Japan Alcoholic Beverage Regulation

1. Definition

Alcoholic beverages (酒類, shurui) are officially defined under the Liquor Tax Act as drinks with an alcohol content of 1.0 degree (1%) or higher.

2. Competent authority

3. Market access approval

When importing alcoholic beverages into Japan, the basic procedure largely follows that for general food products. However, importers should also note several alcohol-specific requirements, including obtaining the appropriate alcohol sales license, submitting a labeling-method notification, paying the liquor tax, and ensuring that compliant labels are affixed before the products are withdrawn from the bonded area.

3.1 Sales license

To sell alcoholic beverages in Japan, businesses must obtain a sales license (酒類販売業免許) issued by the NTA. The license type is classified into two categories based on the type of customers to whom the alcoholic beverages are sold.

3.2 Labeling notification

When importing alcoholic beverages into Japan, importers holding an alcohol sales license are generally required to submit a labeling-method notification to the competent tax authority, confirming that the product labeling complies with the Liquor Tax Act and relevant labeling standards prior to market distribution.

Read more: Notification on the Labeling Method for Alcoholic Beverages

4. Product compliance

4.1  Product requirements

In Japan, alcoholic beverages are regulated primarily under the Liquor Tax Act and the Food Sanitation Act. Product requirements focus on proper product classification, compliance with permitted ingredients and additives, accurate alcohol content and volume specifications, food safety considerations, and adherence to mandatory labeling standards.

Product specification:

• Liquor Tax Act

• Act on Securing of Liquor Tax and on Liquor Business Associations

• Standards for Manufacturing Process and Quality Labeling of Seishu

• Standards for Manufacturing Process and Quality Labeling of Fruit Wines, etc.

• Standards for Labeling of Geographical Indications

• Standards for Organic Labeling of Alcoholic Beverages

• Standards for Labeling to Prevent Alcohol Consumption by Persons Under 20 Years Old

Ingredient safety:

• Food Sanitation Act

• Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act

• Order for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act

• Standards and Specifications for Food and Additives

4.2 Label

Japan implements a dual-labeling system: the Food Labeling Act (general standards like name/additives) and the Act on Securing of Liquor Tax and on Liquor Business Associations (specific items like alcohol content and age warnings). The general mandatory labeling items are as follows:

• Name (Product)

• Additives

• Net content

• Name of food business operator

• Address of food business operator

• Location of manufacturing or processing facility

• Name of manufacturer or processor

• Foods containing L-Phenylalanine compounds (if appropriate)

• Information on genetically modified ingredients (if appropriate)

• Place of origin of raw materials

Additional labeling requirements specified in corresponding product standards (e.g. ingredient, applicable tax classification and Indication that the product is carbonated)

Notably, under the Standards for Labeling to Prevent Alcohol Consumption by Persons Under 20 Years Old, it is mandatory for alcoholic beverages to clearly display a warning indicating that drinking by individuals under 20 is prohibited.

* Global Food Compliance Service

We provide various market entry services to help stakeholders better understand exporting requirements, establish business and secure a competitive place to facilitate trade development.

Covered Countries

China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand etc.

Our Services

Food Ingredient Review

Label Review

Product Registration

Regulatory Consultation

Monitoring, Training and customized report

Please feel free to contact us via [email protected] if you need any help.