Japan nutsdryfruits

A-3. Nuts / Dried fruits

3 Nuts / Dried fruits
1. Market Conditions in Japan
(1) Definition of Category
【Nuts】
HS Numbers Commodity
0801.11,19 Coconuts
0801.31,32 Cashews
0802.11,12 Almonds
0802.21,22 Hazel nuts
0802.31,32 Walnuts
0802.40 Chestnuts
0802.50 Pistachios
0802.90-200 Macadamia nuts
0801.21,22 Other edible nuts (Brazil nuts, betel-nuts,
0802.90-100､-300､-400 pecan nuts, and others)

【Dried fruits】
HS Numbers Commodity
0803.00-200 Bananas
0804.20-090 Figs
0804.50-090 Guavas, mangos, mangosteens
0806.20 Raisins
0813.10 Apricots
0813.20 Prunes
0813.40-010 Berries
0813.40-022 Dried Persimmons
0804.30-090、0813.30-000 Pineapples, apples, papayas, passion
0813.40-021､-023､-029 fruits, etc, and others

(2) Market Trends
General consumer awareness of nuts and dried fruits remains low, because most are traditionally used as
ingredients in the production of confectioneries and bread-making, rather than direct consumption, and the
distribution route is limited. Also, nuts and dried fruits have higher prices than peanuts, etc., so consumption
has not expanded. However, taste has diversified beyond almonds and raisins in the past few years. The high
nutritional value of nuts and dried fruits, such as dietary fiber and abundant vitamins, has started to be
recognized, and a health food image has started to form as the health-consciousness and beauty interests of
consumers increase. Popularity is expected to increase and demand is expected to expand, as nuts and dried
fruits are consumed as supplements and are used as part of dietary supplements by more women and young
people in the future.
Various nutrients have gained consumer attention in Japan recently, especially as consumers begin to
recognize the various functions of nuts, such as those containing oleic acid (mono-unsaturated fatty acid) to
reduce cholesterol, and abundant dietary fiber to slow digestion and encourage effective dieting. As such, each
manufacturer aims to expand the demand for nuts, not as traditional snacks, but by promoting them as health
food, such as the introduction “no-salt types” which can be eaten everyday without concern to salt content.
And for dried fruits, not only traditional items such as raisins and prunes, but also other kinds, such as mangos,
figs, and berries are for sale, and individually packaged products in the handy, carrying packages with a zipper
are now sold, for casual eating as a snack have become available.
The distribution route for nuts and dried fruits is expanding not only to general supermarkets, but also
convenience shops, general merchandise stores, 100 yen shops, etc, so availability to consumers at these stores
is increasing. Also, regarding almonds, walnuts, raisins, and prunes produced in the U.S, U.S. industry groups
are actively developing PR activities to increase demand in Japan. Various programs are planned to raise the
awareness by consumers, such as health seminars and new menu development through tie-ups with various
groups, in addition to advertisements via the mass media and Internet.

MARKETING GUIDE FOR ASEAN EXPORTERS TO JAPAN
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Market Trend by Main Categories
[Nuts]
① Almonds
Among all nuts, almonds are the most consumed throughout the world; 70-80% are produced in California,
U.S.A. Japan imports approximately 8% of the total quantity of almond exports by the U.S, with India,
Spain, and Germany following as partner countries. 97.4% (quantity base, 2005) of all almonds imported to
Japan are U.S. sweet almonds, mainly imported without shells. Nonpariel almonds are the predominant
variety.
Almonds are used over a wide range, including whole roasted, crushed roasted (chunks), sliced, powder, and
paste. According to an estimate by the Japan Branch of Blue Diamond Almond Growers, approximately 70%
of all almond demand is for confectionery ingredients (chocolate confectioneries, western cakes, baked cakes),
and approximately 20% is for snack nuts, with the remaining for ice cream, restaurant industry use, and
cooking.
The Japan Office of the California Almond Society, began full-scale promotional activities in Japan as of
1998, and disseminating nutritional information on almonds, and providing suggestion for various way to eat
them. Almond consumption quantity per person in Japan is still about one third to one half that of a person
in Europe, but recently, it has gained attention as a health food, such as its anti-oxidant effect due to a high
content of vitamin E and polyphenol, and the effect of oleic acid to reduce cholesterol, and its diet effect due
to abundant dietary fiber.
② Chestnuts
Chestnuts are the most consumed nut in Japan. Chestnuts used for food can be divided into four types,
Chinese chestnuts, American chestnuts, and European chestnuts, and Japanese chestnuts which are distributed
throughout Japan and the southern Korean Peninsula. Domestically grown Japanese chestnuts are mainly eaten
fresh. Most chestnuts produced in China, which are about 80% of the imported quantity of chestnuts to Japan,
are sweet, broiled chestnuts called Tenshin chestnuts, and are mainly produced in Hebei, China. Chestnuts
imported from Korea are mainly shelled and are used for “candied chestnuts” and ingredients in
confectioneries. In addition, although in low quantities, European chestnuts are imported from Italy, etc, and
are used as ingredients to make marrons glaces, etc.
The demand for shelled chestnuts is sluggish, due to decreased sales for Kuri-kinton (mashed sweet potatoes
with sweetened chestnuts), and confectioneries such as sugared chestnuts, etc. Also, the shipping quantity of
domestic chestnuts within Japan, has also decreased for 3 straight years (14,900 tons in 2005), the overall
demand for chestnuts has declined. The pocket-size, retort pouch products of shelled chestnuts were popular in
2000, mainly supported by young women who enjoyed the single serving size, a product that could be eaten
anytime, anywhere, without dirtying ones hands, and natural sweetness using no artificial sweeteners or
additives. However, as interest by consumers has cooled, the sales value has been experiencing a downward
trend since 2002.
③ Walnuts
California, U.S.A and China are the two largest production areas of walnuts in the world. Most walnuts
imported to Japan are produced in California, where they are grown, harvested, processed, and stored under
excellent quality management standards, and then are imported to Japan shelled. Total import quantity in
recent years has remained at 10,000 tons per year. Walnuts are also produced in Japan, mainly in Nagano, but
production quantity is very low.
Although walnuts have a high oil content, cholesterol value is zero, and it is the only nut that also contains
omega 3 fatty acid (αlinolenic acid), as well as an abundance of vitamin E. Omega 3 fatty acid has been
recognized to aid in the reduction of cholesterol and the prevention arterial sclerosis, etc. As such the value of
walnuts has begun to be recognized in Japan in recent years, leading to an increased demand along with the
increased health-consciousness. The import quantity of walnuts has greatly increased in Korea, as well.
Walnuts are popular not only in western cakes, but also Japanese cakes, breads, and as secondary ingredients
in various cooking, and have a greater demand in the bakery industry than any other nut. California Walnuts
Society, Japan Office has carried out various information activities, such as the “California Walnuts Contest”
encouraging new product development using walnuts, in order to increase demand.
④ Cashews
The cashew nut has a unique shape and is mainly produced in Asia, Brazil, and Africa. Due to technical
difficulties in hulling and shelling, most cashews produced in Africa, etc., are sent to India in the shell. Kerala,
India is the largest producer and the exporter in the world, but production has also significantly increased in
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Vietnam in recent years, with Vietnam becoming the 2nd largest exporting country in the world in 2005.
However, just under 90% of the quantity of imported cashews to Japan is held by India.
The demand of cashews has expanded along with the increase in global health-consciousness, with its lower
oil content, abundant protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The texture is soft and sweet, and is mainly used as
a snack food, such as in mixed nuts, but is also used in various fields, such as Chinese cooking, cookies, etc.
⑤ Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are originally from Australia and were transplanted to Hawaii, U.S, in 1930, leading to
large-scale cultivation there, and these two areas are the largest production regions in the world. Macadamia
nut chocolate is renowned as a typical souvenir from Hawaii. Nuts produced in Hawaii are rarely exported as
raw ingredients, and imports are predominately chocolate processed products. Most macadamia nuts, which
are imported to Japan as raw ingredients, are produced in Australia, followed by African countries, such as
Malawi and South America.
Macadamia nuts have a high oil content, and are loved for their crunchy texture and sweet flavor, and are in
high demand as ingredients in confectioneries. In addition to being used whole as the center ingredient for
chocolate, macadamia nuts are also commonly used as a roasted snack, in high-class confectioneries, and
diced for use in ice cream and cakes.
⑥ Pistachios
Pistachios are mainly produced in Iran, with more than 40% of the total world production, followed by
California, U.S, and Turkey. The Pistachio is called the queen of nuts for its good flavor and expensive price.
Pistachios have an extremely low saturated fatty acid content, and an abundance of unsaturated fatty acids,
such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. Nuts in the shell are in great demand as a snack food and are roasted and
processed with salt. Shelled nuts are sliced, diced, or processed into a paste and are used as ingredients in
high-class confectioneries.
Up until 1998, 80% of pistachios were imported to Japan by Iran, but aflatoxin was discovered in the nuts
sold during that year in quantities greatly exceeding regulation standards and were recalled, and violations
were frequently experienced in subsequent import inspections. At present, the U.S. product, with California as
the major production region, holds 90% of the import quantity, and is ranked 1st among import partner
countries.
⑦ Hazel nuts
Approximately 80% of all hazel nuts are produced in Turkey, ranking 1st in world production and export
quantity, holding more than 95% of the import quantity to Japan. Hazel nuts have a unique flavor, and are
diced and processed into a paste, etc., and used mainly as an ingredient in chocolate. Although they have a
lower consumption quantity compared to other nuts, Turkey has focused on sales promotion activities in Japan,
with the commercial section of Turkish Embassy in Japan functioning as a secretariat of the Turkish
Hazelnut Association. Efforts, such as introducing health benefits and recipes on the Internet, in addition to
various events, have been implemented.
[Dried fruits]
① Raisins
U.S. raisins, with California as the major production region, hold the largest share in the world. Domestic
demand in Japan almost entirely depends on imported products, the U.S holds more than 85% of the import
quantity, and Japan is the biggest export destination of U.S. raisins. Most raisins are used for bread-making
and ingredients in confectioneries in Japan, but price has soared, due to factors such as a large cut in U.S.
production and adjustments in shipping to Japan to accommodate an increase in California produced wine,
detrimentally affecting domestic customers in 2005.
② Prunes
Prunes are defined as dried plums, but one type of western (European) plum has many varieties which are
suitable for drying, so they are commonly called "prunes" even if fresh. For dried prunes, more than 80% of
the import quantity to Japan is held by the U.S, and Japan is the biggest export destination of U.S. prunes.
In the U.S, nearly all of its prunes are produced in California, one of the largest production regions in the
world, producing approximately three fourths of the world supply. However, the production quantity has
greatly decreased due to crop failure for 2 straight years, with price remaining high since 2003. Prunes contain
an abundance of minerals, such as iron, potassium, vitamin A, and dietary fiber, and quickly became popular
as a health food. They are used as an ingredient in health food, such as prune juice and prune extract as well as
for consumption as is.

