Japan Market Entry Support

Regulatory Framework

Japan's food import system is managed by MHLW under the Food Sanitation Act, with strict standards for additives, contaminants, and labelling that differ significantly from Western frameworks.

Where Exporters Often Face Delays

• Additive restrictions — many additives approved in the US, EU, or ANZ are banned or restricted under Japan's positive list system
• Japanese labelling compliance — mandatory Japanese-language labels with specific formatting for ingredients, allergens, and expiry dates
• Import notification procedures — all imported food must go through MHLW notification, with certain products requiring inspection orders
• Maximum residue limits — strict MRLs for pesticides and veterinary drugs that often differ from Codex standards

Japan's Food Labelling System

All imported food products require Japanese-language labels that comply with the Food Labelling Act (2015). Labels must include product name, ingredient list, allergen information, net content, best-before date, storage instructions, and importer details in the specified format.

Food Globalized's Role in Your Japan Entry

Food Globalized helps assess ingredient compatibility, review regulatory alignment, identify labelling gaps, and support a clearer entry pathway into Japan.