7. Importation Requirements

Cosmetics
Japan

This section provides information on the importation process (shipment, customs, licenses required, and test requirements). 

7.1 Ingredient Importation Procedure

No notification to the authorities is required for the importation of cosmetic ingredients.

Customs clearance is required as for a chemical product.

However, if the INCI name or Japanese labeling name of the ingredient is not registered, it must be applied for and registered.

• INCI names will be registered with the PCPC. The timeline is about 6 months and the budget is about 200,000 yen.
• Japanese labeling names will be registered with the JCIA. The timeline is 3～6 months and the budget is 15,000 yen.

Important elements required when importing cosmetic ingredients in Japan:

• Registration of INCI names and Japanese-labeled names: Japanese labeling names will be registered with the JCIA.
• Safety Confirmation: Conduct patch test.
• Stability Confirmation: The supplier should give shelf life and storage conditions.
• Preparation of ingredient specifications: The supplier should give ingredient specifications. For example, appearance, pH, viscosity, specific gravity, and general viable bacteria count.
• Set the volume and price: Set content and price.
• Obtaining Evidence: Obtain evidence to support skin efficacy and features.
• Find a Cosmetic Ingredient Trading Company: In order to sell cosmetic ingredients in Japan, it is necessary to outsource to a cosmetic ingredients trading company.

7.2 References

1. Japan Cosmetic Industry Federation Display Name Creation Guidelines
https://www.jcia.org/user/common/download/business/ingredients/mgl.pdf