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③ Dried Persimmons
Dried persimmons are produced in Japan as a preserved food since long ago, and are used for confectioneries
and as sweeteners. Fukushima, Nagano, and Yamanashi are prefectures with the highest domestic production,
with these three prefectures producing approximately 70% (2004). Regarding import quantity, domestic
production is stable at 50%, although some yearly fluctuation occurs. The entire import quantity comes from
China, and regarding export destination from China, Japan ranks 2nd following Korea, and received 37.0% of
the exported quantity in 2005. Dried persimmons are high in potassium, keratin, dietary fiber, and many
efficacies have been known since long ago.
④ Mangoes
The mango is called the king of tropical fruits, and has become popular in Japan over the past few years.
Demand in Japan has grown due to the sale of various desserts using mangoes at convenience stores, etc.,
beginning 3-4 years ago, and has gained popularity among young people, with trading companies handling
dried mangoes from the Philippines. Dried mangoes sold in Japan are mainly produced on Cebu Island,
Philippines; its soft texture and acidic flavor are well received by the consumers.

(3) Distribution System and Business Practices in Japan
The distribution route for most nuts and dried fruits is aimed at the industrial food industry as ingredients for
confectioneries and bread-making, rather than direct delivery to consumers. Regarding the commercial
distribution route, although the prepared mangoes are packed by the importer and seller, and then distributed
through the food wholesaler route, confectionery wholesaler route, and retailers, for imported raw nuts, they
are processed into products by the process manufacturer, divided into packages, then distributed through the
food and confectionery wholesaler route and retailer market.
Nuts and dried fruits are directly marketed by the import and process manufacturers to the food processing
manufacturers of chocolates, the main users, and other confectionery and bread making manufacturers, and the
small sized food processing manufacturers are supplied by confectionery ingredient wholesalers. In addition,
liquor shops (as side dish snacks for alcohol) are supplied by specialized wholesalers through food warehouse
dealers and confectionery warehouse dealers. The distribution channels of nuts and dried fruits differ by
category, but the general outline is as follows.
Fig. 1 Distribution channels for import nuts & dried fruits

Overseas producers

[Commercial use]
Importers Processors

Large processed food makers
[Consumer use]

Smaller processed food makers Food wholesalers Confection wholesalers

Retail stores (supermarkets, convenience stores, confection shops)

Consumers

2. Trade Trends
(1) Import Trends in Japan
[Nuts]
Japan relies on overseas import for almost all whole nuts, except certain types such as chestnuts and walnuts.
Since the production area for a nut is dependent on its type, import can easily be affected by production
conditions of the country of origin, as well as international supply and demand, and exchange rates.
Import of nuts in 2005 was 44.5 billion yen and 73,143 tons. The unit price increased in every category in
2005, and the value base recorded the highest mark in history, with a 21.2% increase over the previous year,
but the quantity base experienced a 7.7% decrease over the previous year, the third straight year of decrease
after a peak in 2002 with 86,436 tons. （See Fig.2）
Regarding almonds, the largest category of imported nuts, California-grown almonds hold 70-80% of the
world production and decreased production for 3 straight years. Import quantity in 2005 was 25,268 tons

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(3.8% decrease over the previous year), a 2-year consecutive decrease. However, import value greatly
increased to 19.62 billion yen (47.6% increase over the previous year), as the import unit price rose to
approximately 1.5 times over the previous year, expanding the share held by imported nuts over the previous
year （36.2％→44.1％）. Furthermore, production of California-grown almonds experienced an increase in
2006, the first time in 4 years, and the shipping quantity greatly increased over the previous year. On the other
hand, the value base of chestnuts, another main category, was 7.67 billion yen (10.1% decrease over the
previous year), for the 3rd straight year, and its share in imported nuts was 17.2%, a drop from 40% in 2000
(45.1%). Also, a decrease has been experienced for 5 consecutive years at 21,552 tons (14.5% decrease over
the previous year), from a peak in 2000, and 37,384 tons, a 29.5% decrease in share.

