Importing from China to Japan: Product safety
Start by checking whether your product falls within Japan's product safety controls: covered goods need technical conformity, inspection and the applicable safety mark before sale. Your own customs broker confirms the final entry. China-side sourcing and quotes to your named Japanese port are handled by Cambridge China Bridge.
Buying from China for a business? How our UK China sourcing agent service works · China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK
Settle product conformity before production
Make product conformity your first ordering gate. METI's guidance, published by Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency, says manufacturers and importers conduct self-inspection and mark products conforming to technical standards. Higher-risk designated products also need conformity assessment by a government-registered inspection body. Products within the marking controls cannot be sold or displayed for sale without the applicable mark.
Send your Japanese compliance adviser the exact model, materials, intended use and proposed labels before approving production. Ask for written confirmation of scope, testing and marking, then give us that brief. The overseas buying guide covers the shared sourcing process. For another destination, use its separate Singapore guide or Australia guide.
Food and related goods need a separate check
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare says importers must notify imports of covered food and related goods intended for sale or business use. Goods without that notification cannot be sold or used commercially. Its stated scope includes food, additives, utensils, containers and packaging, and toys for infants.
Before selecting a factory for these goods, ask the relevant quarantine station about your exact product and intended use. Give us its requested information list so we can obtain ingredient, material and manufacturing details from the supplier. Have your Japanese adviser review the evidence before you approve production and packaging.
Your own broker handles arrival clearance
Japan Customs says a customs broker usually files the declaration as the importer's proxy. Appoint your own broker before dispatch and ask them to confirm the importing party, classification, customs value, applicable duties and taxes, and documents for the final entry. Agree who coordinates arrival enquiries, examinations, payments, release and onward delivery.
We can quote from China to your named Japanese port through our UK company. Ask the quote to identify the freight term, insurance arrangements and included port charges. Obtain your broker's separate breakdown for destination handling, clearance and delivery. Explain the UK seller and Chinese dispatch point when asking which transaction invoice the broker needs.
Agree the factory and shipment document pack
The Chinese factory provides product specifications, packing information and available model-specific test reports. We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list for the agreed transaction, matching parties, descriptions, quantities and carton details to the order. Where your broker requests a certificate of origin, we arrange it with the factory or exporter after confirming the required form.
Ask the broker to review draft documents before dispatch and agree who supplies the transport document. Match each test report to the actual model, components and construction being supplied. Ask your Japanese compliance adviser whether the report supports the agreed conformity route, and resolve missing evidence before authorising shipment.
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Check the supplier and finished goods in China
Our own staff in China check the supplier's identity, production site and capability against your brief. Agree a retained sample, specification, materials and packaging before production. Before shipment, we inspect against those acceptance criteria, record defects and packaging findings, and request corrections. Include your adviser's approved label artwork in the inspection brief; a visual inspection cannot establish technical conformity.
For buying through a UK company, send the product, intended use, named Japanese port and your broker's document requirements. Agree approval points for samples, production and dispatch. On charges, factory audits and inspections are usually included in the quote; complex checks that need a third party are charged separately and agreed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do all products imported into Japan need a safety mark?
The marking controls apply to designated products. Ask your Japanese compliance adviser whether your exact model is covered and which conformity, inspection and marking steps apply before approving production.
Can a UK sourcing company quote to my Japanese port?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can quote to your named Japanese port. Agree the freight term, insurance and included charges, then obtain clearance and onward delivery costs from your own broker.
What documents should I get from the Chinese factory?
Request specifications, packing details and model-specific test reports. We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list, and arrange a certificate of origin where requested. Your broker confirms the final document pack.
Can I import food from China for sale in Japan?
Covered food and related goods intended for sale or business use require import notification. Ask the relevant quarantine station to confirm the route for your product before ordering.
Sources
Buying from China for a business outside the UK? China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK →