Imported Food Notification
Interlink編集部What is the Imported Food Notification?
The Imported Food Notification is a filing procedure submitted to the quarantine station under the Food Sanitation Act when importing food, food additives, utensils, container packaging, infant toys, and similar items for the purpose of sale or business use. It is generally also called the "Food Import Notification."
This notification is a procedure whereby the importer declares to the quarantine station details such as the contents of the cargo, raw materials, additives, manufacturing method, usage, and materials before selling or using the imported food domestically in Japan. Based on the notification information, the quarantine station conducts a review and may request additional documentation or inspections as necessary.
In actual logistics practice, customs clearance procedures cannot proceed assuming compliance with the Food Sanitation Act without the issuance of the Food Import Notification Certificate. Therefore, the imported food notification is one of the important legal procedures related to imports that should be checked before customs declaration.
Scope Covered in This Article
The imported food notification spans multiple practical fields including the Food Sanitation Act, quarantine station reviews, import inspections, the food import notification form, FAINS, and customs procedures. This article addresses the overall system that importers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders should understand prior to customs clearance, leaving detailed coverage of individual systems to companion articles.
| Item | Content Covered in This Article | Content Covered in Other Articles |
|---|---|---|
| Basics of Imported Food Notification | Explanation of the notification system required when importing food and related items for sale or business use. | The overall concept of the Food Sanitation Act is covered in detail in the "Food Sanitation Act" article. |
| Items Subject to Notification | Organization of potential items subject to notification including food, additives, utensils, container packaging, and infant toys. | Material confirmation for utensils and container packaging is covered in "Utensils and Container Packaging," and details on infant toys are handled in a separate article. |
| Role of the Notification Form | Explanation of the information to be entered in the food import notification form and the impact of the notification certificate on customs clearance. | Detailed instructions for filling each section are covered in the "Food Import Notification Form" article. |
| Relations with the Quarantine Station | Explanation of how the quarantine station accepts notifications and how food sanitation inspectors review and determine the need for inspections. | Details about quarantine station jurisdiction, contact points, and use of prior consultations are handled in the "Quarantine Station" article. |
| Difference from Imported Food Inspection | Clarification that the notification is a procedure submitted by the importer, and inspections are subsequent confirmations conducted as needed. | Inspection orders, monitoring inspections, and guidance inspections are covered in detail in the "Imported Food Inspection" article. |
| Practical Handling by Forwarders and Customs Brokers | Explanation of checking notification requirements, document management, and timing management of the notification certificate. | Details of importer responsibilities, the PMD Act, plant quarantine, animal quarantine, and other legal requirements are addressed in their respective system articles. |
Purpose and Background of the System
The purpose of the imported food notification system is to perform a Food Sanitation Act compliance check at the import stage for foods and related items intended for sale or business use within Japan. This system confirms raw materials, additives, manufacturing methods, producers, usage, and materials before domestic distribution and leads to inspections or submission of additional documentation as necessary.
Imported foods may be produced based on overseas standards, manufacturing methods, additive use regulations, hygiene management, and labeling practices. Even if they are sold overseas, imported foods may not automatically meet Japan’s Food Sanitation Act requirements. Importers need to obtain the necessary information from exporters or manufacturers and be prepared to explain these in Japan.
An important point of this system is that submitting the notification form itself is not the end goal. The notification form serves as the initial step for the quarantine station to assess compliance with the Food Sanitation Act and whether inspections are needed. If the notification details are insufficient, additional documents, inspections, or inquiries may be required, potentially affecting customs clearance or delivery schedules.