Fig. 2 Trends in Japan’s nuts imports
( million) [Total import value] ( million) [Import value by category]
50,000 25,000
Almonds
40,000 20,000

30,000 15,000

20,000 10,000 Chestnuts

10,000 5,000
Walnuts
0 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
(year) (year)

Value Volume
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Almonds 9,309 11,237 12,319 13,288 19,619 24,322 27,978 28,858 26,269 25,268
Chestnuts 13,008 11,404 11,971 8,526 7,668 31,695 29,073 25,233 25,207 21,552
Walnuts 5,365 5,847 5,170 5,246 5,803 9,087 10,247 9,683 10,734 10,024
Macadamia nuts 2,417 3,560 2,902 3,037 4,067 2,893 3,963 2,788 2,445 2,905
Cashew s 3,143 3,424 2,534 3,403 3,627 5,833 6,717 5,457 6,908 5,918
Pistachios 1,773 1,561 1,286 1,432 1,550 3,466 2,695 2,230 2,347 2,238
Hazel nuts 250 309 221 459 697 535 760 527 729 630
Coconuts 223 275 268 243 362 2,206 2,497 2,490 2,524 2,649
Others 1,233 1,421 1,266 1,077 1,095 2,668 2,504 1,964 2,062 1,960
Total 36,719 39,038 37,936 36,710 44,488 82,704 86,436 79,230 79,226 73,143
Unit : value = million, volume = tons Source : Trade Statistics, Ministry of Finance

Fig. 3 Trends in nuts imports by category in 2005
Value Volume Average unit price
Yearly Yearly
Value Share Volume Share 2004 2005
change change
Almonds 19,619 44.1% 147.6 25,268 34.5% 96.2 506 776
Chestnuts 7,668 17.2% 89.9 21,552 29.5% 85.5 338 356
Walnuts 5,803 13.0% 110.6 10,024 13.7% 93.4 489 579
Macademia nuts 4,067 9.1% 133.9 2,905 4.0% 118.8 1,242 1,400
Cashews 3,627 8.2% 106.6 5,918 8.1% 85.7 493 613
Pistachos 1,550 3.5% 108.2 2,238 3.1% 95.3 610 693
Hazel nuts 697 1.6% 151.9 630 0.9% 86.3 629 1,106
Coconuts 362 0.8% 149.2 2,649 3.6% 105.0 96 137
Others 1,095 2.5% 101.6 1,960 2.7% 95.0 522 558
Total 44,488 100.00% 121.2 73,143 100.00% 92.3 463 608
Unit : value = million, volume = tons, yearly change over previous year = %, average unit price = per kg
Source : Trade Statistics, Ministry of Finance
In recent years, awareness of nuts as a health food reducing the risk of adult diseases, has increased, so the
tendency for increased demand in Europe, U.S, Russia, China, etc. is expected. As such, import unit price
increased overall in all categories in value, for walnuts it was 5.8 billion yen (10.6% increase over the previous
year), macadamia nuts 4.07 billion yen (33.9% increase over the previous year), cashews 3.63 billion yen
(6.6% increase over the previous year), pistachios 1.55 billion yen (8.2% increase over the previous year),
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hazel nuts 0.7 billion yen (51.9% increase over the previous year), coconuts 0.36 billion yen (49.2% increase
over the previous year), all exceeding in value over the previous year. On the other hand, the only categories
which exceeded the previous year in quantity were macadamia nuts (18.8% increase over the previous year)
and coconuts (5.0% increase over the previous year), while chestnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts greatly
decreased, falling more than 10%. （See Fig.3）
[Dried Fruits]
Japan also relies on overseas import for almost all dried fruits, except dried persimmons, and is affected by
the production conditions of the country or region of origin, international supply and demand, and exchange
rates. Import of dried fruits in 2005 was 13.5 billion yen (1.0% increase over the previous year) and 49,732
tons(18.0% decrease over the previous year), and could maintain the same level as the previous year due to
increased unit price in most categories, while the quantity base was greatly reduced by the fall in raisins and
prunes, which are main categories.
The import value of raisins, the largest category among dried fruits, was 6.39 billion yen (7.4% increase over
the previous year) and had a record increase for 2 straight years. The import quantity was 30,360 tons (10.7%
decrease over the previous year), considerably lower than the previous year, due to reduced production in the
U.S, which holds just under 90%, of raisin imports to Japan, shipping adjustments to Japan based on the
supply and demand for grape ingredients in anticipation of an increase in California wine production quantity,
but the share in whole dried fruits imports (value 47.1%, quantity 61.0%) expanded for 2 straight years.
However, prunes, another staple merchandise, posted a large drop at 10,904 tons (40.5% decrease over the
previous year) in import quantity, due to California-grown prunes, which hold a 80-90% share of the import
quantity, experienced crop failure, so the import unit price rose approximately 1.5 times that of the previous
year. The import value was 4.13 billion yen (12.7% decrease over the previous year), resulting in a large
reduction in its overall share, both for value (30.5%) and quantity (21.9%).
Import unit prices have also increased in other categories, but both import value and quantity increased for
dried persimmons (1.06 billion yen, 4,761 tons), figs (0.55 billion yen, 1,383 tons), as well as, guavas,
mangoes, and mangosteens with 0.12 billion yen (87.0% increase over the previous year) and 162 tons (76.8%
increase over the previous year), posting large increases, although the overall share is still small. On the other
hand, apricots (0.41 billion yen, 781 tons), berries (0.16 billion yen, 80 tons) greatly decreased both in value
and quantity, and bananas were also lower than the previous year. （See Fig.4, 5）

Fig. 4 Trends in Japan’s dried fruits imports
( million) [Total import value] ( million) [Import value by category]
15,000 8,000
Raisins
6,000
10,000
Prunes
4,000
5,000
2,000 Dried Persimmons

0 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
(year)

Value Volume
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Raisins 4,379 4,835 4,690 5,943 6,385 28,152 30,913 29,736 33,981 30,360
Prunes 4,277 4,456 4,550 4,734 4,132 16,742 16,244 17,325 18,320 10,904
Dried Persimmons 1,150 977 640 769 1,063 4,832 5,151 3,572 4,560 4,761
Figs 636 552 496 516 550 1,755 1,265 1,163 1,322 1,383
Apricots 572 470 557 514 411 1,397 1,037 1,033 1,047 781
Berries 582 449 370 224 164 242 193 154 114 80
Guavas, Mangos, Magosteens, 77 53 39 66 124 254 113 77 92 162
Bananas 76 93 84 91 88 249 304 285 330 315
Others 392 864 805 552 631 888 1,252 1,579 881 986
Total 12,140 12,748 12,231 13,409 13,547 54,510 56,472 54,925 60,647 49,732
Unit : value = million, volume = tons Source : Trade Statistics, Ministry of Finance

