To everyone who is planning to open a pet shop for the first time. If you love dogs and are preparing to open a dog run and goods shop, here are some things to keep in mind when exporting pet food for Japan.
【Question】
I live in Japan and love dogs, so I’m planning to open a dog run and goods shop. I plan on using organic dog food from Europe.
Is there anything I should be careful about when importing to Japan from Europe?
【Answer】
There are several important points to keep in mind when importing pet food. In particular, animal quarantine is required if the raw materials include organs from cows, pigs, chickens, etc.
In addition, in order to sell, a notification is required before starting business based on the “Act on Ensuring the Safety of Pet Food” (Pet Food Safety Act). Specifically, it is required that products comply with legal standards, that books are kept, and that regulations are displayed. This notification must be submitted to the Regional Agricultural Administration Bureau in the prefecture where the principal office is located.
Quote：Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The import duties, notifications, and bookkeeping based on the Pet Food Safety Act are as follows.
Obligations related to manufacturing, importing, and selling: In order to ensure the safety of pet food, standards for manufacturing methods, labeling, and ingredients have been established. The manufacture, import, and sale of products that do not comply with these regulations is prohibited.
Obligation to submit notifications and keep books: Manufacturers and importers are required to submit business notifications and keep books in order to obtain information about businesses in advance and to ensure smooth disposal and recall of products.
By complying with the above procedures and obligations, we will be able to provide safe and reliable pet food.
Summary
- Submit importer notification to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- Confirm with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Quarantine Station whether animal quarantine is necessary. Check required documents if necessary
If you have any questions, please contact “World Trade for All”!