Situations Where the System Applies
The imported food notification is necessary when importing food and related items for sale or business use. This can include not only foods sold by the company itself but also food ingredients used in restaurants, raw materials for food production, utensils and cooking tools for sale, and food packaging materials.
| Scenario | Common Types of Cargo | Main Items Confirmed by Filing | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import of Food for Sale | Confectionery, beverages, seasonings, frozen foods, processed foods | Ingredients, additives, manufacturing process, manufacturer, country of origin | It is necessary to check not only product names but also ingredient lists and manufacturing process documentation. |
| Import of Food Ingredients for Restaurants or Food Factories | Raw materials, semi-finished products, frozen ingredients, cooking materials | Whether used for business purposes, storage conditions, processing state, additives | Even if used in-house, if applied for business purposes, it may be subject to filing. |
| Import of Food Additives | Flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, colorants, manufacturing additives | Whether additives are permitted for use in Japan and if they meet usage standards | Additives accepted overseas are not necessarily allowed for use in Japan. |
| Import of Food Utensils and Packaging Materials | Tableware, cooking utensils, food storage containers, food packaging films | Usage for food contact, food contact surfaces, material, test reports | Even if imported under general merchandise names, items intended for food contact may require confirmation. |
| Import of Toys for Infants and Toddlers | Toys for infants, toys that may come into contact with the mouth | Target age, application, material, paint coating, plasticizers, test data | The treatment under the Food Sanitation Law may differ between general toys and infant toys. |
| Import of Samples for Exhibitions and Promotions | Food samples, foods for distribution, novelty containers, sales samples | Whether intended for sale, distribution, or business use | Even small quantities require attention if intended for sale or distribution to unspecified persons. |
Application Requirements and Common Exclusions
The necessity of filing is not determined solely by the import quantity or mode of transportation. The important considerations are whether the item falls under the Food Sanitation Law and if it is intended for sale or business use. Even when shipped by postal service or courier, if intended for sale or business use, it may be subject to filing.
| Category | Considered Likely Subject to Filing | Considered Likely Excluded | Documents / Information to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import Purpose | Imports intended for sale, business use, or distribution to general public | Imports for personal consumption with no plan for sale or business use | Sales plan, usage purpose, distribution plan, importer explanations |
| Type of Cargo | Food, additives, utensils, packaging materials, infant toys | General cargo not subject to Food Sanitation Law | Product descriptions, usage explanations, catalogs, photos |
| Sample Items | Items possibly sold, distributed, tasted, or used for business after exhibition | Items only for internal review or ingredient checking with no sales or distribution planned | Sample purpose, quantity, distribution plan, sales plan |
| Food Contact Materials | Utensils or packaging materials directly or indirectly contacting food | Decorative items not contacting food, transport packaging, general storage items | Food contact surfaces, material specifications, usage instructions, sales pages |
| Transport Mode | May apply to sales-use cargo regardless of sea freight, air freight, international mail, or courier | Filing necessity should not be judged solely by transport mode | Transport method, import purpose, presence or absence of sale/business use |
| Change of Use | Items initially for internal use but possibly repurposed for sale or distribution later | Items limited to personal use or internal testing at import, not circulated | Potential for change of use, internal management methods, sales plans |
Comparison with Other Systems
Import food filing is often confused with import food inspection and customs declaration. The filing is a Food Sanitation Law notification made by the importer to the quarantine office, while inspection is a verification based on the filing details and risk assessment. Customs declaration is a separate procedure related to tariffs, consumption tax, and import clearance.
