Since they are indistinguishable from authentic lacquer ware, the Household Goods Quality Labelling Law requires that both authentic and synthetic types intended as tableware or kitchenware indicate the product name, type of surface coating and notes on use. If more than one finish has been used on a piece, it should be noted, with the parts and their finishes indicated. The type of base coat may or may not be noted. This information must all be included on a tag or carved seal. Lacquer ware used to be a popular gift item for social obligations and weddings, but, as the range of gifts has expanded to give those who receive them greater freedom of choice, lacquer ware does not enjoy the popularity it once had as a gift item.
Many producers complain that their shipments have declined by half from their peak.
This compels them to shift to home-use and personal gift items, but, to make matters worse, inexpensive imports are hindering them from entering those markets. As mentioned earlier, the inflow of inexpensive imports is giving Japanese producers a hard time. However, it is not known how much lacquer ware is imported from which countries and territories, since different methods are employed to keep statistics for exports and imports. Though lacquering technique is improving in the imports, many still suffer cracks and chips during transport. The imports chiefly affect Japanese producers, but wholesalers are relatively unaffected, since they also deal in the imports.