Import Notification Procedures for Korean Food Entering Japan
From quarantine-station notification and inspection to Japanese customs clearance
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Know the rules before your first shipment
Signing an order and shipping food is not enough to put Korean products on Japanese shelves. For food and related items imported for sale or business use, the Japanese importer must file a notification under Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Act with a Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare quarantine station. Early coordination between the Korean producer and the importer is essential.
1. Identify the product and importer
Snacks, beverages, sauces and fermented foods differ in their ingredients, additives and production methods. Confirm the Japanese importer responsible for the filing, the manufacturer and its facility, and intended use. Relevant requirements also cover food additives, utensils and containers or packaging. Small consignments intended for sale are not automatically exempt.
2. Prepare accurate manufacturer documentation
The importer may need details of the product, country of origin, producer, manufacturing site, ingredients, additives, process and intended use. Korean companies should provide an up-to-date ingredient formulation, process flowchart, specification sheet, relevant test reports and product photographs. Names and facts must match the actual goods and commercial paperwork.
3. Consult before shipping
Additives permitted in Korea may face different Japanese conditions. For a first shipment, the importer should consult the responsible quarantine station before dispatch. A pre-notification system can accept filings from seven days before the scheduled arrival of cargo.
4. Submit the import notification
The Japanese importer submits the notification to the quarantine station covering the port or airport of arrival, with supporting documents as required. Approved electronic filing routes are also available. Some products, including certain meat and dairy items, may require government-issued health certificates.
5. Understand document review and inspections
Food sanitation inspectors assess applicable standards, additive use, possible hazards and manufacturers’ compliance histories. They may require an inspection depending on risk. Inspection orders, guidance-based testing and monitoring inspections operate differently; not every shipment receives the same physical testing.
6. Proceed to customs after clearance of the food review
When the goods pass the applicable food-sanitation checks, the importer receives a certificate of notification. Customs import declaration, tariffs and consumption-tax procedures are separate steps, using documents such as the invoice, packing list and transport papers. Approval in one process does not remove the other obligations.
7. Retail labeling remains a separate duty
Passing the food import review does not automatically satisfy Japan’s labeling requirements. Review ingredients, allergens, storage conditions, date marking and importer information according to product category. A literal translation of the Korean label may not be sufficient.
Examples: rice snacks and traditional beverages
For rice snacks, review seasoning ingredients, additives, the manufacturing process and storage details. Traditional drinks may additionally require detailed evidence of sterilization, storage temperature and date marking. Build a product-specific documentation package.
Five questions before filing
Have you confirmed the importer? Are the formulations and process records current? Have Japanese ingredient and additive rules been checked? Are required tests or health certificates available? Have labeling drafts and the shipment schedule been agreed?
Preparation precedes successful exports
The goal is not merely to send a container overseas, but to reach consumers lawfully and build trust. Clear documentation and shared responsibility are the basis for repeat business.
Official references: Japan MHLW food import procedure · MHLW detailed import steps. Requirements depend on product classification and should be reconfirmed before trade.