Food apparatuses are products that come in contact with food or liquids that are intended for human consumption or, products that come into contact with the human mouth.

Food Containers

Utensils / Chopsticks

Cooking Pans / Pots

Food Bags

Food Wraps
All products that hold or come into contact with food or liquid for human consumption require a food apparatus import application for every import.
Japan Customs requires a Food Apparatus Import Application for every shipment and pre-import approval from Japan MHLW. Food Apparaus Import Applications can only be made for one (1) manufacturer. There is no limit to the number of products that can be added to the application for that manufacturer.
WHY Choose COVUE over other IORs’?
COVUE IOR only charges for the first (1st) application. After the first (1st) application, only the IOR Shipping Fees will be charged. The Food Apparatus Import Application will be replicated within your COVUE IOR account. However, there can be no changes to the products. Only the quantities and destination may be changed. The average time for import approval from MHLW is 45-60 days.
Steps for importing Food Apparatus:
- Register company with www.covueior.com
- Submit product material and manufacture information to MHLW for pre-application approval
- Submit products to the local MHLW lab for product testing.
- Create a certified product label for each product
- Submit Japan Food Apparatus Import Application
- Receive approval for import.
- Ship to final destination.
Importing food apparatuses to Japan? Want to know if your products are subject to Japan Apparatus Food Import regulations?
Let COVUE handle it so you can focus on building your Japan business!
Importing food apparatus requires attention to detail and full compliance with Japan import regulations. COVUE is the direct IOR. We own our licenses and our compliance teams are in-house. We have the only Online IOR system in Japan. We take attention to detail and compliance to the next level.
Let COVUE’s regulatory experts help you to speed up the market entry process so can that you can focus on your business. We’re here to help! It’s what we do best.