Japan · Supplements

Japan Food Labeling and JAS Compliance

A practical guide to Japan Food Labeling and JAS Compliance for supplements sold in Japan: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Food and supplement products sold in Japan; Importers and brands responsible for labelling

Authority

Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Legal basis

Food Labelling Act; JAS Act

Local representative

The Japanese importer is responsible for the label

Timeline

Before sale; labels must stay accurate

Cost

Translation, testing, and certification costs vary

If you do not comply

Fines, recall, and sales prohibition

Who needs this

Food and supplement products sold in Japan
Importers and brands responsible for labelling

Documents you need

Japanese nutrition and ingredient label
Country of origin and importer information
JAS certification where a JAS claim is made

Compliance checklist

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

Japanese nutrition and ingredient label
Country of origin and importer information
JAS certification where a JAS claim is made

How to comply

Prepare the Japanese label with mandatory items
Substantiate any nutritional or health claims
Obtain JAS certification only if using the mark
Keep records for authority inspection

Brief for your lab or agent

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

Request: Japan Food Labeling and JAS Compliance — Japan
Product category: Supplements
Authority: Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Legal basis: Food Labelling Act; JAS Act

Documents we already have:
  1. Japanese nutrition and ingredient label
  2. Country of origin and importer information
  3. JAS certification where a JAS claim is made

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Japan Food Labeling and JAS Compliance 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; labels must stay accurate.

Translation, testing, and certification costs vary.

Common rejection reasons

Mandatory label items missing
Health claim not permitted or substantiated
JAS mark used without certification

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.