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Fig. 5 Trends in dried fruits imports by category in 2005
Value Volume Average unit price
Yearly Yearly
Value Share Volume Share 2004 2005
change change
Raisins 6,385 47.1% 107.4 30,360 61.0% 89.3 175 210
Prunes 4,132 30.5% 87.3 10,904 21.9% 59.5 258 379
Dried Persimmons 1,063 7.8% 138.2 4,761 9.6% 104.4 169 223
Figs 550 4.1% 106.5 1,383 2.8% 104.7 391 398
Apricots 411 3.0% 80.0 781 1.6% 74.6 491 526
Berries 164 1.2% 73.0 80 0.2% 70.5 1,965 2,036
Guav as, mangos, mangosteens 124 0.9% 187.0 162 0.3% 176.8 725 767
Bananas 88 0.6% 96.8 315 0.6% 95.3 274 278
Others 631 4.7% 114.2 986 2.0% 111.9 626 639
Total 13,547 100.0% 101.0 49,732 100.0% 82.0 221 272
Unit : value = million, volume = tons, yearly change over previous year = %, average unit price = per kg

(2) Principal Exporters to Japan and ASEAN’s Position
[Nuts]
In 2005, a total of 27 countries and regions exported nuts to Japan such as the U.S., Asia including China,
India, Korea, and Australia, Central and South America, and countries in Africa, etc. However, the production
areas are limited according to the category, and 3 countries hold more than 90% of the value in most
categories, with 5 countries exporting nuts to Japan having totals over 2 billion yen per year, the U.S, China,
Korea, India, and Australia, and countries exporting more than 2,000 tons are limited to 6 countries and
includes the Philippines. （See Fig.6）
The U.S. exported the most to Japan, with 25.62 billion yen (34.2% increase over the previous year) and
35,512 tons (5.6% decrease over the previous year), posting the a record high in value, reflecting the large
increase in unit price of almonds, which is approximately 70% of the total quantity in 2005. Exports of
walnuts, pistachios, etc., to Japan have also increased in value, with an increase over the previous year in the
U.S. share in the overall total, resulting in the dominant share for both value and quantity, at 57.6% and 48.6%,
respectively. On the other hand, China, ranking 2nd in exports to Japan in 2005, at 5.75 billion yen (12.7%
decrease over the previous year) and 19,865 tons (15.3% decrease over the previous year), experienced a
2-year consecutive decrease in value, and 3-year decrease in quantity. As the export of chestnuts, a staple
merchandise, from China to Japan decreased for the 7th straight year in quantity, and 6th straight year in
quantity, the share in the overall total decreased from the previous year in both value (12.9%), quantity
(27.2%). The difference between these two countries continues to expand every year. Following this, Korea
(3.3 billion yen, 4,622 tons), India (3.22 billion yen, 5,250 tons) experienced a decrease in quantity, but a large
increased in value over the previous year, as the unit price of both chestnuts, a staple merchandise, and
cashews rose.
Export items from ASEAN to Japan were mainly coconuts and cashews. Nuts exported by ASEAN as a
whole to Japan in 2005 was 0.73 billion yen (4.0% increase over the previous year) and 3,203 tons (6.7%
decrease over the previous year), and the share of nuts exported to Japan remained at 1.6% in value and 4.4%
in quantity. Coconut imports from the Philippines greatly increased in 2005, but the import of cashews from
Vietnam decreased, resulting in an overall lower quantity than the previous year, although value exceeded the
previous year. （See Fig.8）
By category, in addition to the dominant share held by the U.S. for almonds with 96.7%, and the main
exporting countries to Japan are China (56.6% share), Korea (43.0% share); for chestnuts, the U.S. (89.1%
share); for macadamia nuts Australia (64.0% share); for cashew nuts, India (88.8% share); for pistachio nuts,
U.S (80.9% share); for hazelnuts, Turkey (96.6% share); and for coconuts, the Philippines (87.4% share).
（See Fig.7）

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Fig. 6 Principal exporting countries and regions of nuts to Japan
[Import value from major countries] [Share of import value in 2005]
( million)
30,000 ASEAN EU
Others 1.6% 1.2%
25,000 U.S.A. 26.7%

20,000
15,000

10,000
China China
Korea
5,000 India 12.9% U.S.A.
57.6%
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
(year)

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Average
Value Value Value Value Volume Value Volume
unit price
U.S.A. 15,421 17,455 17,828 19,095 37,626 25,618 57.6% 35,512 48.6% 721
China 7,279 7,566 8,785 6,591 23,461 5,753 12.9% 19,865 27.2% 290
Korea 7,313 5,763 4,775 3,286 4,802 3,295 7.4% 4,622 6.3% 713
India 2,644 2,720 2,136 2,896 5,842 3,222 7.2% 5,250 7.2% 614
Australia 1,216 2,049 1,822 1,772 1,483 2,963 6.7% 2,241 3.1% 1,322
Turkey 240 295 208 446 713 676 1.5% 612 0.8% 1,105
Malaw i 284 389 360 413 349 544 1.2% 381 0.5% 1,426
South Africa 118 324 308 301 268 513 1.2% 369 0.5% 1,389
Kenya 665 643 441 542 427 388 0.9% 296 0.4% 1,309
Vietnam 423 618 308 439 931 340 0.8% 568 0.8% 599
Philippines 173 203 203 192 1,968 316 0.7% 2,133 2.9% 148
Others 943 1,014 761 738 1,355 859 1.9% 1,294 1.8% 664
Total 36,719 39,038 37,936 36,710 79,226 44,488 100.0% 73,143 100.0% 608
(E U) 219 344 439 463 441 526 1.2% 445 0.6% 1,184
(ASEAN) 680 943 607 701 3,431 730 1.6% 3,203 4.4% 228
Unit : value = million, volume = tons, average unit price = per kg Source : Trade Statistics, Ministry of Finance

55


Fig. 7 Principal exporting countries and regions of nuts by category (2005, in value basis)
Almonds Chestnuts
Yearly Average Yearly Average
Counrty Value Share Counrty Value Share
change unit price change unit price
1 U.S.A. 18,975 96.7% 145.9 770 China 4,341 56.6% 83.4 258
2 Australia 330 1.7% 1262.8 958 Korea 3,295 43.0% 100.3 713
3 Spain 217 1.1% 146.7 1,160 Italy 31 0.4% 104.1 400
4 Italy 92 0.5% 92.1 1,060 Australia 0 0.0% - 1,017
5 France 5 0.0% 202.3 1,257 France 0 0.0% - 1,580
(ASEAN Total) - - - - - - - -

