What happens

Seafood such as nori and squid cannot enter Japan without an import quota, even as an exhibit.

A shipment without a quota is stopped at customs the moment it arrives.

Why this happens

These products fall under the import quota (IQ) system, which protects domestic fisheries by capping the volume that may be imported.

The legal basis is the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, and the items and volumes are set out in the import notice issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Whether a quota is required depends on the genus and the form of the product. Horse mackerel, mackerel, sardine and squid are outside IQ when canned or pre-cooked, but fresh, frozen and dried forms are covered.

Quotas are allocated to a limited number of importers inside Japan, and an overseas exhibitor will not normally hold one.

For that reason, seafood covered by the quota cannot, as a rule, be brought in — even as an exhibit.

Check the official sources

These pages list which species and product forms need a quota, and how to apply.

Bringing it into Japan

Without a quota, the goods cannot in principle be brought in, even as exhibits.

There is an exception: free commercial samples do not require import approval when they meet the conditions set by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

If you import food to sell it or use it in your business, you also need an import notification under the Food Sanitation Act (the Notification Form for Importation of Foods, etc.) and quarantine inspection.

Taking it back out of Japan

Since the goods cannot enter Japan, no return trip arises.

How KUROZAKI helps

Before move-in, we check whether the food you plan to bring is covered.

If controlled items are included, we suggest how to rework the exhibit plan.

If you are not sure

If you plan to bring food as an exhibit, talk to us as soon as the items are decided.