Japanese love drininking tea and buy tea souvenir to their family and friends on the trip. According to Statista Market Forecast, revenue in the tea department amounts to US$16.36bn in 2023! This is incredible! The market is growing annually. This article will help importer to know what points to keep in mind when import and selling tea.

Tea categories

Tea is roughly divided into below categories:

• Non-fermented tea: green tea.
• Semi-fermented tea: O-long tea.
• Fermented tea: Black tea.
• Others: herbal tea which combining a variety of plant herbs.

Plant quarantine station

In general, highly processed products is not subject to plant quarantine. Such as stem flame, heating, and fermentation. However, it is necessary for the unheated tea. We suggest importers prepare ingredients lists, the manufacturing process chart and the table of additives to contact with MHLW Japan quarantine stations for prior consultation. The good news is the prior consultation is available for individuals counseling.

Food sanitation law

After fulfilling the plant quarantine inspection step, importer can go ahead to next step – food sanitation law.

Criteria for the chemical residual in tea is set out and tea is not allowed for importing into Japan if such criteria is not met. We suggest that the importers should ask the overseas manufacturers the details of using chemical in the production process. In addition, arrrange consultations with the Japan quarantine stations and relevant departments/organizations.

Sales packages-labeling requirements

When selling tea in package in Japan,must meet the labeling requirements under JAS law, items to be labele including name, allergen, storage method, expiry date, ingredients, additives, amount and calorie of nutritional components, place of origin and etc.

Important Note: It is prohibited to do promotion and advertisement of health effects of tea which is used as a food products.

We hope you find this article is helpful!