Importing Indonesian Food Products into Japan: An Importer's Guide

Japan is a demanding but loyal market: once a product clears the import system and meets Japanese quality expectations, repeat orders tend to follow. The system itself is built around a notification filed for every shipment. This guide covers what a Japanese importer needs before ordering raw crackers, vegetarian noodles, or spice powder from Indonesia.

1. File a Food Import Notification for Every Shipment

Under Article 27 of Japan's Food Sanitation Act, anyone importing food for sale or business use must submit a Notification Form for Importation of Foods to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) quarantine station at the port of entry, on each occasion. The notifier must have an address in Japan, so the importer of record is always the Japanese side. The quarantine station reviews the documents and may order an inspection before the goods are released.

The notification records the ingredients, additives, and manufacturing method, so ask your supplier for a full product specification and process description before the first order.

2. Additives Follow a Positive List

Japan only allows food additives that are on its positive list, with its own use limits. An additive that is legal in Indonesia or elsewhere may still not be allowed in Japan. For agricultural chemicals without a set limit, Japan applies a uniform limit of 0.01 ppm, which makes pesticide residue testing especially important for spice powders.

3. Japanese Labelling

Prepackaged food sold in Japan must carry a Japanese-language label that complies with the Food Labeling Act, including ingredients, additives, allergens, best-before date, and the importer's details. Prawn crackers must declare shrimp, which is a mandatory allergen in Japan. Most importers apply a Japanese label after arrival; for private-label orders it can be printed at source.

4. Preferential Duty under IJEPA or RCEP

Japan and Indonesia trade under the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA), and both are members of RCEP. Qualifying goods can claim preferential duty with the matching Certificate of Origin issued in Indonesia. Your customs broker can tell you which agreement gives the better rate for your HS code.

Pre-Order Checklist

• Japanese importer of record ready to file the Article 27 notification
• Full ingredient list and process description received from the supplier
• Additives checked against Japan's positive list; pesticide residue CoA for spices
• Japanese label prepared, with shrimp declared on prawn crackers
• IJEPA or RCEP Certificate of Origin requested
• Price agreed FOB Belawan, with your forwarder booked from Belawan

PT Arisyafood Global Niaga exports raw crackers, vegetarian food, and spice powders to importers outside Indonesia, quoting FOB Belawan. See our raw crackers and vegetarian range, or send an export inquiry for full specifications.