In food imports, quarantine-related issues often lead to customs delays or outright import refusals.
- “I thought a small quantity would be fine, but it was stopped.”
- “I thought I had all the paperwork ready, but they requested additional documents.”
These experiences are painful lessons for both beginners and intermediates. However, by organizing key points by food category, most problems can be avoided.
This article organizes common quarantine issues by fresh food, processed food, and animal-derived products, providing practical solutions and a food-specific checklist.
Common Quarantine Issues and Their Causes
1. Issues Due to Incomplete Documentation
Causes:
- Missing quarantine certificates or health certificates
- Incomplete or inaccurate entries for country of origin, weight, or product name
- Discrepancies between HS codes and declared contents
Practical Examples by Food Type:
- Fresh fruits: Import temporarily halted due to unclear signature/stamp on the plant quarantine certificate
- Unpasteurized cheese: Missing animal-derived ingredient certificate, requiring additional documentation
How to Handle:
- Confirm required documents before import
- Ensure original documents fully match the declared information
- Prepare digital copies for smooth submission at the quarantine office
You might also find this article helpful.
β How to Find HS Codes for Beginners: 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
β 10 Common Customs Clearance Problems When Importing Food into Japan β and How to Avoid Them
2. Inspection of Products Believed to Be Exempt
Causes:
- Misconceptions such as βsmall quantities are okayβ or βprocessed foods are exemptβ
- Failure to check the latest quarantine target list
Practical Examples by Food Type:
- Herbal tea: Contains fresh leaves, subject to plant quarantine
- Unpasteurized cheese: Requires testing for animal-derived ingredients
How to Handle:
- Always check country of origin and processing status
- Refer to the latest official quarantine list
- Plan your schedule assuming even small quantities require declaration and inspection
3. Import of Prohibited or Regulated Items
Causes:
- Ordering foods unknowingly prohibited by law
- Failure to check country-specific restrictions or temporary bans
Practical Examples by Food Type:
- Import of seeds or seedlings of endangered fruit species blocked
- Non-pasteurized dairy from certain countries destroyed
How to Handle (Verify Every Time):
- Organize product information: item, ingredients, origin, processing method, weight/quantity
- Check whether the item is regulated via official sources:
- Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Plant & Animal Quarantine): https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/languages/info.html
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Food Sanitation Law & import notifications): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/english/index.html
- Customs (Prohibited and Regulated Imports): https://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm
- Prepare necessary documents and inspection arrangements
- Consult customs brokers or quarantine authorities in advance
Regulations are updated frequently, so confirmation is required for every shipment.
4. Customs Delays Due to Inspections
Causes:
- Congested testing laboratories
- Incomplete documents or samples
- Misalignment between import schedule and inspection dates
Practical Examples by Food Type:
- Fresh vegetables: Delivery delayed 3 days due to inspection queue
- Processed dairy products: Shipment delayed due to additional testing of unpasteurized items
How to Handle:
- Include sufficient time in the import schedule for inspections
- Prepare documents and samples in advance
- Consider split shipments or prior notification systems
For more information, see this article.
β When Food Imports Are Subject to Mandatory Inspection and How to Avoid It
Practical Checklist for Avoiding Food Import Issues
| Food Type | Key Checks | Required Documents / Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh fruits & vegetables | Country of origin, weight, seed/seedling status | Plant quarantine certificate |
| Processed dairy (cheese, yogurt) | Animal-derived ingredients, unpasteurized status | Animal quarantine certificate, import notification |
| Processed meat products | Processing method, country of origin | Animal quarantine certificate, food sanitation notification |
| Confectionery & seasonings | Ingredients, additives, heat-processed | Food sanitation notification |
| All categories | Check for prohibited or regulated items | Verify official info from MAFF, MHLW, Customs |
| At customs | Document/sample preparation, inspection scheduling | Prepare digital copies, consider split shipments |
Summary
Main quarantine issues in food imports:
- Incomplete documentation
- Misunderstanding of inspection requirements
- Import of prohibited or regulated items
- Delays due to inspections
Countermeasures:
- Pre-check requirements by food type
- Prepare complete documentation
- Build schedule buffer for inspections
Using a checklist can prevent most import issues. Always confirm regulations and procedures with the latest official information.
Reference Links
Below are verified, accessible official references used to support the content above:
- Animal & Plant Quarantine (Japan MAFF β English) β Official site of Japanβs Animal Quarantine Service and related import inspection info.
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/ - Import Procedure under the Food Sanitation Act (MHLW) β Requirements for import notification and food safety inspection.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/yunyu_kanshi/kanshi/index_00004.html - Prohibited & Restricted Imports (Japan Customs, EN) β Lists goods prohibited by law and items requiring inspection or permits.
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/prohibit.htm
(Note: Additional regulatory information can be confirmed via official MAFF, MHLW, and Japan Customs portals as procedures evolve.)
