Global Food Compliance
Intelligence & Solutions

Directory Distinguishing Food and Drug Ingredients

Local Title
食薬区分における成分本質(原材料)の取扱いの例示
Country/Region
Japan
Competent Authority
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Type
Standard
Status
In force
Release Date
2026-05-28
Implementation Date
2026-05-28

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, the MHLW added new substances to Drug List and Non-drug List and introduced a new "Scientific Name" column for plant-derived ingredients in Non-drug List.

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