Walnuts Macadamia nuts
1 U.S.A. 5,170 89.1% 109.7 598 Australia 2,602 64.0% 153.4 1,394
2 China 603 10.4% 119.4 449 Malaw i 544 13.4% 131.8 1,426
3 France 26 0.4% 111.5 926 South Africa 513 12.6% 170.7 1,389
4 Chile 3 0.1% 118.2 649 Kenya 373 9.2% 71.0 1,422
5 Spain 0 0.0% - 3,361 Guatemala 28 0.7% - 1,553
(ASEAN Total) - - - - - - - -

Cashew s Pistachios
1 India 3,222 88.8% 111.2 614 U.S.A. 1,254 80.9% 112.5 624
2 Vietnam 337 9.3% 76.9 601 Iran 164 10.6% 104.9 876
3 Indonesia 33 0.9% 122.1 621 Italy 127 8.2% 98.1 3,404
4 Sri Lanka 20 0.5% 177.3 1,011 Australia 4 0.3% 13.9 869
5 Kenya 15 0.4% 89.4 440 France 1 0.0% - 3,625
(ASEAN Total) 371 10.2% 79.7 603 - - - -

Hazel nuts Coconuts
1 Turkey 673 96.6% 150.9 1,101 Philippines 316 87.4% 164.9 148
2 Italy 20 2.9% 172.8 1,286 Thailand 32 8.8% 93.3 88
3 Spain 3 0.4% 1096.9 1,200 Singapore 4 1.2% 416.8 85
4 U.S.A. 1 0.1% 81.6 1,535 Sri Lanka 4 1.0% 91.8 199
5 Costa Rica 3 0.9% 102.3 67
(ASEAN Total) - - - - 355 98.0% 151.0 138

Others
Yearly Average
Counrty Value Share
change unit price
1 China 808 73.8% 96.9 485
2 U.S.A. 217 19.8% 103.7 1,027
3 Peru 30 2.7% 432.6 749
4 Australia 26 2.4% 145.4 1,115
5 Turkey 4 0.3% 553.4 2,882
(ASEAN Total) 4 0.4% 318.7 456
Unit : value = million, yearly change over previous year = %, average unit price = per kg

56


Fig. 8 Nuts imports from ASEAN by country /category

[Value] [Volume]
( million) (tons)
1,000 943 5,000

800 730 4,000 3,743
680 701 3,431
607 3,091 3,203
3,007
600 3,000

400 2,000

200 1,000

0 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
(year)

Average
Value Volume
unit price
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2005
Almonds - - - - - - - - - - -
Chestnuts - - - - - - - - - - -
Walnuts - - - - - - - - - - -
Macademia nuts - 13 - - - - 13 - - - -
Cashew s 461 661 346 465 371 877 1,324 748 984 615 603
ＡＳＥＡＮ
Pistachios - - - - - - - - - - -
Total
Hazal nuts - - - - - - - - - - -
Coconuts 216 267 259 235 355 2,127 2,404 2,338 2,445 2,579 138
Others 2 2 3 1 4 3 2 5 2 9 456
Total 680 943 607 701 730 3,007 3,743 3,091 3,431 3,203 228
Share in Total 1.9% 2.4% 1.6% 1.9% 1.6% 3.6% 4.3% 3.9% 4.3% 4.4%
Cashew s 422 612 306 438 337 810 1,243 667 930 560 601
Coconuts 1 4 - - - 34 53 - - - -
Vietnam Others - 1 3 1 4 - 2 5 2 8 419
Total 423 618 308 439 340 844 1,298 672 931 568 599
Share in Total 1.2% 1.6% 0.8% 1.2% 0.8% 1.0% 1.5% 0.8% 1.2% 0.8%
Coconuts 173 203 203 192 316 1,752 1,862 1,795 1,968 2,133 148
Philippines Total 173 203 203 192 316 1,752 1,862 1,795 1,968 2,133 148
Share in Total 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.7% 2.1% 2.2% 2.3% 2.5% 2.9%
Cashew s 39 48 40 27 33 67 81 81 54 54 621
Coconuts - - - 8 2 - - - 102 25 78
Indonesia Others 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1,074
Total 39 49 40 36 36 68 81 81 156 79 455
Share in Total 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1%
Macademia nuts - 13 - - - - 13 - - - -
Cashew s - - - - 1 - - - - 1 650
Coconuts 42 60 55 34 32 340 488 532 362 362 88
Thailand
Others 2 - - - - 3 - - - - -
Total 44 73 55 34 32 343 502 532 362 363 89
Share in Total 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.6% 0.7% 0.5% 0.5%
Malaysia - - 1 - - - - 11 - - -
Singapore - - - 1 4 - - - 13 50 85
Myanmar - - - - 0 - - - - 9 38
Laos - - - - - - - - - - -
Cambodia - - - - - - - - - - -
Brunei - - - - - - - - - - -

57


[Dried Fruits]
Besides the U.S. and China, a total of 31 countries and regions, including EU nations such as France and
Germany, the Middle East, such as Turkey and Iran, Central South America, Africa, and Asia, export some
kind of dried fruit to Japan in 2005. However, among them, the U.S. holds 70.8% in value and 71.8% in
quantity, with a large gap between the rest of countries after China ranking 2nd.（See Fig.9）
The U.S., the country with the most exports to Japan in 2005, had 9.59 billion yen (7.9% decrease over the
previous year) and 35,727 tons (25.9% decrease over the previous year), and a particularly large decrease was
recorded in quantity. Regarding U.S exports to Japan, raisins were the main product, with 58.5% in value,
72.5% in quantity (2005), but due to factors such as a decrease in shipping quantity resulting from acreage
reduction, and shipping adjustments to Japan by farm producers who expect an increase in California wine, a
large decrease in quantity was experienced in 2005, with a 13.3% decrease over the previous year. Also,
prunes, with 35.8% in value, 25.4% in quantity, another main product, greatly decreased both in value (43.5%
decrease over the previous year) and quantity (41.0% decrease over the previous year), due to crop failure in
the State of California. On the other hand, China, ranking 2nd in exports to Japan, was 1.53 billion yen (30.3%
increase over the previous year) and 5,943 tons (3.9% increase over the previous year), which especially
increased in the value base, due to an increase in persimmons, a staple merchandise with approximately 70%
in value, and approximately 80% in quantity.
Fig. 9 Principal exporting countries and regions of dried fruits to Japan
[Import value from major countries] [Share of import value in 2005]
( million)
12,000 ASEAN EU
Others
10,000 11.3% 1.0% 5.6%
China
U.S.A.
8,000 11.3%

6,000

4,000
China
2,000
U.S.A.
0
70.8%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
(year)

