Importing Regulated Items

Food, beverages, kitchen utensils, and infants' toys, and other products that can be taken into people's mouth are regulated by Food Sanitation Act in Japan. 

For importing these items, it is necessary to submit a "Notification of Importation of Food, etc.”, conduct component inspections, and ensure appropriate product labeling as determined by applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, even if some ingredients are commonly used in food additives or in utensils and packaging overseas, they may not be approved for use in Japan. Non-resident importers must make thorough preparations and appoint an ACP who can handle these procedures on their behalf.

"Regarding the safety of electrical products, the importer assumes the manufacturer's responsibility for imported items. Some electrical products fall under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (PSE Law), requiring the importer to notify and apply to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and to conduct quality control and tracking management. Even non-resident importers can import PSE Law-regulated products by designating a separate importer under the PSE Law.  However, since the PSE notification and application cannot be done without a base in Japan, an ACP may fulfill this role.

Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare products are regulated under the so-called 'Pharmaceuticals Act', and specific licenses are required for handling them. Non-resident importers can import these products by designating a qualified person as an ACP, but some products also require a license for sale. Therefore, foreign companies wishing to sell directly through e-commerce need to be cautious."

Alcohol beverages cannot be imported by non-resident importers, and only licensed traders located in Japan can import them.

Import customs and quarantine are relatively simple, but requires alcohol tax in addition to regular import duty and VAT, depending on the manufacturing method and alcohol proof.  Importers will be responsible for the products, and must show their name and contact information on the labels.

It is important to note that alcohol beverages require sales license as well, which is not given to non-resident companies. Thus, sales have to be done by Japanese companies, and in many cases the importer handle all the process from import to sales on behalf of the seller.