Restrictions on the export of cosmetics overseas

Updated: July 2025, 6

　What to do in Japan when exporting cosmetics

Exporting cosmetics overseas depends on the condition in which the cosmetics are exported.
Generally, it is divided into three categories:

① Circulated domesticallyJapaneseExporting cosmetics with some changes to their appearance

This applies when cosmetics manufactured or imported for distribution in Japan are changed to the language of the export destination in Japan, or the design of the container or outer box is changed to suit the export destination. To do.

　

Changes to product labeling, etc., and the design of containers and outer boxes can be carried out by licensed cosmetics manufacturing companies (packaging, labeling, and storage categories). It is necessary to submit a "Notification of Manufacturing of Cosmetics for Export" to the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare via the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).

② Manufacture, import and export cosmetics with overseas sales specifications

This applies to cosmetics that are not intended for distribution within Japan, but whose ingredients are blended domestically or whose containers and outer boxes are designed before being exported.

These actions can be carried out by a licensed cosmetics manufacturing industry (general classification, packaging/labeling/storage classification), so cosmetics manufacturing industries must first obtain approval through the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). It is necessary to submit a “Notification of Manufacturing of Cosmetics for Export” to the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare.

3) Export cosmetics that are distributed domestically as they are

If you want to export cosmetics that are already distributed in Japan (in Japanese) in their original form, there are no regulations under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and no formalities are required.

　About Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification

GMP certification is a certificate that certifies that the cosmetics to be exported have been manufactured in accordance with Japan's Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, with appropriate structural and equipment improvements, and in accordance with appropriate management processes.

This may be required as a necessary document when exporting cosmetics to Europe, the United States, or ASEAN countries.

GMP certification is issued by the Japan Cosmetic Industry Federation.

　How to deal with export destination countries when exporting cosmetics

The laws regulating cosmetics have similar structures both in Japan and outside Japan.

When cosmetics are exported from a foreign country and imported into Japan, the cosmetics manufacturer or distributor in Japan must submit a notification of manufacture and sale of the cosmetics, and only cosmetics that have been notified can pass through customs and arrive at the cosmetics manufacturer's warehouse.

The same applies when exporting cosmetics from Japan, as the destination country has laws and regulations equivalent to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

The business receiving the exported goods at the destination will be required to have certain qualifications, and the goods will be able to pass through customs based on those qualifications.

　GMP certification/certificate related to export of cosmetics

The following certificates are issued when exporting cosmetics, such as GMP certificates.

　For consultation regarding cosmetics-related permits, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.

At the Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation, we provide procedural support and consulting regarding the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, from those newly entering the cosmetics industry to existing marketing agents, manufacturers, and distributors.

Applications for cosmetics are highly specialized and can be said to be one of the fields in which there are few administrative scriveners who can handle them.

Our staff has a track record of applying in all prefectures across the country. Please contact us by all means.

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