Japan · Pet Food

Import Permit in Japan

A practical guide to Import Permit for pet food sold in Japan: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Pet food imports may require a permit and health certificate from the origin country; Online sellers shipping pet food into Japan

Authority

Japan national regulator

Legal basis

National pet food requirements in Japan

Local representative

A local importer or agent is required

Timeline

Before sale; registration can take weeks

Cost

Registration and testing fees vary by market

If you do not comply

Import refusal, recall, and fines

Who needs this

Pet food imports may require a permit and health certificate from the origin country
Online sellers shipping pet food into Japan

Documents you need

Import permit and health certificate
Ingredient and additive review
Manufacturing facility registration
Labelling and claims review

Compliance checklist

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

Import permit and health certificate
Ingredient and additive review
Manufacturing facility registration
Labelling and claims review

How to comply

Apply for the import permit before shipping
Check ingredient and additive eligibility
Register the facility or product
Prepare local-language labels

Brief for your lab or agent

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

Request: Import Permit — Japan
Product category: Pet Food
Authority: Japan national regulator
Legal basis: National pet food requirements in Japan

Documents we already have:
  1. Import permit and health certificate
  2. Ingredient and additive review
  3. Manufacturing facility registration
  4. Labelling and claims review

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Import Permit 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

Before sale; registration can take weeks.

Registration and testing fees vary by market.

Common rejection reasons

Shipment without a health certificate
Ingredient not approved
Label claims unsupported
Facility not registered

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.