Japan - Labeling/Marking RequirementsJapan - Labeling
Japanese law requires labels for products in many categories. Generally, labeling for most imported products is not required at the customs clearance stage, but at the point of sale. Consequently, Japanese importers commonly affix a label to an imported product after it has cleared customs. While importers are not required to affix a label to fresh foods such as grapefruit or oranges, the retailer is required to display country of origin near the product. To ensure that a given product meets all applicable requirements and is properly labeled, the U.S. exporter should work with a Japanese agent or importer.
For more information on labeling and marking requirements, please see the following web-based resources:
- Consumer Affairs Agency
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Guide to Japanese Household Goods Quality Labeling Law
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Handbook for Industrial Products Import Regulations 2009
- U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service 2015 GAIN Report on Japan’s New Health Claims Labeling System Creates Opportunities
- U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service GAIN Report on the New Food Labeling Standard
- U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service GAIN Report on Food and Agriculture Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) – Japan )