Every packaged food and drink product sold in Japan needs a label in Japanese that meets local rules. The good news is that you usually do not need to redesign your packaging. The details still matter, because a labelling mistake can stop a product being sold.
This guide is a general overview. Rules change and vary by product, so always confirm the current requirements with your importer.
The rules behind the label
Food labelling in Japan is governed mainly by the Food Labeling Act, which is administered by the Consumer Affairs Agency. Alcoholic drinks have additional requirements under liquor tax rules. Your Japanese importer is responsible for the label on products they import, so they will work through the requirements with you.
What a Japanese label usually includes
- the product name;
- ingredients, listed in order of weight;
- additives, shown separately from other ingredients;
- allergens;
- net contents;
- a best-before date, or a use-by date for products that spoil quickly;
- storage instructions;
- the country of origin;
- the name and address of the importer in Japan;
- a nutrition panel for most packaged foods, covering energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate and sodium, shown as salt equivalent.
Allergens are different from Australia
Japan has its own list of allergens that must be labelled, and a further list that is strongly recommended. Some items on the Japanese lists, such as buckwheat, are not common allergen concerns in Australia. Check every ingredient against the current Japanese lists, including anything used in processing or present in your facility.
Additives and ingredients
Before any label is designed, every ingredient and additive must be permitted in Japan. Some colours, preservatives and other additives allowed in Australia are not permitted there, or are permitted only at lower levels. This is one of the most common reasons products need to be adjusted for Japan, so check it early.
Health and nutrition claims
Japan restricts health claims on food. Claims about health benefits are generally only allowed for products registered under specific Japanese systems. Claims that are common on Australian packaging, particularly for supplements and functional foods, may not be allowed. Talk to your importer before using any health claim in Japan.
Who applies the label
Most Australian exporters keep their English packaging, and the importer applies a Japanese sticker label after the goods arrive or before they are shipped. This is common and accepted. To make it smooth:
- leave a clear space on your packaging where a Japanese label can go without covering key information;
- give your importer complete, accurate product information early;
- tell your importer before you change any ingredient, supplier or recipe, as the label may need to change too.
Dates and formats
Japanese labels show dates in year, month, day order. Make sure your own date coding is clear and consistent, so your importer can translate it correctly. Products need enough remaining shelf life when they arrive in Japan, so plan production and shipping around that.
Getting it right the first time
Labelling is a shared job between you and your importer. The more complete your product information, the faster your product can go on sale. Our step-by-step guide to exporting food to Japan shows where labelling fits in the wider process, and our Japan Export Readiness Checklist helps you prepare.