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Average
Value Value Value Value Volume Value Volume
unit price
U.S.A. 8,777 9,285 9,327 10,410 48,244 9,591 70.8% 35,727 71.8% 268
China 1,737 1,691 1,024 1,173 5,722 1,528 11.3% 5,943 11.9% 257
Turkey 463 406 478 531 2,272 646 4.8% 3,091 6.2% 209
France 33 41 60 91 245 498 3.7% 1,183 2.4% 421
Chile 90 245 383 305 1,422 469 3.5% 1,815 3.6% 258
Germany 288 355 287 208 54 212 1.6% 57 0.1% 3,737
South Africa 266 213 149 172 876 134 1.0% 641 1.3% 209
Philippines 16 30 26 53 63 107 0.8% 121 0.2% 882
Australia 102 110 109 134 609 107 0.8% 438 0.9% 244
Others 368 373 388 332 1,141 255 1.9% 717 1.4% 356
Total 12,140 12,748 12,231 13,409 60,647 13,547 100.0% 49,732 100.0% 272
(E U) 361 428 369 345 433 755 5.6% 1,352 2.7% 559
(ASEAN) 134 107 104 77 123 136 1.0% 196 0.4% 692
Also, the export of dried fruits from ASEAN as a whole to Japan was 0.14 billion yen (76.8% increase over
the previous year) and 196 tons (60.0% increase over the previous year), a large increase when compared to
the previous year, although the share of dried fruits exported to Japan remained at 1.0% in value and 0.4% in
quantity. The total quantity from ASEAN relies on guavas, mangoes and mangosteens as main products by the
Philippines, and the export of guavas, mangoes and mangosteens to Japan nearly doubled in percentage in
2005, but still resulted in less than 80% in value and approximately 60% in quantity for ASEAN as a whole.
（See Fig.11）
When viewing by categories, raisins and prunes were staple products, and the U.S. had a dominant share
with 0.56 billion yen (87.8% share) and 0.34 billion yen (83.1% share), respectively, and China controls 100%
58


of dried persimmons, all items are dominated by a single country. Following this, the main countries exporting
to Japan for figs were Turkey (41.8% share) and the U.S. (41.1% share); for apricots and berries, the U.S.
(53.1%, 57.9% shares); for guavas, mangoes, and mangosteens, the Philippines (84.3% share); and for bananas,
Ecuador (75.1% share) in the value basis. （See Fig.10）

Fig. 10 Principal exporting countries and regions of dried fruits by category (2005, in value basis)
Raisins Prunes
Country Value Share Country Value Share
1 U.S.A. 5,606 87.8% 106.4 216 U.S.A. 3,436 83.1% 76.1 379
2 Turkey 297 4.6% 169.9 140 France 489 11.8% 702.4 416
3 Chile 226 3.5% 147.5 210 Chile 179 4.3% 187.5 299
4 Australia 97 1.5% 88.8 226 Italy 21 0.5% - 404
5 South Africa 94 1.5% 93.0 171 China 6 0.1% - 304
(ASEAN Total) 1 0.0% 28.9 753 - - - -

Dried Persimmons Figs
1 China 1,063 100.0% 138.9 223 Turkey 230 41.8% 127.0 353
2 U.S.A. 226 41.1% 100.8 448
3 Iran 78 14.2% 101.9 371
4 Sw itzerland 7 1.2% 163.4 976
5 France 4 0.8% 50.8 1,336
(ASEAN Total) - - - - - - - -

Apricots Berries
1 U.S.A. 218 53.1% 98.5 1,146 U.S.A. 95 57.9% 56.5 1,668
2 Turkey 120 29.1% 69.0 364 Germany 40 24.5% 118.8 3,250
3 South Africa 40 9.7% 58.1 443 China 28 17.2% 143.5 2,606
4 China 24 5.9% 121.9 148 Slovakia 0 0.2% - 966
5 Australia 8 1.9% 31.9 950 France 0 0.1% - 7,700
(ASEAN Total) - - - - - - - -

Guavas, mangos, mangosteens Bananas
1 Philippines 105 84.3% 204.1 892 Ecuador 66 75.1% 93.4 241
2 Mexico 6 5.0% 145.6 1,376 Thailand 10 11.2% 99.7 449
3 China 6 4.8% 142.3 181 Vietnam 3 3.4% 125.4 213
4 Uganda 2 1.6% - 2,096 Germany 3 3.2% 111.9 2,199
5 Ecuador 2 1.3% - 442 Uganda 2 2.0% 371.4 1,100
(ASEAN Total) 106 85.3% 201.3 892 13 14.6% 104.7 357

Others
Yearly Average
Country Value Share
change unit price
1 China 350 55.5% 120.5 478
2 Germany 169 26.7% 99.5 3,950
3 Chile 64 10.2% 115.1 455
4 Thailand 10 1.6% - 360
5 U.S.A. 8 1.2% - 2,106
(ASEAN Total) 16 2.6% 174.1 405
Unit : value = million, yearly change over previous year = %, averaga unit price = per kg

59


Fig. 11 Dried fruits Imports from ASEAN by country /category
[Changes in value] [Changes in quantity]

( million) (tons)
150 134 136 300 276
250
107 104 209
201 196
100 200
77
150 123
50 100
50

0 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
(year) (year)

Average
Value Volume
unit price
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2005
Raisins 82 50 56 3 1 166 99 114 4 1 753
Dried Persimmons - - 0 - - - - 0 - - -
Berries - - 0 - - - - 1 - - -
ASEAN Guava, mangos, etc. 18 28 23 53 106 24 33 24 61 119 892
Total Bananas 19 10 14 12 13 46 25 41 35 36 357
Others 13 19 10 9 16 40 45 28 23 41 405
To tal 134 107 104 77 136 276 201 209 123 196 692
Share in Total 1.1% 0.8% 0.9% 0.6% 1.0% 0.5% 0.4% 0.4% 0.2% 0.4%
Guava, mangos, etc. 16 25 23 51 105 15 25 24 60 117 892
Bananas - 0 - - - - 1 - - - -
Philippines Others 0 5 2 2 2 0 6 2 3 4 587
To tal 16 30 26 53 107 15 32 27 63 121 882
Share in Total 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 0.4% 0.8% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% 0.2%
Guava, mangos, etc. 1 3 - 1 1 3 8 - 1 1 843
Bananas 14 8 10 10 10 26 14 21 22 22 449
Thailand Others 7 6 3 5 10 29 25 18 14 28 360
To tal 23 17 13 16 21 58 46 39 36 52 412
Share in Total 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
Vietnam 91 58 65 7 7 194 121 142 23 23 320
Indonesia 2 1 0 1 0 7 1 0 1 1 611
Malaysia - - - - - - - - - - -
Singapore 0 - - - - 0 - - - - -
Myanmar - - - - - - - - - - -
Laos 2 2 - 0 - 3 2 - 0 - -
Cambodia - - - - - - - - - - -
Brunei - - - - - - - - - - -
Note) Guavas, mangos, etc : Guavas, mangos, and mangosteens

(3) Imports’ Market Share in Japan
Regarding nuts, all almonds, cashews, and pistachios are supplied as imported products. There are some
domestic chestnuts and walnuts products, but imported products are predominant, due to the large difference
in quantity and price for imported products. Also, regarding dried fruits, the humid climate of Japan is not
conducive to the dehydration of raisins, and nearly the entire quantity is imported. For prunes, domestic
production quantity is low, and nearly the entire quantity is dependent on imports. Although statistics are not
available for the domestic production quantity of persimmon for some years, and the domestic production
quantity in 2005 is not readily known, it is estimated that around one third of the entire supply quantity is held
by imported products over the past 3-4 years.
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3. Key Considerations related to Exporting to Japan
(1)Regulations and Procedural Requirements at the Time of Importing in Japan
The importation of nuts and dried fruits are subject to the provisions of the Plant Protection Law and the
Food Sanitation Law.
1) Plant Protection Law
In order to prevent the entry into Japan of blight and harmful insects, procedure of plant quarantine is
required for the importation of unheat-treated nuts and dried fruits. Only certain sea ports and airports
equipped with adequate quarantine facilities are designated as the ports of entry. Upon arrival of cargo at the
port of entry, importers of nuts and dried fruits must promptly submit the Plant Protection Station an
“Application for Import Inspection of Plants and Import-Prohibited Articles” along with a “Phytosanitary
Certificate” issued by the competent governmental agency of the exporting country (application can be filed
up to 7 days in advance of arrival of cargo). Upon inspection, when quarantine pests are not detected, “Plant
Quarantine Certificate” is issued, and the importation is permitted.

