Market
Cinnamon powder (HS 0906.20: crushed or ground) in Japan is an import-dependent spice ingredient used across household retail, bakery/confectionery, beverages, and industrial seasoning blends. UN Comtrade-derived data (via WITS) indicates Japan imported about USD 3.76 million and ~709 tonnes of HS 090620 in 2023, with major supplying partners including China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Market access is shaped by Japan’s Food Sanitation Act import notification process and potential inspections at MHLW quarantine stations, with residue compliance under the positive list system a key consideration. Depending on product form and quarantine classification, plant quarantine procedures may also apply and should be confirmed with MAFF Plant Protection Stations.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleWidely used flavoring spice ingredient for retail seasonings and food manufacturing (bakery, confectionery, beverages, seasoning blends)
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act controls (e.g., pesticide residues under the positive list system, or detection of regulated toxic/hazardous substances or relevant pathogens) can result in import delays, enhanced inspections, or shipment disposal/return and blocks commercial release in Japan.Implement pre-shipment compliance testing and documentation (residue screening aligned to Japan requirements), keep complete manufacturing/ingredient records for the import notification, and use robust supplier approval with corrective-action pathways.
Regulatory Compliance MediumErrors or omissions in the import notification (e.g., incomplete ingredient/manufacturing information) can delay quarantine-station clearance and disrupt delivery schedules.Use an importer checklist aligned to MHLW import-notification guidance and retain standardized supplier dossiers (ingredients, process, additives, CoA/test results).
Plant Quarantine MediumDepending on quarantine classification for the specific product form, plant quarantine procedures may apply; missing phytosanitary documentation or misunderstanding exemption status can trigger holds and clearance delays.Confirm the exact quarantine requirements with MAFF Plant Protection Stations before shipment and align supplier documentation accordingly.
Quality Integrity MediumBotanical identity confusion (e.g., Ceylon cinnamon versus other cinnamon types) and quality/adulteration concerns can cause specification disputes, relabeling risk, or customer rejection in program-based procurement.Define botanical/label claims in contracts, require authenticity/identity verification and batch CoA, and conduct periodic third-party testing.
Logistics LowMoisture ingress and odor cross-contamination during storage and sea transit can degrade aroma and cause caking, reducing usability for Japanese buyers with tight sensory specs.Use moisture-barrier packaging, consider container desiccants for humid routes, and apply dry, odor-controlled warehousing and handling SOPs.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used for cinnamon powder imports into Japan?Cinnamon powder is typically classified under HS 0906.20 (cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers, crushed or ground) in Japan’s tariff/statistical coding references.
Is an import notification required to bring cinnamon powder into Japan for commercial sale?Yes. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) states that Article 27 of the Food Sanitation Act obliges importers to submit an import notification to an MHLW quarantine station for foods imported for sale or business use.
Do plant quarantine procedures apply to cinnamon powder imports into Japan?It depends on the product’s form and quarantine classification. MAFF Plant Protection Stations explain that plant quarantine procedures apply to plant products, while some processed products may not require import inspections; importers should confirm the requirement for the specific cinnamon powder shipment with the Plant Protection Station.