The Directory is one of the important basis for Japanese authorities to supervise the use of ingredients, and mainly involves two lists. One includes ingredients that are considered as drugs (Drug List), the other lists ingredients not deemed drugs unless claiming medicinal efficacy (Non-drugs List). Before importing, enterprises can independently confirm whether the product contains pharmaceutical ingredients recognized by Japan through the Drug List and Non-drug List.

According to the latest revision, six ingredients have been newly added into the Directory, two of them, namely Cynanchum wilfordii and (R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid can be used as common food ingredients as long as they do not claim medicinal efficacy. Besides, the alias of one ingredient named Pseudotaxus chienii in both lists was revised.