards and Conformity Assessment Policy Office, Food Manufacture Affairs
Division, New Business and Food Industry Department, Minister's Secretariat,
MAFF
Tel:+81-3-6744-2098
Email:jas_soudan@maff.go.jp■ Reference information: MAFF Website:IOrganic JASJ
https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/standard/specific/organic_JAS.html

39

11 Laws that Need to be Noted in Marketing
1 Major Regulations Concerning Permits, Notifications,
Licenses, etc. Relating to Food Business
When business operators engage in food- related business or marketing, different types of permits,
notifications, licenses, or registrations, etc. are required depending on their business modes and thetypes of food they deal with.
Some local governments require business operators commencing import of food, etc. or businessoffices engaging in food import business to make notifications under their own Ordinances ( e. g. Shiga
prefecture and Ibaraki prefecture) .
(i) Business Permit and Notification under the Food Sanitation Act and Implementationof HACCP-based Food Hygiene Control
Since June 2021, all food business operators, in principle, have come to be obliged to implement
HACCP- based food hygiene control. Accordingly, for businesses that do not fall under licensed
businesses or businesses not requiring notification, business notifications need to be filed with publichealth centers so that public health centers can ascertain business operators subject to obligation to
implement HACCP- based food hygiene control.
When it is difficult to determine whether the business content is subject to a permit or notification
obligation, please make inquiries with the public health center having the jurisdiction over the locationof the business facilities. An application for a permit and a notification are to be filed using the FoodBusiness Application System for licenses, export certifications, and report of food recalls.

( Note) For HACCP- based food hygiene control, see the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's webpage “ HACCP. ”

Business Permit System and Business Notification System
Risk

SystemHigh

Inﬂuence on public healthBusiness permit(Article 54 to Article
55, paragraph (1) of
the Act)

Business notification(Article 57 of theAct）

Not subject to notification obligation

Low

OutlineSubjects

What business operators
must doIn light of risks of food poisoning, existence or absence ofstandards and criteria, andpast incidents of food poisoning, etc., a person engaging
in any of the prescribed typesof business needs to file anapplication with the competent public health center andobtain a business permit.

32 types of business, including the manufacturing andcooking businesses, and thesales business involving processing (Article 35 of theOrder for Enforcement of theFood Sanitation Act)◎ Comply with the facility
standards〇 Appoint a food sanitation
manager〇 Implement HACCP-based
food hygiene control
・Application fees are required.
・A permit has a validity
period and needs to be renewed.
・A notification is necessary
when changing or discontinuing a business.

For businesses that do not
fall under licensed businesses or businesses not
requiring notification, business notifications need to be
filed with competent publichealth centers so that publichealth centers can ascertain
business operators subject
to obligation to implement
HACCP-based food hygiene
control.

Select relevant types of busi- 〇Appoint a food sanitation
ness while referring to the
managerclassification and scopes of 〇Implement HACCP-based
business types specified infood hygiene control
the Ministry of Health, ・A notification is necessary
Labour and Welfare's noticewhen changing or discon“Setting of Types of Businesstinuing a business.
Subject to Notification
Obligation” (YakuSeiShokuKan ・There are no requirements
1217, No. 3; finally amended
concerning facilities andon December 17, 2020)
equipment.
e.g.: Business of selling ・Notification fees are notpacked foods for which temrequired.
perature management is re- ・As a notification does notquired, business of selling
have a validity period, revegetables and fruits, businewal is unnecessary.
ness of manufacturing andprocessing coffee, etc.

For businesses that havelittle impact on public health,neither a business permit nor
a notification is necessary．

Business of importing food or
additives, business of transporting and storing food or
additives (excluding foodfreezing or refrigeration business), and business of selling packed food that can be
kept at room temperature(e.g.: manufactured/processed and packed food,such as confectioneries,
soft drinks, liquor, and tea)
(Article 35-2 of the Order for
Enforcement of the Food
Sanitation Act)

General food hygiene control
is required as a food business
operator, but HACCP −based food hygiene control is
unnecessary．

( Source) Prepared based on the materials posted on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's webpage “ Information on
Business Regulations”■ Inquiries: Public health center having the jurisdiction over the location of the business facilities
40

(ii) Liquor Tax Act and Act on Securing of Liquor Tax and on Liquor Business
Associations − Liquor Sales License and Liquor Sales Manager System
A person who intends to engage in the wholesale or retail of liquor in Japan needs to obtain a liquor
sales license. Required liquor sales license varies depending on the intended buyer.
Under the Act on Securing of Liquor Tax and on Liquor Business Associations, the Liquor SalesManager System is operated with the aim of preventing drinking by persons who are underage of 20 andensuring proper management of liquor sales including recycling of containers. Liquor retailers mustassign a liquor sales manager at each sales location before commencing the business and submit awritten notification of the assignment of the liquor sales manager to the competent tax office within two
weeks after the assignment.
(iii) Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for Staple Food − Rice Retailers
Notification System (Staple Food Control Act)
A person who intends to start shipping or retailing rice must submit a written notification of the startof the business to the regional agricultural administration office having jurisdiction over the location of
the major business office in advance based on the Act on Stabilization of Supply, Demand and Prices for
Staple Food ( excluding small scale businesses handling less than 20 tons on a polished rice basis) .
(iv) Salt Industry Act − Registration as Salt Wholesaler
A person who intends to engage in the salt wholesale business ( excluding those intending to engage inthe wholesale of only salt for special purposes or specially- made salt) needs to be registered by the
director- general of a local finance ( branch) bureau.
Registration is not required for salt retail business. Salt may be retailed freely.

