{"id":311,"date":"2026-05-16T06:38:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T21:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/en\/food-import\/"},"modified":"2026-05-16T06:38:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T21:38:53","slug":"food-import","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/en\/food-import\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Food Importing \u2013 A Thorough Explanation of Procedures and Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many people who want to import ingredients and food products that are only available overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, things that go into your mouth or body are strictly managed by many regulations, rules, and laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than half of the requests we receive from clients are related to food products. First, please try to understand the complex food import procedures and rules, and then consider whether you still want to import them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are various cases, such as products that make you wonder, &#8220;Wow, even that is treated as food?&#8221; or conversely, &#8220;It is surprisingly easy to import.&#8221; So please be sure to explore various options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a manual for importing food from overseas, so we hope you will check it along with the flow of the process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Process of Importing Food from Overseas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-2.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15192\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First of all, even for food products, if they are for personal use, they can be imported in the same way as regular cargo, so you do not need to worry much about items under 10 kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difficult part is when it comes to commercial use, so we will introduce the process for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here, the procedures differ depending on whether you clear customs yourself or request a customs broker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Process When Clearing Customs Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check with the quarantine station (food inspection division) to see if the product you want to import can be imported.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If there are no problems, fill out and submit the ingredient list and the notification form for importation of foods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actually purchase the product and arrange for transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The product arrives at a warehouse at the airport or seaport.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If instructed by the quarantine station, conduct an ingredient inspection or a monitoring inspection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay customs duties and other fees at the airport or seaport customs office and receive a customs clearance permit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive the product.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a Japanese label for the product and sell it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the steps until you import and sell food yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The paperwork is difficult, but you can save hundreds of thousands of yen in customs broker fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Process When Requesting a Customs Broker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Decide on the product you want to import and ask a customs broker to arrange it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actually purchase the product and arrange for transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The product arrives at a warehouse at the airport or seaport.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The customs broker will act on your behalf for the import procedures (you may also be asked to submit documents).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive the product (and pay the customs duties that were paid on your behalf).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a Japanese label for the product and sell it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the steps when using services such as international courier delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Basically, what you are doing is the same, but by paying a fee, you can request them to handle the complex procedures required for customs clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products Subject to the Food Sanitation Act<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-3.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15193\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, let&#8217;s check whether the item you are importing falls under the food category (items that require a notification under the Food Sanitation Act)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Food Sanitation Act is a law to prevent risks caused by eating and drinking, and it actually covers not only food products but also tableware and toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reason is that food comes into contact with tableware, and there is a risk that small children may put toys in their mouths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might find it difficult, but there will be no problem as long as you recognize that the following products are specifically targeted!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>General food products (fresh food and processed food)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equipment that comes into contact with food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Containers and packaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toys for infants (under 6 years old)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparations for Importing Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-4.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-4.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15194\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the product to be imported is subject to the Food Sanitation Act, request the ingredient list and the manufacturing process chart from the supplier manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ingredient list is a document to know the details of the product, showing what ingredients are included and how much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A manufacturing process chart is a document to know how the product is made, showing the steps of how this product is produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Submit them to the quarantine station (food inspection division) in the form of an import consultation to have the contents checked before importing the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The food inspection division specifically checks six points: colorants, bleaching agents, preservatives, additives, pesticides, and veterinary drugs. If there are no problems with the ingredients and the usage amounts do not exceed the standard values, the import will be permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if a product is commonly sold overseas, there are quite a few cases where it is not allowed in Japan, so it is necessary to thoroughly check whether it complies with Japanese laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are actually many cases where an import permit cannot be issued after the products have arrived in Japan, so please be careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the way, for manufacturers, providing these documents is the same as disclosing their recipes, so there is a certain probability that they may be reluctant to provide them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In that case as well, it is important to consult with the food inspection division and check if there are any risks involved in importing at your own responsibility!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Submission of the Notification Form for Importation of Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-5.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-5.