Licensing Requirements in Food & Beverage Businesses in Japan: What Foreign Companies Should Know

Japan’s food and beverage (F&B) industry offers immense opportunities for foreign companies — from global restaurant chains and food importers to beverage manufacturers and specialty retailers.

However, entering Japan’s F&B market requires strict compliance with multiple licensing frameworks under Japan’s Food Sanitation Act, Food Labeling Act, and related regulations.

This article provides an overview of key licenses, regulatory authorities, and practical steps for foreign businesses aiming to operate in Japan’s food and beverage sector.

For inquiries, contact: TSL Partners – International Business Desk

1. Legal Framework and Key Authorities

Food-related activities in Japan are primarily regulated by the following authorities:

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) oversees the Food Sanitation Act, which governs hygiene standards, food additives, and facility approvals.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) regulates food labeling, agricultural products, and import controls.
• National Tax Agency (NTA) supervises alcohol production and sales licensing.
• Local Health Departments (Hokenjo) handle on-site inspections, restaurant permits, and manufacturing approvals.

Foreign businesses should also note that licensing is facility-based, meaning each physical location e.g., restaurant, factory, or warehouse requires its own authorization.

2. Major License Types

i. Restaurant Business License

Any establishment serving food or beverages to customers must obtain a Restaurant Business License (Inshokuten Eigyo Kyoka) from the local health department. Facilities must comply with sanitation standards regarding layout, ventilation, water supply, and waste management.
A Food Sanitation Supervisor (Shokuhin Eisei Seininsha) typically someone with a relevant qualification or training must be appointed on-site.

ii. Food Manufacturing License

Companies producing packaged or processed foods (e.g., bakeries, frozen foods, sauces, confectioneries) require a Food Manufacturing or Processing License.
Specific standards apply depending on the product category (meat, dairy, seafood, confectionery, etc.). Facilities must follow Japan’s HACCP-based hygiene management system, which became mandatory nationwide in 2021.

iii. Food Import and Sales License

Foreign companies importing food to Japan must file an Import Notification (Yunyu Todokede) with the Quarantine Station under MHLW.
The notification covers product composition, country of origin, and manufacturing methods.
If the product passes inspection, an Import Certificate is issued — required before customs clearance.
Importers also need a Food Sales License if they plan to distribute or sell products domestically.

ⅳ. Alcohol Production and Sales License

Alcoholic beverage businesses must obtain a Liquor Manufacturing License (for brewers, distillers, etc.) or an Alcohol Retail License (for importers and sellers) from the National Tax Agency (NTA).
Separate licenses exist for wholesale, online sales, and on-premise serving (e.g., bars, restaurants).
Importers should verify whether their beverage qualifies as “liquor” under Japan’s Liquor Tax Act, as the thresholds can differ from international standards.

ⅴ. Temporary Event and Catering Permits

Companies participating in festivals, trade fairs, or catering events may need temporary food service permits issued by local authorities. Even for short-term events, compliance with hygiene standards and proper labeling is mandatory.

3. Importation and Manufacturing Requirements

Foreign-manufactured food products are subject to inspection by Japan’s quarantine authorities upon entry. Samples may be tested for pesticides, additives, and microbial contamination.
If a foreign manufacturer regularly exports to Japan, it can register with the MHLW’s Food Import Monitoring System for streamlined processing.

For domestic manufacturing, all facilities must comply with HACCP principles, maintain hygiene logs, and undergo periodic inspections by local authorities.
Failure to maintain these standards can lead to license revocation or business suspension.

4. Food Labeling and Advertising Regulations

Japan’s Food Labeling Act requires that all prepackaged food and beverages display the following information in Japanese:

• Product name and ingredients
• Allergen information
• Country of origin
• Nutrition facts
• Expiration or best-before date
• Name and address of the responsible importer or manufacturer

Labels must be accurate and not misleading. False health or nutritional claims — such as “cures illness” or “zero-calorie” without scientific basis — are prohibited under both the Food Labeling Act and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.

5. Practical Tips for Foreign Entrants

Successfully entering Japan’s food and beverage market requires careful preparation and collaboration with trusted local partners.

The following best practices can help foreign companies navigate the process efficiently and ensure regulatory compliance:

• Work with a local partner or designated importer who understands Japan’s food safety system and can represent your products to authorities.
• Consult experts (lawyers, administrative scriveners, or food hygiene consultants) before signing leases or importing goods.
• Schedule facility inspections early, as pre-approval may be required by local health departments.
• Localize all documentation, including ingredient lists and product labels, to Japanese with technical accuracy.
• Test shelf-life and labeling in advance to prevent customs or sales delays.

Conclusion

The Japanese F&B market is both lucrative and highly regulated. Foreign companies can succeed by understanding the relevant laws, securing the appropriate licenses for each stage of their business, and maintaining close coordination with local regulatory authorities.
Engaging experienced professionals early in the process ensures compliance and smoother market entry.

For inquiries with licensing and legal compliance in Japan,

contact: TSL Partners – International Business Desk

For a guide on incorporating your business in Japan, see:

[Incorporating a Business in Japan: Legal and Strategic Guide for Foreign Companies]
For information on licensing in other regulated sectors, see:

[Fintech and Payment Services in Japan: Regulatory Overview]
For compliance advice for executives, see:

[Legal Compliance for Foreign Directors and Shareholders in Japan]