| System / Procedure | Main Purpose | Responsible Agency | Relation to Imported Food Notification | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imported Food Notification | Notify the quarantine station of the contents of food, etc. | Quarantine Station | This is the procedure to initiate confirmation under the Food Sanitation Act. | The timing of issuance of the Notification Receipt affects customs clearance and cargo release. |
| Imported Food Inspection | Inspect the safety of food, etc. as needed | Quarantine Station, Registered Testing Agencies, etc. | After notification, it could lead to inspection orders, monitoring inspections, or guidance inspections. | If the cargo is selected for inspection, delivery deadlines and storage costs may be affected. |
| Food Import Notification Form | Document detailing the contents of notification | Importer, Proxy Submitter, Quarantine Station | This is the central document for the notification procedure. | Accurate description of raw materials, additives, manufacturing process, usage, and materials is important. |
| Customs Import Declaration | Grant import permission, confirm tariffs, consumption tax, and other legal requirements | Customs | For cargo subject to the Food Sanitation Act, the Notification Receipt is related to confirming other legal requirements. | The sequence of quarantine and customs procedures must be managed. |
| Plant and Animal Quarantine | Prevent entry of pests and animal infectious diseases | Plant Quarantine Station, Animal Quarantine Station | For plant-derived and animal-derived foods, there may be overlap with the Food Sanitation Act. | Export certificates or quarantine certificates may be required. |
| Pharmaceutical Affairs Law Confirmation | Confirm classification regarding pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, etc. | Relevant Government Agencies, Importers | Health foods and supplements may raise issues about whether they are foods or pharmaceutical-like products. | Depending on efficacy claims or ingredients, confirmation beyond the Food Sanitation Act may be needed. |
Notification Obligors and Proxy Submission
The party responsible for importing food notification is, in principle, the importer. Even if customs brokers or freight forwarders assist in preparing or submitting the notification, the importer remains responsible for importing food products compliant with the Food Sanitation Act.
Even when submission is done by proxy, the importer needs to obtain and verify information such as raw materials, additives, manufacturing processes, usage, and materials from exporters or manufacturers. Customs brokers or freight forwarders are not in a position to judge acceptability based on product name alone.
In practice, what is important is not just who submits the documents but who holds responsibility for the accuracy of the content. The importer is the notification obligor, and customs brokers or freight forwarders are positioned as assistants in the procedure.
Notification Methods and FAINS
Food import notification can be made either at the quarantine station counter or, commonly in current logistics practice, electronically via FAINS, the food import surveillance support system. Using FAINS enables electronic creation, transmission, and review confirmation of notification documents.
Using FAINS requires prior registration and necessary configurations. For businesses importing food products continuously, it is better suited to organize internal procedures assuming electronic notification rather than paper-based submission.
However, even with electronic notification, insufficient information will prevent processing. For first-time imports or unfamiliar cargo, it is vital to confirm that necessary documents such as ingredient lists, production process charts, material certificates, and test reports are complete before data entry into FAINS.
System Application Flow
If confirmation starts only after cargo arrival for imported food notification, customs clearance and delivery can be delayed. It is important to manage from pre-shipment: confirming whether notification applies, gathering documents, preparing the notification form, quarantine station review, obtaining the Notification Receipt, and customs declaration.
| Step | Check Items | Judgment Approach | Next Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility Check | Whether it qualifies as food, and if for sales or business purposes | Confirm if it is food, additives, tools, containers/packaging, or infant toys. | Confirm usage and sales plans with the importer. |
| 2. Document Collection | Raw materials, additives, production process, materials, manufacturer info | Product name alone is insufficient; detailed documents are required. | Obtain documents from the exporter or manufacturer. |
| 3. Preliminary Confirmation | Need for notification, inspection necessity, presence of missing documents | Consider consulting the quarantine station for first-time imports or uncertain items. | Conduct preliminary consultation if needed. |
| 4. Prepare Notification Form | Contents of the Food Import Notification Form | Accurately record product name, quantity, manufacturer, raw materials, usage, etc. | Prepare for submission via FAINS or counter. |
| 5. Quarantine Review | Review of notification contents by food sanitation inspectors | If unclear points arise, additional documents or inspections may be requested. | Respond to inquiries and submit any additional documents. |
| 6. Obtain Notification Receipt | Issuance of Food Import Notification Receipt | Indicates that the Food Sanitation Act notification process can proceed. | Reflect this on customs declaration, cargo release, and delivery schedules. |
Role of the Food Import Notification Receipt
The Food Import Notification Receipt is an important document that indicates the quarantine station's review is complete and the import procedure under the Food Sanitation Act can proceed. It serves as the document for confirming other legal compliance during customs import declaration.
For cargo subject to the Food Sanitation Act, regular import clearance cannot proceed without this Notification Receipt. After the quarantine station issues the Notification Receipt, the information must be reflected in customs clearance procedures.