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15195\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it is determined that there are no problems with the Food Sanitation Act, you will create a notification form for importation of foods and submit it to the food inspection division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way to write this is very complicated, and it is quite difficult to do it yourself, so be sure to request a freight forwarder if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you handle it yourself, it actually becomes fairly easy once you get used to it, but you must be prepared for the possibility that it will require multiple corrections at first and may take about a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The notification form for importation of foods can be submitted from 7 days before the product is scheduled to arrive, but it often takes longer than that, so it is better to prepare before shipping and complete the preliminary check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the way, the place to submit the documents is the quarantine station where the product is cleared through customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The submission method is either bringing it directly to the quarantine station counter or mailing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please be careful as the following two points are required when submitting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submit two copies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enclose a stamp for return mail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can bring the documents to the food inspection division yourself, but it often takes a lot of time, and in the worst case, it may not be finished on the same day, so it is recommended to mail them 2 to 3 days in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you store the products for too long, the customs storage fee is quite high, so if you do not prepare thoroughly, you will end up suffering the consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, when there are corrections to the documents, a correction seal or a power of attorney for correction work may be required, so make sure there are no deficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ingredient Inspections and Monitoring Inspections for Food Imports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-6.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-6.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15196\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quarantine stations and customs offices conduct various checks based on the submitted documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be instructed to undergo an ingredient inspection or a monitoring inspection to check whether the imported food is safe or whether it complies with laws and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the results of the inspection, if it fails, you may be forced to choose between reshipping or disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Ingredient Inspection?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is an inspection where the actual product is submitted to a testing institution to verify whether the standards for using additives are appropriate and whether toxic or harmful substances are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspection fee is basically borne by the importer (an average of about 20,000 to 50,000 yen).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will need to request a private specialized company to come to customs to collect a sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After investigating the ingredients, submit the results to the quarantine station at a later date, and if there are no problems, you can proceed to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Monitoring Inspection?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is an inspection where the quarantine station or customs office checks randomly or regularly to see if the actually declared product matches the actual import situation, or if it is undervalued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspection fee is free, but in the case of a quarantine station, you are obligated to provide a specified amount from the product as a sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of customs, it is a check from a tax perspective, such as whether the number of products is correct and whether the declared price is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Basically, the check is completed on the spot for both, and if there are no problems, you can proceed to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of regular food inspections, they will allow customs clearance, and the results will arrive at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Process from Customs Clearance to Sales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-7.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/food-import-7.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15197\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there are no problems with the procedures at the quarantine station and customs, you can happily receive a permit notification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have this document, you can receive the product, so the only other thing left to do is create a Japanese label!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reasons Why Japanese Labeling is Required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have probably seen Japanese label stickers attached to products imported from overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a rule that consumers must be able to correctly recognize product information, and products sold in Japan are required to be labeled in Japanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If consumers eat a food product sold without a label and their health is harmed, the importer may also be held liable under product liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is easy once you make it the first time, so be sure to do it thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Items to be Displayed in Japanese on Imported Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contents that must be displayed on imported foods are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a reference example, we will introduce what we actually use for our brand coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Name (Product Name) &#8211; Regular Coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ingredient Name &#8211; Coffee beans (Name of green bean producing countries: Brazil, Colombia, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Net Weight &#8211; 198g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expiration Date &#8211; Printed on the lower right of the back of the package (It is also OK to write it like &#8220;January 1, 2025&#8221;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storage Method &#8211; Store away from places with high temperature and humidity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Usage Precautions &#8211; Please consume as soon as possible after opening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seller &#8211; FunSense Co., Ltd., Sugimoto Building, 1-10-1 Minamirinkan, Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The unique manufacturer code is printed at the end of the expiration date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way to write this is mostly predetermined, so there will be no problem if you describe it according to the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-3\">Our Services Related to This Article<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hi-japan.com\/en\/import-export-support\/\">Import\/Export Support \u2013 Research, Arrangement, and Procedure Agency Services for Transportation Between Japan and Hawaii (USA)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn the procedures and rules for importing food from overseas in this guide. Discover the basics of customs clearance and necessary documents.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":310,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"emanon_ad_label_edit":"initial","emanon_featured_entry":"","emanon_hide_featured_image":"","emanon_disabled_overlay":"","emanon_hide_title":"","emanon_hide_sidebar":"","emanon_hide_breadcrumb":"","emanon_hide_toc":"","emanon_hide_sns":"","emanon_hide_follow":"","emanon_hide_author_card":"","emanon_hide_entry_tag":"","emanon_hide_pre_nex":"","emanon_hide_related_post":"","emanon_hide_ad":"","emanon_disabled_background_color":"","emanon_hide_floating_hamburger_menu":"","emanon_hide_footer_section":"","emanon_hide_fixed_footer_menu":"","get_emanon_reviewer_name":[],"emanon_cta_id":"","emanon_cta_floating_id":"","emanon_cta_newsletter_id":"","emanon_noindex":"","emanon_nofollow":"","emanon_meta_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-import-export-support"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Beginner&#039;s Guide to Food Importing \u2013 A Thorough Explanation of Procedures and Rules - HiJapan | Japan-Hawaii Business Expansion, Global eCommerce &amp; Trade Support<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for food import info? 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