Fig. 12 Plant Protection Law procedures

Application for import inspection to the Plant Protection Station
(“Phytosanitary Certificate” issued by competent government agency of exporting country)

Import inspection

If quarantine pests detected If quarantine pests not detected

Sterilization Issue of ”Plant Quarantine Certificate”

Discarded or returned Food Sanitation Law procedures

However, products processed such as roasted, and dried fruits listed below are exempted from the Plant
Protection Law. Also, almonds, cashews, coconuts, pistachios, Persian walnuts (except walnuts with shells
from prohibited import areas), dried macadamia nut powder are subject to the Plant Protection Law, but do
not need an attached inspection certificate from the exporting country.
(note) However, while other items may be in effect, if the product is dried, import inspection can be
performed without an attached plant inspection certificate from the exporting country.

Fig 13 Dried fruits that do not need inspection

Dried Apricots, figs, persimmons, kiwi fruit, plums, pears, jujubes, dates, pineapples,
bananas, papayas, grapes, mangoes, peaches and longans.

Under the Plant Protection Law, importation of soiled plants and plants sent from areas inhabited by pests
that have not emerged in Japan, or plants that come via those areas (those given in the Plant Protection Law,
Enforcement Regulations Appendix 2), is prohibited. Regarding walnut meat (walnuts with shells), import is
prohibited in some districts targeting the pest codling moth. In the event infected walnuts are imported to
Japan, measures such as incineration are taken. Furthermore, there are cases where importation is permitted
under the condition of compliance with standards, such as decontamination, as determined by the Minister of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
In instances where measures to prevent the intrusion of agricultural pests have been established, such as the
use of fumigation techniques for agricultural pests or the start of production in regions where such pests pose
no problem, import bans may be lifted even when they had been imposed on fresh fruit. The Minister of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may lift import bans when the standard conditions stipulated for fumiga-
tion and the like have been met. For more information, see the Website of the Ministry of Agriculture
Forestry and Fisheries Plant Protection Station.
（⇒English text http://www.pps.go.jp/english/faq/import/kinshi.html）
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2) Food Sanitation Law
All food products to be imported for the purpose of sales and marketing are subject to the procedures of
Food Sanitation Law. The Importers must submit a “Notification Form for Importation of Food, etc.”
together with other necessary documents as ingredients list and production process chart when the processed
food is the case, to the quarantine station at the port of entry. Upon examination of the documents, when the
products are judged as subject to sanitary inspection, the inspection will be carried out inside bonded area
and then decision will be made for import. The procedures required under the Food Sanitation Law is shown
as follows.
Fig. 14 Procedures required under the Food Sanitation Law

Advance consultation service
Advance information acquisition (regarding production methods, content of ingredients, etc.)
Advance inspection (by the competent government agency of the exporting country,
or the official laboratory registered with the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare)

Submission to the Quarantine Station
(“Notification Form for Importation of Foods, etc.” and other related documents)

Examination of documents

Cargo required inspection Cargo not required inspection

Failure Pass Certificate of notification processing, or
certificate of passing inspection

Reshipment, destruction,
conversion to other purposes Customs declaration

On May 29, 2006, the new positive list system was introduced and came into force. The system stipulates
all food products, if detected agricultural pesticides, feed additives, animal veterinary drugs to remain in
excess of certain quantity, importation and sales of such food products will be in principle prohibited. In this
system, for the agricultural pesticides etc. recognized to use and remain in the product, the maximum
residual level is fixed, and for other chemicals uniform standard of 0.01ppm residual level is applicable
(quantity understood as hardly affect human health).
This positive list system is applicable to all food products including processed food. And in case of nuts
and dried fruits, different standards are fixed for each item. For further information on this system, reference
to the following website of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is recommended.
(⇒http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/foodsafety/positivelist060228/index.html)
Also, almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, pistachio nuts among nuts, and dried figs among dried fruits are tested
for aflatoxin (mold poison), and shelled pistachios from Iran for Pirimiphos-methyl, as targets of inspection
order (inspection by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to importers of foods determined to have a high
probability of violation of the Food Sanitation Law) (as of September 2006). Measures such as the disposal
and return shipment are taken if conditions are not satisfied, as detected by the regulated test method for
aflatoxin B1, which has the strongest toxicity among mold poisons and a high detection frequency, and for
Pirimiphos-methyl not exceeding the standard value (0.10ppm).
It is required for the importers to gather abundant and enough information on the projected import foods to
study whether the products meets the requirement of the Food Sanitation Law in their specifications and
standards by obtaining, in advance, ingredients lists and production process charts or by making consultation
with the quarantine office.
Prior to importing, the importer may take a sample of forthcoming imports to laboratories registered with
the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare or the competent governmental agencies of the exporting
countries. Those test results may be substituted for the corresponding inspection at the port of entry, which
expedites the quarantine process.
In addition, importers who wish to submit their notification by computer may make use of the
computerized FAINS (Food Automated Import Notification and Inspection Network System) for processing
import-related documentation. Importers who have possessed hardware and software may apply for a
security code from the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare to access the system.