For customs brokers and freight forwarders, the timing of issuing the Import Notification Certificate is a critical management point when scheduling import declarations, cargo removal, domestic delivery, and planned deliveries. For refrigerated/frozen foods or cargo with a fixed sales start date, delays in the certificate directly impact delivery deadlines.
Main Information to Include in the Notification Form
For the Food Import Notification Form, simply stating the product name is insufficient. To allow quarantine authorities to judge conformity with the Food Sanitation Act, it is necessary to specifically report the cargo contents, manufacturer, manufacturing method, raw materials, additives, intended use, and other details.
| Items to Record / Confirm | Details to Confirm | Common Missing Information | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name, Quantity, Weight | Name, quantity, weight, packaging unit of the imported products | Product names listed only as sales names instead of generic names | Organize product names so quarantine authorities can understand the contents. |
| Country of Origin, Manufacturer | Country of production, manufacturer name, manufacturing facility name, address | Only exporter information provided without manufacturer details | Confirm not to confuse manufacturer with exporter. |
| Raw Materials, Additives | Ingredients, additives, composition, intended use | Details of additive names, extracts, premixed ingredients missing | Whether usage is permitted in Japan and complies with usage standards is a key issue. |
| Manufacturing / Processing Methods | Processes such as heating, drying, fermentation, extraction, concentration, sterilization, freezing | Process descriptions too simplified to understand processing details | Obtain manufacturing process sheets and be able to explain processes in sequence. |
| Purpose | For sale, business use, raw material, testing, sample, etc. | Unclear whether there are plans for sale or distribution | Clarify import purpose, as it relates to notification requirements. |
| Material of Utensils / Containers / Packaging | Food contact surfaces, materials such as resin, metal, glass, paper, rubber | Unable to identify materials touching the food | Confirm food contact surfaces via drawings or material certificates. |
Common Challenges with Manufacturing and Processing Methods
For processed foods, it is sometimes required to confirm which raw materials were processed how, at what stage additives were used, and the final product’s condition. Ingredient lists alone may be insufficient for confirmation under the Food Sanitation Act.
For example, if there are processes such as heating, drying, fermentation, extraction, concentration, powdering, freezing, or sterilization, the content of the manufacturing process sheet becomes important. If the processes are unclear, details regarding additives used, standard criteria, and hygiene checks cannot be confirmed, leading quarantine authorities to request additional explanations.
With health foods, supplements, beverages, confectionery, or seasonings, ingredient names alone may not clarify contents. Where extracts, mixtures, premixed raw materials, flavorings, enzyme-treated items, etc. are included, obtaining detailed component and manufacturing information may be necessary.
Key Points for Notification of Utensils, Containers, Packaging, and Toys
The Food Import Notification applies not only to the food itself but potentially to utensils, containers, packaging, and infant toys that come into contact with food. In such cases, the focus is not on the food ingredients but on material composition, intended use, and whether food contact occurs.
For tableware, cooking utensils, storage containers, food packaging materials, it is necessary to confirm the material in contact with the food. Standards to be confirmed vary by material type: plastic, rubber, metal, glass, ceramics, paper, etc.
For infant toys, matters to confirm include target age, purpose, possibility of mouth contact, and materials. Even if imported as general goods, depending on the intended use, they may become subject to notification under the Food Sanitation Act.
Common Misunderstandings
In Food Import Notifications, misunderstandings often arise regarding notification scope, import purpose, differences with inspections, and responsibility in proxy submissions. Especially for non-food cargo or small quantity shipments, delayed decisions on whether notification is required can cause issues.
