Required Permits
There are significant hurdles to selling cosmetics imported from China. Please see the brief summary below for your reference.
★Requirements for Importing and Selling Cosmetics from Overseas as a Corporation (Company)★
Required Licenses
① If importing and selling under your own company → "Cosmetics Manufacturing License" or "Cosmetics Manufacturing and Sales License"
② If imported by another company and sold by your own company → "Cosmetics Manufacturing and Sales License"
③ If you import the products yourself but have another company sell them → "Cosmetics Manufacturing License"
*Cosmetic ingredients must undergo testing in Japan. Japanese labeling is also required.
Personnel Requirements
① "Cosmetics Manufacturing License" → Responsible Technician
② "Cosmetics Manufacturing and Marketing License" → General Manager of Manufacturing and Marketing
* A pharmacist or a person who has completed a specialized course in pharmacy or chemistry at a university.
Required Manufacturing Licenses
① When filling small containers, pouches, or similar packaging within Japan → "General Category"
② When only packaging, Japanese labeling, and storage are performed → "Packaging, Labeling, and Storage Category"
Required Notifications
① Notification of Manufacture and Sale of Cosmetics → Governor of each prefecture
② Notification of Foreign Cosmetics Manufacturer/Distributor (Manufacturer) → Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency
*The permit is valid for five years and must be renewed.
For the latest information, such as national notifications, please check the websites of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Divisions in each prefecture for details.
★For Personal Imports★
When an individual imports goods for personal use—commonly referred to as “personal importation” (including bringing items back from overseas)—they are generally required to submit the necessary documents to the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare (a regional branch of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) and obtain certification that the import is not for commercial purposes.
However, as a special exception, items within the following scope may be imported after receiving confirmation from customs. In this case, since it is assumed that the importer will use the items personally, selling or transferring the imported pharmaceuticals, etc., to others is not permitted. Importing items in bulk on behalf of others is also not permitted.
Cosmetics: Up to 24 units per item in standard size
For example, in the case of lipstick, up to 24 units regardless of brand or color
(Excerpt from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website)
Summary
To summarize briefly:
① Up to 24 items per type
② Selling or transferring them is illegal
③ Importing on behalf of others is also prohibited
Please note:
The information above was independently researched by HubBuyer, a China-based import agency, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.
Furthermore, it cannot be used as a basis for customs clearance if your shipment is detained by customs.
This article was written by HubBuyer, a China import agency.
HubBuyer
HubBuyer has offices in both Japan and China, and our mission is to handle all operations within China and deliver goods to Japan (including direct shipping to FBA) on behalf of our business clients. If you are considering importing and selling products from China, we encourage you to use HubBuyer’s services.
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