Japan: Import (product-based)
Important: Be sure to check
both general and product-based categories for relevant information.
Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise
specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this
information.
Animals and animal products (general)
A sanitary inspection certificate is required for shellfish, animals and certain animal products (including meat and viscera).
Eggs and egg products require a health certificate.
- Note: An import license is required for certain animals and perishable items.
(Last updated on 2018-06-08)
Animals: Live
Prior approval/import permit is required for live animals.
(Last updated on 2014-03-28)
Animal products: Meat
A sanitary inspection certificate is required for meat.
General requirements for shipping meat and meat products (applicable to most countries):
- For importation, meat shipped fresh or frozen requires specified inspection and health certification (e.g., a meat inspection certificate) issued by the government of the country of export. Meat must be free of filth, and must be deemed fit for consumption by health officials in the destination country before release for distribution. Meat that has been processed and packaged in such a way as to prevent spoilage during distribution, is subject to generally applicable requirements for importation of processed foods.
- Endangered species: Meat from animals protected under CITES may not be shipped for commercial purposes. In addition, particular countries may prohibit importation of particular species of meat and/or importation of meat from particular countries due to concerns over disease. Such prohibitions vary and are subject to change on very short notice. Some countries have additional protected species that are not listed.
- Transportation: Meat that is temperature controlled cargo (either chill or freeze) must arrive in the destination country with its specified temperature range maintained throughout its transportation. Meat that arrives outside of that temperature range, or that has not been maintained continuously at the specified temperature, or that has spoiled, as determined by health officials in country of import, will be condemned. It must then be destroyed, or else downgraded (e.g., limited to animal consumption, or requiring treatment to kill bacteria before distribution).
- Terrorist threat to food supply: Many nations have implemented measures to protect their human and animal food supply from terrorist sabotage. These measures may require pre-importation registration of the exporter, packer and/or supplier, additional supplier documentation and notice of each shipment within a specified time period prior to shipment and/or importation.
(Last updated on 2018-06-07)
Animal products: Poultry
Eggs and egg products require a health certificate.
(Last updated on 2014-03-28)
Animal products: Seafood
Certain products, including shellfish, require a health certificate.
Specific certification requirements apply to tuna and swordfish.
(Last updated on 2014-03-28)
Animal feed and nutrients
Japan accepts the use of imported organic certified animal feed from countries that share an organic equivalency arrangement with it.
Special labeling requirements apply to pet food.
(Last updated on 2018-06-07)
Endangered species
This country is a member of CITES (Convention on Int'l Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora), an international agreement between governments.
- Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of such species.
- All member countries of the United Nations are party to the CITES treaty, with the exception of:
- Dem. People's Rep. of Korea (North Korea), Micronesia, Haiti, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, South Sudan, East Timor, Turkmenistan, and Tuvalu.
- UN observer Holy See (Vatican State) is also not a member of CITES.
- For more detailed information check with:
(Last updated on 2022-04-22)
Plants and plant products, including seeds, for use as food
An import license and a phytosanitary certificate are required for certain plants and perishable items.
Fresh produce is subject to seasonal duty rates.
Certain fruits and vegetables may not be imported in their raw form. Special certification is required for frozen fruits or vegetables which are prohibited in their raw form.
Peanuts must be free of aflatoxins and must be certified as such.
Powdered or dry agricultural products to be used in health foods must be accompanied by a manufacturer's statement attesting that the product has not been irradiated.
Rice (in bags) requires documentation stating that the bag was tested for lead and that no lead was detected.
Complex labeling regulations apply to food and agricultural products. For additional information see: Consumer Affairs Agency website.
(Last updated on 2019-01-16)
Food products (general)
Food imports are subject to strict standards and regulations. They must be in compliance with four laws:
- According to Art. 27 of the Food Sanitation Law, importers of food, food additives, food packages, containers and apparatus must submit an import notification to the:
- Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare (MHLW), 1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, JP-100-8916 Tokyo; phone: +81 3 5253 1111; email: www-admin@mhlw.go.jp
- This law requirement applies to products imported for sale/business, not for personal use.
- For food importing procedure see:
- Recommendation: Prior to importing a new food product to Japan, it is recommended that a sample be taken to Japan Customs and the Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare (MHLW) to ensure compliance with Japan's requirements. Various certifications may also be needed. The product should be submitted at origin for testing by an: MLHW approved foreign laboratory.
An import license is required for perishable items.
