Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Ingredient / Botanical Ingredient
Market
Licorice-root powder in Japan is an import-dependent botanical ingredient used mainly in Kampo-related supply chains and in flavoring/cosmetics applications. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is not native to Japan, so Japanese buyers typically rely on imported raw roots, extracts, or powders. For pharmaceutical/Kampo use, specifications commonly reference Japanese Pharmacopoeia concepts for Glycyrrhizae Radix (roots/stolons of Glycyrrhiza uralensis or Glycyrrhiza glabra) and glycyrrhizin-related quality controls, while food use must comply with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act import procedures and additive rules. Market access risk is driven more by quarantine classification and documentation than by seasonality because the product is dry and shelf-stable.
Market RoleNet importer / import-dependent ingredient market
Domestic RoleB2B input ingredient for Kampo extract manufacturing, food flavoring/confectionery, and cosmetics
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityNo meaningful domestic seasonality; supply continuity depends on import availability and border clearance.
Specification
Primary VarietyGlycyrrhiza uralensis and/or Glycyrrhiza glabra (Japanese Pharmacopoeia Glycyrrhizae Radix definition referenced in literature)
Physical Attributes- Dry, finely milled botanical powder requiring moisture and odor control to prevent caking and quality degradation during storage and distribution in Japan.
Compositional Metrics- For medicinal/Kampo-grade raw material, glycyrrhizin content controls are cited in literature (e.g., minimum glycyrrhizin content for Glycyrrhizae Radix in pharmacopoeial contexts).
- Food-use formulations that function as sweeteners/additives must align with Japan’s positive-list approach to food additives and applicable use standards.
Grades- Pharmaceutical/Kampo supply-grade vs. food/flavoring grade (buyer specifications typically differ by intended use and regulatory pathway).
Packaging- Moisture-barrier inner liner (e.g., sealed bag) within fiber drum or carton; contamination and odor-transfer prevention emphasized for Japanese industrial buyers.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas harvest/cutting → drying/cleaning → milling to powder (or import as powder) → shipment (typically sea) → Japan customs clearance + applicable quarantine procedures (plant quarantine and/or Food Sanitation Act import notification) → ingredient distribution to manufacturers
Temperature- Ambient-temperature logistics are typical; moisture control is more critical than refrigeration for this dry powder.
Atmosphere Control- Humidity and odor exposure management (sealed packaging; avoid volatile chemical/odor contamination in transit and warehousing).
Shelf Life- Shelf life is primarily limited by moisture uptake, oxidation of aroma notes, and contamination risk rather than rapid spoilage.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighBorder rejection/disposal risk if the shipment is classified as a plant product requiring import inspection and a phytosanitary certificate (or other quarantine measures) is missing or inconsistent; MAFF Plant Protection Station highlights legal requirements for phytosanitary certification/inspection for many plant products, while noting that some processed products may be exempt depending on pest risk.Confirm the exact import condition for the plant/part and processing level with MAFF Plant Protection Station before shipment; align documents (including any required phytosanitary certificate) to the confirmed condition and keep lots free from soil/plant pest contamination.
Food Safety HighGlycyrrhizin-related adverse effects (notably pseudoaldosteronism) are a documented safety issue in Japan’s Kampo medicine context and can also be relevant to food/supplement uses if intake is excessive or labeling/usage guidance is inadequate.Set internal glycyrrhizin specification limits appropriate to intended use; require supplier test certificates; ensure downstream customers apply appropriate usage guidance and monitor complaints/adverse events.
Documentation Gap MediumDelays can occur if import documentation is incomplete across customs clearance and Food Sanitation Act procedures (e.g., missing invoice/transport docs, missing required permits under other laws, or missing Food Sanitation Act import notification for business imports).Use a Japan Customs–aligned document checklist (invoice, B/L or AWB, packing list, and permits/approvals where applicable) and complete Food Sanitation Act import notification workflows with the responsible MHLW quarantine station before distribution.
Supply Chain MediumImport supply disruption and price volatility risk due to upstream ecological and regulatory pressures in producing regions (e.g., overharvesting concerns and reported export regulation moves for conservation in key origin areas for Glycyrrhiza uralensis).Diversify origin and supplier base; require documented cultivation/harvest controls; hold safety stock for critical Kampo/flavoring production programs.
Sustainability- Supply sustainability risk for imported Glycyrrhiza uralensis: literature reports overharvesting pressure on wild populations and desertification-related context in key producing regions, which can tighten supply and elevate price risk for import-dependent Japan buyers.
- Quality variability risk between wild and cultivated sources: literature notes constituent (e.g., glycyrrhizin) variability and that cultivated material can fall below pharmacopoeial thresholds relevant to medicinal/Kampo supply specifications.
FAQ
Do licorice-root powder shipments into Japan always need a phytosanitary certificate?Not always. Japan’s Plant Protection Station explains that many plant items require import inspection and phytosanitary certification, but some processed products may not require inspection if they pose no pest-introduction risk. Importers should confirm the requirement for the specific plant part and processing level with the Plant Protection Station before shipping.
What is the main safety concern associated with licorice (glycyrrhizin) in Japan’s Kampo context?A well-documented concern is pseudoaldosteronism linked to licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix) in Kampo medicines, which can involve effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia. Japanese clinical and pharmacognosy literature highlights this as a notable adverse effect risk, especially with excessive or prolonged intake.
If licorice-root powder is imported for business use as a food ingredient, what procedure applies in Japan?The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare explains that importers of foods and related products for sale or business use must submit an import notification (Notification Form for Importation of Foods, etc.) to an MHLW quarantine station under the Food Sanitation Act, and the product may be subject to document examination and inspection.