Export primer on Japan's import regulations.
For U.S. exporters of precooked frozen foods, microwaveable foods and other food products to Japan, a guide to understanding the many Japanese import regulations is listed below.
Japan's Agricultural Standard Mark
The Japan Agricultural Standard mark, the "JAS" mark, has been developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to guarantee that the quality of processed food products meets certain standards.
This mark carries great weight with Japanese consumers. Virtually all consumers are aware of the JAS mark and they feel comfortable with the level of safety and quality of JAS products. Once a product is certified as meeting JAS criteria, the mark can be displayed on the product's package for the benefit of consumers.
For microwaveable foods, there may or may not be relevant standards, depending on the product. Certain standards cover prepared frozen foods, retort pouch foods, noodles and processed meat products such as hamburgers. Participation in the JAS program is not mandatory by law, so Japanese producers volunteer to have their products inspected for JAS approval.
Imported food products also can take advantage of the JAS system, thus gaining additional consumer acceptance, Under the system, imported processed products are inspected by an outside party authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture. Products certified as meeting the required criteria can display the JAS mark.
Interested U.S. food exporters can get information regarding the JAS mark from U.S. offices of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), listed on the next page, or from these offices in Japan: Standard Information Service
JETRO Headquarters
2-5, Toranomon 2-chome
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105
Tel. (03) 3582-5511
Fax. (03) 3582-0504 Japan Agricultural Standards Association
c/o Akiyama Building
2-3-22 Toranomon
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105
Tel. (03) 3501-4501
JETRO is often a good source of information on the Japanese market, but U.S. exporters should keep in mind that it is an agency of the Japanese government and its original function was to promote Japanese exports.
However, its focus is shifting toward helping other countries expand their exports to Japan. The JETRO offices should be able to provide you with a useful publication in English, entitled "Guide Book of Japanese Agricultural Standards for Foreign Business."