Food products may require a Certificate of Analysis.
Ingredients of ruminant animal origin are prohibited from use in processed food products.
Labeling: Food products are subject to special labeling requirements including country of origin labeling. Labeling is regulated by the:
- Consumer Affairs Agency, Central Common Government Offices, No.4, 3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, JP-100-8958 Tokyo; phone: +81 3 3507 8800
- For additional information see:
- Note: Exporters of food products should confirm the current documentation and labeling requirements with their customer in Japan.
A free sale certificate may be required for food additives.
Note: Additional documentation and labeling may be required for food products.
(Last updated on 2024-07-31)
Food products: Processed/prepared food
Food imports are subject to strict standards and regulations. Importers of food, food additives, food packages, containers and apparatus must, according to Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Law submit an import notification to the:
Additional requirements:
- Country of origin labeling is required.
- The use of chemicals and other additives in foods is severely restricted.
- Processed food may not contain ingredients derived from ruminant animals.
- Food additives are subject to special documentation requirements.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Food products: Additives, preservatives
Food imports according to Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Law are subject to strict standards and regulations.
- Importers of food, food additives, food packages, containers and apparatus must submit an import notification to the:
- Food products are subject to special labeling requirements including country of origin labeling.
- The use of chemicals and other food additives is severely restricted.
- Food additives are subject to special documentation requirements.
A free sale certificate may be required for food additives.
(Last updated on 2018-08-01)
Beverages
For beverages Country of origin labeling is required.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Food storage, preparation and serving products
Food imports are subject to strict standards and regulations. Importer of food, food additives, food packages, containers and apparatus must submit import notification to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) according to Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Law. (This requirement applies to products imported for sale/business and not for personal use). For additional information see MLHW: Import Procedure under Food Sanitation Law.
(Last updated on 2018-08-01)
Pharmaceuticals (general)
All products covered by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Regulations must be approved prior to their sale to the public.
- This includes but is not limited to:
- Pharmaceuticals; medications; prescription drugs; non-prescription drugs, incl. certain herbal supplements, veterinary drugs and quasi-drugs; cosmetics, incl. preparations for skin care, hair care, makeup and fragrances; medical equipment and supplies, incl. dental equipment and supplies
- Manufacturers (both Japanese and foreign) and distributors of products covered by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Regulations, prior to marketing of their product(s) in Japan, must be licensed by the:
- Note: Special labeling requirements apply to prescription and nonprescription drugs and medication.
(Last updated on 2022-01-31)
Pharmaceuticals: Narcotics, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia
Imports of narcotics, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia are prohibited.
- This prohibition includes:
- heroin, cocaine, MDMA (also known as ecstasy), opium, cannabis, stimulants, psychotropic substances, and other narcotic drugs.
- Excempt from this prohibition are drugs/medicines designated by the:
(Last updated on 2018-08-01)
Biologicals
Germs which are likely to be used for bio-terrorism are prohibited.
(Last updated on 2014-02-05)
Chemicals and chemical products (general)
Precursor materials for chemical weapons are prohibited.
A free sale certificate is required for pesticides and insecticides.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Explosives
Explosives are prohibited.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Textiles, apparel and other textile articles (general)
Fabrics require country of origin and special labeling requirements.
- All textile labels must be in Japanese. Labeling regulations require the following information to be included on textiles:
- Fiber content, care instructions, and either manufacturer or importer information.
(Last updated on 2019-08-07)
Footwear
Certain leather footwear (HS 6403-6405) is subject to tariff
quota.
(Last updated on 2017-11-03)
Precious metals, diamonds and gemstones
There are special requirements for precious metals and stones.
Rough diamonds may only be imported from countries participating in the Kimberley Process. This is a participating country. For more information see Kimberley Process.
(Last updated on 2022-08-31)
Machinery and appliances (general)
Special labeling requirements apply to specified machinery and electrical household appliances.
- Certification is required for consumer electrical appliances and commercial electrical apparatus.
- For detailed information contact:
- Rep. Div., Consumer Affairs Agency, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Central Common Government Offices, No.4, 3-1-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, JP-00-8958 Tokyo; phone: +81 3 3507 8800
(Last updated on 2022-01-24)
Machinery and appliances: Electrical (line-powered)
Electrical products may be subject to the Electrical Appliance & Material Safety Act [DENAN Law - PSE mark] (mandatory approvals in Japan), or Consumer Products Safety Act (PSC mark) [amend. 05 Feb 2005] (mandatory approvals in Japan), or receive certification according to the Industrial Standards (JIS) (Sep 2018).
