What kinds of regulations are there regarding the composite materials of food containers? Furthermore, I would like to import containers passed an inspection overseas. Is it necessary for them to be re-inspected in Japan? In the case of continuously importing the same tableware, is it necessary to obtain an inspection every time?  

The manufacture, import, and sales of container-packages that contain or are contaminated with toxic or harmful substances are restricted under the Food Sanitation Law (Law No. 233 of 1947). Furthermore, those entities manufacturing, importing and/or selling container-packages that contain or are contaminated with toxic or harmful substances must comply with the standards prescribed by the Specifications and Standards for Food and Food Additives, etc. (Ministerial Notice No. 370 of 1939). With respect to inspection under the Ministerial Notice, if an inspection is conducted by the official laboratories of the exporting country, further inspection at the time of the importation is omitted. An import inspection may be ommitted under certain conditiong.

1. The law defines container-packages as follows: "container-package means substances to be used for containing or packing foods or additives, and to be delivered with foods or additives contained therein."

2. The manufacture, import, and sales of container-packages that contain or are contaminated with toxic or harmful substances are restricted by the Food Sanitation Law (Law No. 233 of 1947).

3. "Specifications and Standards for Foods and Food Additives, etc." under the Food Sanitation Law sets out general specifications or specificationsfor the materialsof the container package which container-packages must meet. For example, there are regulations regarding coloring agents which may be added to container-packages, regulations regarding the dissolution of heavy metals, and regulations regarding structual strength. The manufacture, import and/or sales, etc. of container-packages that do not comply with such regulations is prohibited.

4. If an examination is performed prior to export by the laboratory in the exporting country and that such laboratory is registered with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and results of the examination conforming to the Food Sanitation Law are submitted at the time of the importation, the import inspection is exempted in accordance with the "System of Foreign Official Laboratories". As for details on designated countries and organizations, please refer to the website http://www.mhlw.go.jp/.

5. If containers, packages and toys subject to the Food Sanitation Law, utilieze the same materials, coloring agens and manufacuring methods, etc. , the import inspection is not conducted after the first inspection as long as the copy of the examination result of the first inspection is attached.