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(2) Regulations and Procedural Requirements at the Time of Sale
The sale of nuts and dried fruits is subject to provisions of the Food Sanitation Law, the JAS Law, the
Measurement Law, Health Promotion Law and the Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading
Representations.
Containers and packaging may be subject to the provisions of the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law
and the Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources.
1) Food Sanitation Law
Under the Food Sanitation Law, it is prohibited to sell food products that contain harmful or poisonous
materials or that are unsanitary. In a case where nuts and dried fruits are to be sold, labels based on the
Food Sanitation Law (additives used, a notification that allergy material is included, labeling relating to
genetic modification, and the like) is obligatory. (see (3) Labeling Regulations)
2) JAS Law
(Law Concerning Standardization and Proper Labeling of Agricultural and Forestry Products)
The JAS Law establishes quality labeling standard for all food and beverage products for sale to the public
consumer. Fruits and vegetables, such as raw chestnuts and walnuts in the shell, are required to be labeled in
accordance with the Labeling Standard of Quality of Fresh Food Products, and for processed nuts and dried
fruits according to the Labeling Standard of Quality of Processed Food Products. (See (3) Labeling)
3) Measurement Law
Nuts and dried fruits sealed in wrapping or containers are required for weighting to the certain accuracy
and labeling of the net content by the Measurement Law.
4) Health Promotion Law
When labeling the nutritional data on containers and packages or include in promotional documents of
processed foods aimed at the sale to consumers, it is obligatory to display in accordance with the Standard of
Labeling Nutritional Data stating calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium and nutritional ingredient in
order of the content of quantity . (see (3) Labeling)
5) Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
The Act prohibits a form of improper labeling exaggerated or false labeling that misleads consumers about
the nature or quality of products. The Fair Trade Commission, when necessary to judge the labeling is lawful
or false, can request the enterprisers concerned to present the data for reasoning of the labeling contents.
If they fail to present the requested data, the Fair Trade Commission will regard the case unlawful. Also
vague or confusing labeling that makes it difficult to discern the actual country of origins is also prohibited
as a form of improper labeling. The country of origin is defined as “a country in which a treatment of process
effecting substantial change to the substance of the goods made.”
6) Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources
When paper or plastic is used as a packaging material as wrappings or containers of nuts and dried fruits, a
material identifier mark should be labeled. (see (3) labeling)
7) Containers and Packaging Recycling Law
( Law for Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging)
The Law was enacted to promote recycling of containers and packaging waste materials. It provides for
sorting by consumers, sorted collection by municipalities, and product reuse (recycling) by product makers
and distributors for glass bottles, PET bottles, paper and plastic containers and packaging. Consequently, nut
and dried fruit importers and vendors incur the obligation for recycling of containers and packaging. The
small-scale importers are exempt from the recycling duty, however, the containers and packaging must carry
the identifier labels. (see (3) labeling)

(3) Labeling Regulations at the Time of Sale in Japan
1)Legally Required Labeling
[1] Food Sanitation Law, JAS Law and Measurement Law
According to the “Labeling Standard of Quality of Fresh Food” under JAS Laws, it is compulsory for raw
chestnuts, unshelled walnuts and other fresh nuts to label the following in Japanese in easily seen areas, such
as the container or packaging, or places easily seen by the consumer, such as signs.
① Name ② Country of Origin (generally known place names are acceptable)
63


When selling nuts and dried fruits sealed in wrapping or containers, following items must be listed all
together on the label, under provisions of the Food Sanitation Law, Labeling Standard of Quality of
Processed Food under JAS Law and the Measurement Law.
<Labeling items to be listed all together>
① Product name
② List of ingredients, list of additives (if used)
③ Net content
④ Best-before date
⑤ Preservation method
⑥ Country of origin
⑦ Importer ‘s or distributor’s name and address
＜Labeling of Foods Containing Allergy Materials＞
Under Food Sanitation Law, it is compulsory to label foods (specified raw materials) that have a particular
tendency of causing allergies. Five items in which labeling has been made compulsory considering the
number of occurrences and degree of seriousness, and 20 items in which labeling is encouraged as much as
possible, have been set. In cases where a specified raw material is included in the processed food
(including business use food products and food additives that are not directly sold to consumers) that is put
into the container packaging, as a principle, a notice to that effect must be labeled in the raw materials
column.
Specified Raw Materials
（Labeling mandatory） Wheat, buckwheat, eggs, milk, peanut
(5 items)
Materials that are Abalone, squid, salmon roe, shrimp, crab, salmon,
equivalent to the specified mackerel, orange, kiwifruit, peach, yam, apple, walnut,
raw materials matsutake mushroom, soybean, beef, pork, chicken,
(Labeling recommended） gelatine, banana
(20 items)

[2] Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources
Under the Law, specific containers and packaging are subject to identifier
marking provisions in order to promote sorted collection. When paper or plastic
is used as a packaging material for wrapping, a material identifier mark must be
displayed at least one spot on the side of container with the fixed formalities.

2) Voluntary Labeling based on Provisions of Law
[1] JAS Law
<Inspection and Certification of Organic Processed Food Products>
The JAS Law stipulates a “specific JAS standard” for organic processed food products. Only those
products that comply with this standard are allowed to include in their labeling the phrase “organic”. Organic
processed food products produced abroad (in countries recognized as having a certification program
equivalent to the JAS system) must be qualified according to one of the following methods in order to use
the phrase “organic”.
① Foreign manufacturers authorized by a registered foreign certification organization, export the
product with the JAS Mark self-attached to sell in Japan.
② Importers who obtained approval to qualify from a registered certifying organization in Japan, may
self-qualify the product by accompanied certificate (or copy) issued by a public agency abroad.
③ Organic products made by foreign manufacturers who are authorized by a registered certifying
organization in Japan may be imported and sold with the JAS Mark attached.

64


Fig. 15 Inspection and certification system of an organic processed food Organic JAS Mark

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
［ Name of Certifying
Registered Registration application Registered Registration application Organization］

Foreign
Registered foreign Countries
Certifying organization Certifying organization
Certified Certified Certified

Certified foreign Not-certified
manufacturers, foreign manufacturers
Certified foreign sorters
Self-qualify for JAS Mark

Not-certified importers

(Certificate from Public Agency)
Certified importers
Self-qualify for JAS Mark

Contact: Center for Food Quality, Labeling and Consumer Services Headquarters
Technical Exchange Department TEL: 048-600-2366 http://www.cfqlcs.go.jp
[2] Health Promotion Law
Nuts and dried fruits for sale to consumers must display a label of the nutritional data in Japanese on the
container or packaging, stating calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and nutritional ingredients based
on contents, in accordance with the Standard of Labeling Nutritional Data. Also, the criteria regarding the
labeling description is regulated, such as specific nutritional ingredients are added, the high amount
contained (high in dietary fiber, contains Vitamin E, etc), or not contained, or low in content (low calorie,
sugar-free, etc). For example, to be labeled as “abundant in dietary fiber,” the product must contain more
than 6grams per 100grams of fiber.

(3) Voluntary Industry Labeling
There is no voluntary industry labeling for nuts and dried fruits.

(4) Key Considerations for entering the Japanese Market
The Food Sanitation Law strictly regulates that aflatoxin is to be non-detectable, and depending on the
category, such as almonds and walnuts, are targeted for inspection. Measures such as disposal or return of
shipment, etc., may occur if aflatoxin is detected. Furthermore, random inspection by the Public Health
Department of the local government is carried out even during the distribution phase, and if a violation of the
Food Sanitation Law (in most cases of nuts, aflotoxin is detected beyond its standard level)discovered, recall
of the whole lot will be ordered. One should also be aware that if a violation is found in one company and a
recall is reported in media, all products from that country suffer, as well as the product itself, including those
produced in other countries, and may result in the irreparably loss of consumer trust.
Also, prior inspection by the exporting country is essential in the import of safe nuts and dried fruits. Also,
since May 2006, in efforts to establish trace-ability (production management track record), and the
introduction of a system of a positive list of pesticide residue and a thorough quality control at the
production region is required.

(5) Considerations for Related Products
① Raw peanuts are subject to a tariff quota, and are subject to the Food Sanitation Law and Plant
Protection Law, Too.
② Chocolate with almonds and macadamia nuts, etc, fruits cake with raisins, etc, are exempt from the
plant quarantine if heat processing confirmed, but are still subject to the Food Sanitation Law.
65

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