- Special quality labeling requirements apply to electrical machinery and electrical household appliances. This requirement applies to:
- Textile Products - a trademark must appear on the product. If it is possible to identify the name of its fiber category, but not to specify its fiber name, its category name only may be disclosed. A trademark which represents a fiber name must appear next to the generic name in parentheses.
- Blankets - the special exemption for blankets that regulated fibers composing pile only was repealed. The fiber composition of yarns that do not appear on the blanket surface must be disclosed under the new law. Blanket made of pile fabric, both pile and ground fibers must be disclosed.
- Mufflers, Scarves, Shawls - are subject to the care instruction labeling requirements.
- Pants - the lining of pants are subject to the labeling requirements.
- Headgear - headgear are subject to the fiber composition and the care instruction labeling requirements.
- Miscellaneous textile goods - artificial leather material which cannot be distinguished may be disclosed under a special category.
(Last updated on 2022-07-18)
Machinery and appliances: Electrically battery-powered
Special labeling requirements apply to specific types of electrical machinery and household appliances.
Certification is required for consumer electrical appliances and commercial electrical machinery.
Refer to:
(Last updated on 2022-07-16)
Machinery and appliances: Telecommunications equipment, radios, TVs, and RF devices
Generally applicable import requirements for telecommunications equipment (applicable for most countries):
- Appliances that are connected to line power typically require testing and safety certification by an independent laboratory recognized by destination (import) country. There are also safety standards on batteries, particularly rechargeable batteries, that are shipped included in such devices.
- There are two concerns regarding emissions, which also require testing and safety certification by an independent laboratory recognized by destination (import) country: Radio frequency interference (RFI; even radios and TV receivers emit weak signals that can interfere with other devices) and transmitters (including low power devices like cell phones). There are international and/or national standards limiting spurious radio frequency emissions.
- TVs and computer monitors employing cathode ray tube emit very low level gamma radiation, and are subject to maximum radiation standards. (LED and plasma screens, which have all but replaced CRT TVs, do not emit gamma radiation).
- Labeling for point of sale packaging varies by import country, but typical requirements include:
- Product description
- Origin country
- Certifications as to safety, RFI, possibly radiation
- Warnings: Require safety warnings concerning shock, and radiation if gamma radiation is emitted
- General consumer product labeling requirements, such as required language(s), name of manufacturer or distributor and how to contact
- Intellectual property (IP) protection; counterfeit and mis-branded products prohibited
- Gray market goods restrictions may be in place. Importer may have to provide evidence of right to distribute within country of import, and such documentation should be provided before exportation.
- Some countries now require recycling instructions on these types of products.
For these products it is very important for an exporter to check requirements with a prospective importer before concluding the product sale and certainly before shipping product.
(Last updated on 2021-06-15)
Machinery and appliances, aerosols and other products containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the
ozone layer, is an international treaty designed to protect the
ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances, such as aerosol that are responsible for ozone depletion. Because CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the
upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and is being replaced with other products such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R-410A.
- Opened for signature on 16 Sep 1987, the 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the framework for international cooperation in addressing ozone depletion was established. The Montreal Protocol entered into force on 01 Jan 1989, and has since undergone several revisions:
- Note: As of 23 Jun 2015, all countries in the United Nations, the Cook Islands, Holy See, Niue and the European Union have ratified the original Montreal Protocol, with South Sudan being the last country to ratify the agreement, bringing the total to 197 countries. These countries have also ratified the London, Copenhagen, Montreal, and Beijing amendments.
(Last updated on 2024-08-26)
Arms and ammunition (general)
Imports of firearms; ammunition (bullets); pistols; and pistol parts are strictly prohibited.
Precursor materials for chemical weapons are prohibited to be imported.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Media containing data, including books
Books, drawings, or any other article which may harm public safety or morals - that is, obscene or immoral materials or pornography - are prohibited from importation.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Advertising materials, product manuals
Advertising materials may be admitted duty-free (incl. brochures, films, and photographs).
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Intellectual property
Any items or articles that infringe upon intellectual property rights are prohibited from importation.
Also see:
(Last updated on 2020-01-07)
Important: Exercise independent care
before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure
all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for
detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with
little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries
vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may
have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with
the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific
importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your
help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com)
concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.
