Fresh export requirements for Japan
The compliance checklist for exporting fresh from West Africa to Japan — 2 requirements across 2 categories. Market risk: Medium.
Last reviewed 4 November 2026 · verify against official sources before shipment.
What you need for Japan
Phytosanitary & Quality
Pineapple, ginger and groundnuts from Ghana are not on Japan's list of import-prohibited plants, so they may enter with a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country's plant protection organisation, followed by import inspection. Where ginger rhizomes or in-pod groundnuts could be planted, Japan's burrowing nematode measure (Annexed Table 2-2, item 12, Ghana listed) may also require an additional declaration.
Destination Market Access
Under Article 27 of Japan's Food Sanitation Act, anyone importing food for sale must submit an Import Notification to the MHLW quarantine station at the port of entry, on paper or electronically. Cargo can be ordered for inspection. The filing is the importer's; the exporter supplies product and processing information.
Fresh → Japan questions
Do I need a phytosanitary certificate for japan plant quarantine to export fresh to Japan?
Yes — Phytosanitary certificate for Japan plant quarantine is one of the required items for the Fresh → Japan lane. This page lists the full checklist, and you can check your own status free.
Is fresh to Japan covered by EUDR?
This lane is not primarily driven by EUDR; its requirements are mainly phytosanitary, food-safety and market-access documents. See the full list above.
How long does it take to become compliant for fresh → Japan?
Individual items range from a few days to a few weeks; the longest single item here is an estimated 0 days, so start well ahead of your shipment.
Score your Fresh → Japan readiness
Run the free checker against this list and see exactly where you stand.