2 Act on Specified Commercial Transactions ―When Engaging in Online
Mail Order Business―
A person engaging in online mail order business, etc. to sell goods to general consumers is subject toregulations under the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions. The Act on Specified Commercial
Transactions specifies regulations for seven types of transactions including mail- order sales,
door- to- door sales, and telemarketing in order to prevent illegal or malicious solicitation by business
operators and to protect consumer interest.
Regarding operators engaging in online mail- order business,matters to be indicated inadvertisements ( name, address and telephone number of the business operator; prices and shipping
charges; payment method and deadline; whether or not to be returnable, etc. ) are specified, andmisleading advertising and solicitation against customers' intention are prohibited.
Those engaging in Internet auction business: both corporations and individuals are also subject toregulations under certain conditions.
■ Reference information: Consumer Affairs Agencyʼs website“Act on Specified Commercial Transactions Guide”
https://www.no-trouble.caa.go.jp/foreignlanguage/41

3 Recycling-related Laws
Identification Marks for Containers and Packaging
The Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources requires business operators to affix
identification marks to containers and packaging in order to help consumers sort out garbage andfacilitate sorted collection of garbage by local communities.
Imported goods are also subject to this regulation, and when an importer designates the materials or
structure of a container and/or packaging or instructs the use of its own trademark, identification marks
need to be affixed in the same manner as in the case of domestic goods. Even without such designation
or instruction, if Japanese indication is printed, labeled, or stamped on the surface of a container
and/or packaging, identification marks are required.
Products Requiring Designated Identification Marks for Promoting Sorted Collection

Paper
containers
andpackaging

Plastic
containers andpackagingexcluding cardboard
and aluminum
free paper cartonsfor beverages

excluding PET bottles
for beverages, liquor,
and speciﬁed
ﬂavoring materials

Steel cans forbeverages
and liquor

Aluminumcans forbeverages
and liquor

PET bottles forbeverages, liquor,
and speciﬁed
ﬂavoring materials
excluding thosewith a capacity
less than 150ml

Recycling Obligation under the Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recyclingof Containers and Packaging
The Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging requires animporter of goods using glass containers, paper containers and packaging, or plastic containers andpackaging to recycle such containers and packaging. However, small- scale entrepreneurs prescribed in
the Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Basic Act whose sales amount is below a certain level are
exempted from the recycling obligation.
■ Reference information: METI Website:I3R PoliciesJ
https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/energy_environment/3r/index.html

42

[Notes upon using this Guide]〇 The contents are as of October 2022. Please note that there may be legal amendments thereafter.
〇 This is the revised version of the Guide to Food Import 2019 issued in March 2019.
< Major revisions >〇 Amendment of the Food Sanitation Act
・For importing milk, dairy products, pufferfish, and oysters to be eaten raw, an importer is newly obliged toattach a sanitary certificate.
・The operation of the Recall Information Notification System for Food and Other Products was commenced.
・Upon the introduction of the HACCP- based food hygiene control system, the business permit system was reviewed
and the business notification system was newly established.
〇 The scope of plants that are exempted from the obligation to attach a phytosanitary certificate upon plantquarantine was expanded.
〇 Import and export regulations for aquatic animals and plants were introduced under the Act on Proper Domestic
Distribution of Aquatic Animals and Plants ( enforced on December 1, 2022)〇 Amendment of the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards
・For labeling livestock products and livestock processed foods using such terms as 有機#or オーガニック, # itis required to obtain JAS certification for organic processed foods and affix the organic JAS mark ( enforced on July16, 2020) .
・Since October 1, 2025, business operators that intend to label liquor using such terms as 有機#or オーガニッ
ク#will also be required to obtain JAS certification for organic processed foods and affix the organic JAS mark.
Accordingly, the Labelling Standards for Organic Liquor ( National Tax Agency Notice No. 7 of 2000) was repealedon October 1, 2022.

43

Guide to Food Import
2023

Issued by

Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization (MIPRO)
6th ﬂoor, World Import Mart Bldg.
3-1-3, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
TEL: +81-3-3971-6571
URL https://www.mipro.or.jp

March 2024
Unauthorized copying of the contents of this guidebook is strictly prohibited.

<Notes>・The translations of the Japanese laws, regulations, announces, notices and guidelines provided in this booklet are not for oﬃcial use. Only the original Japanese texts of laws andregulations have legal eﬀect in Japan. The translations are to be used solely as reference material to aid in the understanding of Japanese laws and regulations.
・Although MIPRO has made every eﬀort to provide as accurate information as possible in this booklet based on the latest information available at the time of preparation, MIPRO shallnot be held responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the legislative materials provided in this booklet, or for any consequence resulting from use of the information in thisbooklet. For all purposes of interpreting and applying law to any legal issue or dispute, readers should consult the original Japanese texts published in the Oﬃcial Gazette.

Issued by

Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization (MIPRO)