Do I have to declare packaged food?
It is usually not necessary to declare store-bought canned, bottled or packaged food items that are highly processed and do not contain any meat. Some examples may include crackers, dried pasta, candy, jam, tea or coffee. Oh the other hand, some products may be prohibited for import depending on the origin of contents.All allergens must be declared no matter how small the amount. Warning or advisory statements must be provided for certain foods or ingredients which may cause health risks for some consumers. For example, aspartame, guarana, caffeine, plant sterols. The percentage (%) of characterising ingredients must also be shown.Common Mandatory Food Labelling Declarations across the Globe

  • Name of Food.
  • List of Ingredients.
  • Nutritional Information.
  • Declaration of Vegetarian or Non-vegetarian.
  • Declaration regarding Food Allergens.
  • Declaration regarding Food Additives.
  • Declaration of Name and complete address of Manufacturer.
  • Date Marking.

What are the food labeling rules in JapanFood packaging in Japan must meet specific guidelines, such as providing details about the product, ingredients, manufacturer, importer, and instructions for use, all written in Japanese. The package must also include details like net weight, best-before date, and preservation methods.

What do I have to declare at Japan Customs

As regulated by laws and regulations concerned, you are required to declare all the articles that you have purchased abroad or in departures/arrivals duty-free shops in Japan and are bringing into Japan. Any false declaration or failure to declare may be subject to penalty in laws and regulations concerned.Checked Bags: Yes

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

What food is not required to be labeled

Which Foods Do Not Need to Have Nutrition and Ingredient Labels

  • Raw fruits.
  • Vegetables.
  • Fish.
  • Most dietary supplements.
  • Fresh eggs.
  • Foods with insignificant amounts of the nutrients on the required label, such as coffee, tea, spices, flavor extracts, and food colors.


Yes, your food needs a label

Based on the information you provided, your food must have a label.

What information is required on food packaging

Usually a label has to convey the following: name of the product, the manufacturer's name and address, net weight, serving size, list of ingredients and nutrition information per serving.Food Product Labeling and Packaging 101

  • Packaging Areas. Principal Display Area. Information Panel.
  • Required Packaging Elements and Placement. Statement of identity, or name of the food. Net quantity of contents, or amount of product. Nutrition Facts Label.
  • Additional Information. Nutrient Content Claims. Barcode.

Five Basic Label Requirements

  • Identity of food in package form.
  • Name of manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
  • Place of business.
  • Ingredient declaration.
  • Net quantity of contents.


“It is usually not necessary to declare store-bought canned, bottled or packaged food items that are highly processed and do not contain any meat. Some examples may include crackers, dried pasta, candy, jam, tea or coffee.

Do you have to declare everything at customsWe'll get into specifics in a bit, but as a general rule of thumb, anything you obtained abroad needs to be declared. Some examples include: Purchases made abroad, including gifts for friends and family or something you will use or sell in your business. A gift given to you while abroad.

What food items are allowed in checked baggageChecked Bags: Yes

Meat, seafood, vegetables and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.

What is not allowed in checked baggage for international flights

Firearms and ammunition, as well as any replicas or imitations. Explosives and flammable items, such as fireworks, gas, and aerosols. Poisonous and toxic substances, including pesticides and certain chemicals. Lithium batteries and other hazardous materials, as these can pose a safety risk if not handled properly.

Raw fruits, vegetables, and fish. Foods that contain insignificant amounts of all required nutrients (insignificant means it can be listed as zero after rounding rules – foods that fall under this exemption include tea, coffee, food coloring, etc.).Yeast; Chewing-gums; Food in packaging or containers the largest surface of which has an area of less than 25 cm squared; Food, including handcrafted food, directly supplied by the manufacturer of small quantities of products to the final consumer or to local retail establishments directly supplying the final consumer.Short statements like “Contains nuts” or “Contains shellfish” are no longer allowed on food labels unless the product isn't required to display an ingredient list.