U.S. exporters doing business with Japan for the first time may find Japanese food standards and regulations difficult to deal with. Japanese importers and freight forwarders are often the best sources of advice and provide valuable assistance with import procedures. Here are some additional resources to help you navigate the export process.
Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) sets “sustainable sourcing for import materials” as one of the key performance indicators under Japan’s Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems (MIDORI Strategy). MAFF expects all major food manufacturers in Japan to voluntarily ensure sustainable sourcing of import materials by 2030. U.S. exporters and businesses may be requested by Japanese customers for information on sustainability for U.S. products concerned.
Japan: MAFF Publishes 2021 Status of Japan Green Food System Strategy Targets
Japan: Japan Sets New 2030 Targets for Green Food System Strategy
Japan: Japan Enacts Legislation to Support Green Food System Strategy
Japan: MAFF Finalizes Green Food System Strategy Report
Japan: Japan Launches Greenhouse Gas Reduction Labeling System for Agricultural Products
Each year, USDA Japan publishes Food and Agricultural Imports Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) reports which describe Japan’s requirements for imported food and beverage products. The FAIRS Country Report provides information on the general food laws and the regulations on food additives, pesticides, packaging and containers, labeling, and other specific standards. The Japan FAIRS Export Certificate Report provides information on the required certificates for export to Japan. For several non-food product categories, USDA Japan published reports that describe Japan’s relevant import regulations.
Japan FAIRS Country Report
Japan FAIRS Export Certificate Report
Japan Feed Import Regulations and Standards
Import Regulations and Standards for Wood Products
Japanese Import Regulations for Industrial Hemp Products
USDA APHIS | Plant Health Export Information
USDA APHIS | Animal and Animal Product Export Information
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has compiled information about the export requirements for meat, poultry and egg products.
For exporters new to the market, we have created a series of reports to detail regulatory requirements for bringing a wide variety of products into Japan. These reports are intended as a guide as you navigate the process together with your importer/distributor. Please keep in mind that requirements are subject to change without notice. If you don’t find your product listed below, please look at the General Export Guide.
Prospective exporters and exhibitors of major food shows and trade showcases often enhance their presentation with samples for display or tasting when visiting Japan. Successfully shipping food samples to Japan requires advanced planning and, generally, exporters coordinate with a customs broker (freight forwarder) to gather information and prepare documentation.
General Instructions for Shipping Product Samples to Japan
Guidance on Shipping Individual Small-Sized Samples to Japanese Buyers
