Japan · Cosmetics

Japan Cosmetics Licensing and Notification

A practical guide to Japan Cosmetics Licensing and Notification for cosmetics sold in Japan: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Cosmetics manufactured or imported for sale in Japan; Brands, importers, and manufacturing licence holders

Authority

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and prefectures

Legal basis

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act

Local representative

A Japanese marketing authorisation holder is required

Timeline

Licensing takes time; product notification is required before sale

Cost

Licence and notification costs vary by product range

If you do not comply

Sales prohibition and enforcement action

Who needs this

Cosmetics manufactured or imported for sale in Japan
Brands, importers, and manufacturing licence holders

Documents you need

Manufacturing or import licence
Product notification to the prefecture
Ingredient and safety documentation
Label with Japanese ingredient names

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Manufacturing or import licence
Product notification to the prefecture
Ingredient and safety documentation
Label with Japanese ingredient names

How to comply

Obtain the appropriate business licence
Notify each product to the prefecture
Verify ingredient restrictions
Label in Japanese according to the rules

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Japan Cosmetics Licensing and Notification — Japan
Product category: Cosmetics
Authority: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and prefectures
Legal basis: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act

Documents we already have:
  1. Manufacturing or import licence
  2. Product notification to the prefecture
  3. Ingredient and safety documentation
  4. Label with Japanese ingredient names

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Japan Cosmetics Licensing and Notification in Japan?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Licensing takes time; product notification is required before sale.

Licence and notification costs vary by product range.

Common rejection reasons

No marketing authorisation holder in Japan
Product not notified
Ingredient names not in Japanese

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.