Japan Import Compliance Checklist & Regulatory Roadmap for Cross-Border Trade
This Regulatory Roadmap provides importers, distributors, and brand owners with a structured overview of the key legal and compliance requirements for entering the Japanese market. It covers essential regulations across high-sensitivity categories, including Mother & Baby, Educational Toys, Pet Products, and Women’s Health & Beauty (PMD Act).
The checklist includes direct references to official Japanese government sources (METI, MHLW, MAFF, Customs) to help you verify:
・mandatory product labeling and material disclosures
・category-specific safety standards (PSC/PSE, Food Sanitation Act, PL Law, PMD Act)
・customs procedures, import duties, and documentation
・required certifications, testing, and pre-import notifications
This tool helps you confirm compliance efficiently while reducing regulatory blind spots during early planning.
Disclaimer: This roadmap is for informational purposes only. Final compliance must be confirmed with the relevant Japanese authorities or certified legal professionals before any import or market entry activity.
Mother & Baby Products
| Item | Regulation / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Food Sanitation Act (FSA) | Regulates materials contacting food or infants’ mouths (bottles, nipples, teething toys). Sets limits on heavy metals and chemical migration. View FSA (English) |
| MHLW Toy Specifications under FSA | Testing methods and chemical limits for “designated toys” intended for oral use by children under 6. Toy Specifications (PDF) |
| Consumer Product Safety Act (PSC) | Designated childcare products (cribs, baby walkers, etc.) require PSC certification and PSC mark before sale. PSC Act (English) |
| Household Goods Quality Labeling Act | Japanese labeling for textile/plastic baby goods (composition and care instructions in Japanese). Labeling Act |
| Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE) | Electric baby products (bottle warmers, sterilizers) must comply and bear the PSE mark. METI PSE Overview |
| Food Labeling Act | Nutritional, allergen, and origin labeling for baby foods and formula in Japan. Food Labeling Act (English) |
| SG Mark (Voluntary) | Safety mark by Japan Product Safety Association; widely used for strollers/carriers. SG Mark Official |
| Product Liability Act | Importers are strictly liable as manufacturers for damages or injuries caused by defective products. Product Liability Act |
| Japan Customs Import Procedure | Customs may require evidence of compliance (FSA, PSC, PSE) at clearance for childcare goods. Japan Customs Import Guide |
Educational Toys
| Item | Regulation / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Consumer Product Safety Act (PSC) | Designated toys must pass safety testing and bear the PSC mark prior to import/sale (e.g., certain magnetic/chemical/expanding toys). METI PSC Update |
| Japan Toy Association ST Standard | Voluntary industry standard covering mechanical, flammability, and chemical safety; widely accepted by retailers. ST Standard (PDF) |
| Food Sanitation Act (Toys) | Chemical migration limits for mouthed toys enforced by MHLW. Toy Chemical Test (PDF) |
| Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE) | Battery-powered or plug-in educational toys require conformity and PSE marking. PSE (English) |
| Radio Act / GITEKI | Wireless/Bluetooth toys must use approved radio modules and display the GITEKI mark. Radio Act (English) |
| Telecommunications Business Act | Connected/smart toys with network functions must comply with terminal equipment rules. Telecom Act |
| Act against Unjustifiable Premiums & Misleading Representations | Prohibits exaggerated claims of educational or safety performance; applies to importer advertising. Representation Act |
| Product Liability Act | Importers liable for injuries due to defective educational toys. Product Liability Act |
Pet Products
| Item | Regulation / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pet Food Safety Act (MAFF) | Controls manufacture, import, and labeling of pet food; importer registration and Japanese labels required. MAFF Pet Food Safety |
| Non-food Pet Goods (toys/apparel) | Generally under Household Goods Quality Labeling Act; if likely to be mouthed, may also check against FSA. No MAFF registration for non-food items. |
| Act on Welfare and Management of Animals | Humane handling standards for breeding, retail, exhibition, and transport of live animals. Animal Welfare Act |
| Animal Quarantine Regulations | Advance notice, health certificates, inspection; rabies vaccination/waiting period for non-designated regions (dogs/cats). MAFF Quarantine Guide |
| MHLW Import Notification for Animals | Prior notification and certification for animals posing zoonotic risks before customs clearance. MHLW Import Notice |
| Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE) | Electric pet products (feeders, dryers, heaters) require PSE conformity and marking. PSE Overview |
| Product Liability Act | Importers liable for damage or injury from defective pet products. Product Liability Act |
Women’s Products
| Item | Regulation / Explanation |
|---|---|
| PMD Act (Cosmetics, Quasi-drugs, Devices) | Requires a Japanese MAH and, where applicable, foreign manufacturer accreditation; applies GQP/GVP/QMS obligations by class. PMD Act (English) |
| Standards for Cosmetics | Defines banned/restricted ingredients and labeling requirements; non-compliance can trigger recalls/suspensions. MHLW Cosmetic Standards (PDF) |
| Sanitary Napkin Standards | Sanitary napkins as controlled medical devices; material safety, absorbency, pH, labeling (Class II, third-party certification regime). Sanitary Standards (PDF) |
| Act against Unjustifiable Premiums & Misleading Representations | Prohibits false/exaggerated efficacy or safety claims; enforced by CAA for cosmetics/quasi-drugs/devices advertising. Representation Act |
| Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE) | Beauty/personal-care devices (hair dryers, facial massagers) must comply and bear PSE mark. PSE Overview |
| Household Goods Quality Labeling Act | Textile labeling (fiber content, care) for non-medical reusable pads/underwear in Japan. Labeling Act |
| Product Liability Act | Strict liability for harm caused by defective beauty or feminine hygiene products. Product Liability Act |
Disclaimer: This database is for general informational purposes only. English materials are unofficial; where discrepancies exist, the original Japanese texts govern. Confirm current requirements with competent authorities (METI, MHLW, MAFF, CAA, Customs) before importing or distributing products in Japan.