Japan Dairy Regulation

1. Definition

According to the Ministerial Ordinance Concerning Compositional Standards, Etc. for Dairy and Dairy Products, "dairy" and "dairy products" are defined as follows:

Dairy: raw milk, cow's milk, special cow's milk, raw goat milk, sterilized goat milk, raw sheep milk, raw buffalo milk composition-adjusted milk, low-fat milk, fat-free milk, processed milk

Dairy products: light cream, butter, butter oil, cheese, condensed whey, ice creams, concentrated milk, concentrated skim milk, sugar-free condensed milk, sugar-free condensed skimmed milk, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed skimmed milk, whole milk powder, cream powder, whey powder, concentrated whey protein powder, buttermilk powder, sweetened milk powder, modified milk powder, modified liquid milk, fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria beverage(limited to those containing 3.0% or more non-fat milk solids) and milk beverage.

2. Competent authority

3. Market access approval

3.1 Essential prerequisite for import

Only dairy products that meet the standards specified in the Ministerial Ordinance Concerning Compositional Standards, Etc. for Milk and Milk Products are eligible for export to Japan.

3.2 Import inspection

Dairy products imported into Japan must undergo inspection by the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at ports or airports designated by the MAFF.

• Application for import inspection to AQS: an inspection certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is required.

• Import inspection: at AQS or location designated by AQS.

• Issuing an import quarantine certificate

• Customs clearance

3.3 Inspection certificate

The following dairy and dairy products must be accompanied by sanitary certificates issued by the exporting countries/regions:

Dairy: Raw milk, cow's milk, special cow's milk, raw goat milk, sterilized goat milk, raw sheep milk, raw buffalo milk, composition-adjusted milk, low-fat milk, fat-free milk, processed milk

Dairy products: Light cream, butter, cheese (excluding processed cheese), condensed whey, concentrated milk, concentrated skim milk, sugar-free condensed milk, sugar-free condensed skimmed milk, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed skimmed milk, whole milk powder, cream powder, whey powder, concentrated whey protein powder, buttermilk powder, sweetened milk powder, fermented milk.

4. Product Compliance

4.1 Product requirements

 4.2 Label

Dairy products in Japan must adhere to the labeling requirements outlined in the Food Labeling Standards. The label should include the following information in Japanese:

• Product name

• Ingredient/additive name

• Allergen information

• Net weight

• Shelf life

• Storage method

• Country of origin

• Nutrition facts

• The location and name of the dairy processing plant

Additionally, each type of dairy product must meet specific labeling requirements, such as:

• Drinking milk must indicate sterilization information.

• Low-fat milk must label the weight percentage of milk fat present.

4.3 Recycling

Glass bottles, PET bottles, paper containers, plastic containers, steel cans, aluminum cans, etc. are required to have identification marks for promoting separate collection. Specific businesses, including importers, are obliged to recycle container waste.

* 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 food@chemlinked.com if you need any help.