| Common Misunderstanding | Actual Understanding | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Only food items require notification | Food additives, utensils, packaging, and infant toys can also be subject. | Confirm intended uses for tableware, packaging, cooking utensils, and infant products. |
| Small quantities or samples always do not require notification | If intended for sale or business use, even small quantities may require notification. | Confirm any plans for sale, distribution, sampling, or business use. |
| If customs brokers submit on your behalf, importer responsibility ends | Even with proxy submission, responsibility to import foods conforming to the Food Sanitation Act rests with the importer. | Importers must verify raw materials, additives, manufacturing processes, and uses. |
| Notification and inspection are the same | Notification is a procedure submitted by the importer; inspection is a post-notification check carried out as needed. | Submitting a notification does not always trigger inspection; no inspection does not guarantee safety. |
| If a food item is sold overseas, it can be imported into Japan | Compliance with Japan’s additive standards, criteria, inspection orders, and Pharmaceutical Affairs Law must be confirmed separately. | Do not rely solely on overseas standards or English-language catalogs. |
| Sending via FAINS completes the notification | After electronic submission, quarantine review, requests for additional documents, and inspection need decisions. | Do not finalize customs clearance or delivery schedules until the Import Notification Certificate is issued. |
Cases Commonly Causing Issues in Practice
Issues that commonly arise with import food notifications are not limited to the safety of the cargo itself. Procedures can also be delayed due to deficiencies in the documentation, such as missing information that should be included on the notification form, discrepancies between documents, or unclear indications of usage or material.
| Case | Common Issues | Documents to Confirm | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processed food on first import | Missing ingredient list, additives, manufacturing process chart | Ingredient list, composition table, manufacturing process chart, manufacturer information | Obtain documentation prior to shipment and verify that contents meet quarantine office’s standards. |
| Health foods & supplements | Whether it is a food or a pharmaceutical-like product; problems often arise from ingredients and efficacy claims | Composition table, formulation amounts, sales page, purpose explanations | Verification may be necessary not only under the Food Sanitation Act, but also the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, among others. |
| Processed foods containing food additives | Unclear additive names, use purposes, quantities, and approval for use in Japan | Additive lists, formulation tables, specifications, manufacturing process charts | Additives common overseas may not necessarily be approved for use in Japan. |
| Food packaging materials and tableware | Since they are not food, the need for notification may be overlooked | Material certificates, food contact surface documents, test reports, product catalogs | Confirm whether the product is intended to come into contact with food. |
| Courier import of sales samples | Often mistaken as not needing notification due to small quantities | Import purpose, planned distribution, planned sales, product documentation | Do not judge solely by transport type or quantity; confirm whether it will be used for sales or business purposes. |
| Cargo with insufficient manufacturer information | Exporter name is known, but actual manufacturer or manufacturing site is unknown | Manufacturer name, manufacturing site address, manufacturer certification, specifications | Distinguish and verify exporter and manufacturer separately. |
Four-Column Verification Checklist
For import food notifications, it is important to separately manage the parties to be checked and the items to be verified. When responsibilities and information become unclear among importers, exporters, manufacturers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders, notification deficiencies and customs clearance delays can occur.
| Verification Phase | Party to Confirm With | Items to Confirm | Actions When Problems Arise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quotation / Inquiry | Shipper / Importer | Whether it falls under food or similar products; whether for sales or business purposes | If notification may be required, allocate extra time for necessary documents and customs schedule. |
| Before Shipment | Exporter / Manufacturer | Ingredient list, additives, manufacturing process chart, material certificates, test reports | If documents are insufficient, consider shipment delay or preliminary consultations. |
| When Preparing Notification Form | Customs Broker / Importer | Notification form product names, quantities, origin, manufacturer, purpose, materials | Verify consistency with invoice, catalog, and composition tables. |
| Quarantine Office Review | Quarantine Office / Food Sanitation Inspectors | Additional documents, testing requirements, unclear points in notification | Share inquiries with importer and re-obtain documents from exporter/manufacturer. |
| Notification Receipt Issuance | Customs Broker / Freight Forwarder | Issuance status of notification receipt, reflection to customs declaration | Update import declaration, cargo release, delivery, and scheduled delivery. |
| During Inspection / Non-compliance | Importer / Quarantine Office / Customs Broker | Inspection results, non-compliance details, necessity of cargo return, disposal or use change | Review cost responsibility, delivery destination adjustments, and sales plans. |
Comparison Table of Freight Forwarder Involvement Scope
Freight forwarders and customs brokers can provide important support to facilitate smooth processing of import food notifications. However, they are not in a position to definitively determine compliance with the Food Sanitation Act, allowable use of additives, testing requirements, or ultimate import eligibility.
