Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried ginger in Japan is primarily an import-supplied spice/ingredient market, while domestic ginger production is limited and regionally concentrated (notably in Kochi Prefecture and in parts of Kumamoto Prefecture such as the Yatsushiro area). Importers must clear Japan Customs procedures and comply with food-safety import controls under the Food Sanitation Act, including import notification to MHLW quarantine stations and risk-based monitoring. For tariff purposes, dried whole ginger is classified within Japan’s tariff schedule for Chapter 09 spices (e.g., HS 0910.11 sub-classifications), and duty treatment depends on the specific statistical code and origin qualification. Plant quarantine requirements depend on the plant-product status and degree of processing, so importers commonly confirm applicability with MAFF Plant Protection Stations.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with limited domestic production
Domestic RoleNiche domestic production of ginger rhizomes; dried spice demand commonly relies on imported raw material and/or imported processed forms
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityDomestic ginger harvest in key producing areas peaks in autumn (e.g., October–November in Kochi), but dried ginger supply for Japan is typically available year-round via imports and inventories.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common trade form includes dried, whole ginger (whether or not peeled), typically traded in bulk and later processed (e.g., slicing/grinding) by downstream operators.
Grades- Whole (neither crushed nor ground) versus crushed/ground forms are distinguished in tariff/statistical classifications for ginger within Chapter 09 spices.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin farm harvest → cleaning/sorting → drying (whole or cut) → foreign packaging → ocean freight to Japan → MHLW food import notification/document review (and inspection when applicable) → customs import declaration/permit → importer warehousing → domestic repacking or milling/blending → distribution to food manufacturers/retail
Temperature- Typically handled under ambient conditions; key control is avoiding moisture and condensation to reduce mold/mycotoxin and quality risks.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is strongly affected by moisture ingress and storage hygiene; deviations can trigger mold growth and off-odors and increase compliance risk at import or downstream testing.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighFailure to comply with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act import controls for spices—such as detection of Salmonella in spices intended to be eaten unheated or violations related to residual agricultural chemicals—can trigger inspection, delay, and rejection actions (including disposal or shipment back).Use approved suppliers with documented GMP/HACCP controls; run pre-shipment microbiological testing (incl. Salmonella where applicable) and residue compliance checks; ensure the MHLW import notification accurately reflects manufacturer, process, and ingredient/additive details.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocumentation gaps (e.g., missing or inconsistent invoice/B/L/packing list, missing origin documents when claiming preferential rates, or missing permits/approvals when other laws apply) can delay customs clearance or force re-declaration.Align documents to Japan Customs checklists before shipment; obtain and file origin documentation when preferential rates are used; maintain a port-specific importer checklist integrating MHLW quarantine station and customs broker requirements.
Plant Quarantine MediumPlant quarantine applicability can vary by plant product status and degree of processing; if dried ginger is deemed quarantine-required for a shipment, lack of required inspection/certification can block customs confirmation under Plant Protection Law controls.Confirm the product status with MAFF Plant Protection Station prior to shipping and secure any required phytosanitary certificates/inspection outcomes for the specific lot and packing configuration.
Logistics MediumOcean freight disruption and port congestion can increase landed costs and cause delivery delays for imported dried spices, affecting production schedules for downstream processors and food manufacturers.Contract buffer lead times and safety stocks for key SKUs; diversify origin and forwarder options; pre-book capacity during peak shipping seasons.
Sustainability- Residue compliance for agricultural chemicals in imported plant-based foods (including spices) is a recurrent sustainability/compliance theme due to Japan’s border monitoring programs.
- Radioactive materials monitoring can apply to certain imported categories including spices/herbs and their processed products in specified origin contexts (as referenced in MHLW monitoring plans).
FAQ
What are the core steps to import dried ginger into Japan for commercial sale?Importers generally submit an import notification under the Food Sanitation Act to an MHLW quarantine station for document examination (and inspection when required), then lodge an import declaration with Japan Customs using the required commercial and shipping documents (e.g., invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, packing list) and obtain an import permit after examination and any duty/tax settlement.
What tariff rate applies to dried whole ginger imported into Japan?Japan’s tariff references list dried, whole ginger (HS 0910.11-292, neither crushed nor ground, not retail-packed) with a general tariff rate shown as duty-free and a WTO rate shown as 2.5%. The applicable rate depends on the exact statistical code and whether you qualify for preferential treatment under an EPA/FTA with proper origin documentation.
What food-safety issues are specifically monitored for imported spices in Japan?MHLW’s imported foods monitoring plans include checks relevant to spices, including monitoring for Salmonella in spices intended to be eaten unheated, as well as monitoring related to residual agricultural chemicals. Shipments that do not comply can face enforcement actions such as disposal or shipment back.