Japan: Packaging and standards

In this page: Packaging and labelling regulation in Japan | Commercial and industrial norms in Japan

Packaging and labelling regulation in Japan

Packaging: The Customs services are very particular about the quality of packaging and labeling. Correct packing, marking, and labeling are critical to smooth customs clearance in Japan. Generally, labeling for most imported products is not required at the customs clearance stage, but at the point of sale. Consequently, it is common for a Japanese importer to affix a label to an imported product after it has cleared customs.
Packing in straw is prohibited in Japan.
Languages Permitted on Packaging and Labeling: Japanese, English and French.
Unit of Measurement: All imported goods as well as transport documents must show metric units of measurement and weight.
Mark of Origin "Made In": It is not mandatory, except in the case of foodstuffs and drinks.
Labeling Requirements: No specific requirements.
Specific Regulations: Japanese legislation provides specific labeling rules for certain foodstuffs and textile products, electrical appliances and consumer goods. The regulations are not effective when going through Customs. The necessary information must therefore be added between the moment of importing and that of putting the product on the market.

Commercial and industrial norms in Japan

National Standards Organisations: The Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)
Integration in the International Standards Network: The JISC is a member of:
- The International Standard Organisation (ISO)
- The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- The APEC/SCSC, Sub Committee of Standards and Conformance of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
- The ASEM/TFAP/SCA, Trade Facilitation Action Plan/Standards and Conformity Assessment of the Asia-European Meeting
- The Pacific Area Standards Congress
Obligation to Use Standards: The standards proposed by the JAS are exclusively voluntary. They concern 600 different industrial products and more than 8500 standards.
There are two ongoing trends in Japan regarding standards. One is a move toward standards reform and the other towards harmonizing Japanese standards with prevailing international standards. While reform is underway, there are numerous laws containing Japan-specific mandatory standards. Therefore it is sometimes difficult to master all the requirements.
Classification of Standards: JIS + 1 letter showing the technical area + 4-digit number showing the rank in the JIS division.
Assessment of the System of Standardization: Product requirements in Japan fall into two categories: technical regulations (or mandatory standards) and non-mandatory voluntary standards. Respect of voluntary standardization is highly regarded in Japan; it can increase sales potential on the market and the acceptance of the product by consumers. Approval is generally required before a product can be sold in the market or even displayed at a trade show.
Online Consultation of Standards: The publication of standards is entrusted to the JSA (Japanese Standards Association) which is the publishing house of the JISC. The website of the JSA gives access to JISC standards.
Certification Organisations: List of Designated Certification Bodies by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)
Japan Accreditation Board (JAB)
National Institute of Technology and Evaluation
Associations of Standards Users: Member of JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee)

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