| Category | Support Areas | Matters Not to Decide Definitively | Practical Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirming Notification Requirements | Confirm with the shipper if the cargo might fall under food or similar products | Deciding independently that notification is not required | If it is difficult to judge, connect to customs brokers or quarantine office for checks. |
| Document Guidance | Guide on the necessity of ingredient lists, manufacturing process charts, material certificates, etc. | Guaranteeing that import will always be possible if documentation is available | Explain that documentation is a prerequisite for examination and should be distinguished from compliance judgment. |
| Schedule Management | Reflect expected receipt of notification approval certificate into customs and delivery schedules | Promising guaranteed release on the same schedule as normal cargo | Set delivery times with allowances, especially for first imports or inspected cargo. |
| FAINS / Notification Procedures | Coordinate with customs brokers to manage notification submission status | Fully guaranteeing legal compliance of entered details | Importer should verify content; agent submitting should clearly take on a facilitative role. |
| Handling Additional Documentation | Communicate quarantine office inquiries to importer and encourage obtaining exporter documents | Unilaterally assuming overseas manufacturer’s documents are adequate | Share risks of delays early when documents are incomplete. |
| Coordination with Other Laws | Alert about intersections with plant quarantine, animal quarantine, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, customs procedures | Comprehensively guaranteeing all other regulatory compliance | Refer as necessary to specialized agencies, administrative offices, or importer judgments. |
Typical Situations Where the System Causes Issues
A typical situation where import food notification becomes an issue is when the obligation to notify is not confirmed before shipment. If insufficient documentation or the need for inspection becomes apparent after cargo arrival, it will impact customs clearance, storage, delivery, and the start of sales.
| Typical Situation | Common Issues | Parties & Documents to Confirm | Practical Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judging as food based on product name alone | Cannot proceed with review due to lack of information on raw materials, additives, and manufacturing process | Manufacturer, ingredient list, manufacturing process chart, specification sheet | Obtain documentation explaining the contents as food, not just the sales name. |
| Importing supplements as food | Pharmaceutical ingredients or efficacy claims may cause problems | Ingredient list, dosage, sales page, advertising expressions | Check not only the Food Sanitation Act but also consider Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act compliance. |
| Handling utensils, containers, and packaging as general goods | If food contact use is identified, notification documents may be insufficient | Product catalogs, usage instructions, material certificates, test results | Confirm early whether the items are intended for food contact use. |
| Importing sales samples by courier | Notification checks may be omitted assuming small import quantity | Import purpose, planned sales/distribution, product information | Confirm based on sales or promotional use, not quantity or mode of transport. |
| Manufacturing process chart is too simplified | Cannot judge processes such as heating, sterilization, extraction, or mixing | Detailed manufacturing process chart, manufacturer explanations, specification sheet | Organize process information before quarantine authorities request additional explanation. |
| Fixing delivery schedule before certificate of notification is issued | Additional documents or inspections delay cargo release and cause delivery delay | Notification status, inspection requirements, expected date of certificate issuance | Manage certificate acquisition as a prerequisite for customs clearance and delivery scheduling. |
Application Scenario 1: First-Time Import of Sweets from an Overseas Manufacturer
When importing sweets from an overseas manufacturer for the first time, the importer must submit a food import notification as a selling food product. The invoice only listing product name and quantity is insufficient for quarantine authorities to judge compliance with the Food Sanitation Act.
In this case, confirmation is required of the ingredient list, additive list, manufacturing process chart, manufacturer information, storage method, and packaging type. Especially if colorants, sweeteners, preservatives, or flavorings are included, it is important to verify whether these additives are permitted in Japan and conform to usage standards.
Freight forwarders and customs brokers should confirm whether the item is subject to food import notification at the quotation and booking stage, not waiting until after shipment, and reflect the time needed to acquire the certificate into customs clearance and delivery schedules.
Application Scenario 2: Importing Food Packaging Film as General Goods
Food packaging films and storage bags sometimes appear on invoices as general goods or plastic products. However, if intended to wrap, preserve, or package food for sale, they could be subject to the food import notification as utensils, containers, and packaging.
In this case, the focus of confirmation is not food ingredients but the materials contacting the food surface — synthetic resins, additives, coatings, printed surfaces, adhesives, multilayer structures. Even if the film looks simple, if the material of the food-contact layers is unclear, it is impossible to confirm compliance with standards or the positive list.
Even if the cargo owner describes the item as "general goods," care is needed if sales pages or catalogs indicate food use. Before import, it is safer to obtain material certificates, food contact surface documentation, and test results to facilitate customs broker or quarantine authority confirmation.
Application Scenario 3: Importing Sales Samples by International Courier
When importing sales samples by international courier, the fact that the shipment is small or a courier shipment alone does not guarantee exemption from notification requirements. Food used for sales, promotional purposes, or distribution to an unspecified large audience may fall under notification requirements regardless of transport mode.
For example, food for tasting at exhibitions, sweets distributed to prospective customers, or test imports of products for sale require a clear statement of import purpose. Whether the samples are for internal confirmation or intended for sale or distribution changes practical handling.
Freight forwarders and customs brokers should not decide solely based on the term "small sample" but ask the importer about import purpose, planned distribution, sales plans, and usage locations. If there is a potential notification requirement, it is important to prepare documents before arrival and allow time for quarantine authority confirmation.
Pre-Notification System and Prior Consultation
For import food notification, a pre-notification system exists that allows submitting notification before cargo arrives. For businesses importing food regularly or with tight delivery deadlines, it is practical to prepare necessary documents and advance notifications before cargo arrival rather than starting notification after arrival.
For first-time imports or cargoes where applicability to the Food Sanitation Act is unclear, prior consultation with quarantine authorities may be used. However, prior consultation is not a formal pre-approval guaranteeing import permission. It should be viewed as a consultative opportunity for importers to confirm safety and legal compliance themselves.
Situations where prior consultation is advisable include first-time imports, complex processed foods, health foods, food contact materials, toys for infants, or cases where obtaining documents from overseas manufacturers takes time. It is important to prepare product catalogs, ingredient lists, raw material lists, manufacturing process charts, material certificates, and inspection reports as much as possible before consultation.
Differences from Import Food Inspection
Import food notification is the procedure where the importer reports food contents to quarantine authorities. Import food inspection is the practical procedure where the authorities perform confirmation and inspection based on the notification content and risk assessment.
In other words, the notification is a "procedure submitted by the importer," while the inspection is a "confirmation conducted as needed after the notification." A notification does not necessarily lead to an inspection, and the absence of an inspection does not relieve the importer of their responsibility to verify.
For the article on imported food notifications, it is important to understand the preparation, submission, review, additional document handling, and issuance of the notification completion certificate. Details such as inspection orders, monitoring inspections, and guidance inspections need to be organized separately as part of the practical operations of imported food inspections.
Summary
Imported food notification is a food sanitation law procedure that the importer must carry out at the quarantine station when importing food products for sale or business purposes. The notification requirement applies not only to food itself but also to food additives, utensils, containers and packaging, and toys for infants.
The core practical points are what to include in the Imported Food Notification Form, which documents to attach, when to submit the notification, and when the imported food notification completion certificate can be obtained. The notification completion certificate functions as an important document to confirm compliance with other laws, facilitating customs import declarations.
Importers need to prepare for electronic notification via FAINS, obtain the necessary documents, and verify the notification targets at the stage before shipment or before cargo arrival. Freight forwarders and customs brokers play a role in preventing customs clearance delays and delivery delays through managing the notification documents and the notification completion certificate.
