Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormCured / Preserved (Brined, Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionValue-added Processed Vegetable Product
Market
Cured black olives in Japan are primarily supplied through imports of prepared/preserved olives, with domestic olive production concentrated in Kagawa Prefecture (notably Shodoshima) and marketed as a niche specialty. UN Comtrade-based data (HS 200570) indicates Japan’s imports are led by Spain and Italy, reflecting dependence on overseas processors for mainstream retail supply. For commercial importation, Japan requires an import notification under the Food Sanitation Act via an MHLW quarantine station before goods can be sold. Domestic harvesting on Shodoshima is seasonal (mid-September to November), while imported shelf-stable cured olives are available year-round.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with niche domestic production
Domestic RoleNiche specialty production centered in Kagawa Prefecture (Shodoshima), which is described as producing about 90% of olives grown in Japan; domestic olives are commonly brined or pressed into oil after harvest.
SeasonalityImports support year-round availability of cured olives in Japan; domestic olive harvest in Shodoshima (Kagawa) runs from mid-September to November, after which olives are typically brined or pressed into oil.
Specification
Secondary Variety- Mission
- Manzanillo
- Lucca
- Nevadillo Blanco
Physical Attributes- For oxidation-darkened olives, Codex specifies a uniform brown to black colour and preservation in hermetically sealed containers with heat sterilisation.
- Codex notes finished table olives should have normal colour, flavour, odour, and texture characteristic of the product, and brine should be free from microbiological deterioration and abnormal fermentation off-odours.
Compositional Metrics- Codex packing brine physico-chemical guidance includes maximum pH 4.3 and minimum sodium chloride content of 5.0% (treated olives) or 6.0% (natural olives); pasteurised treated/natural olives follow GMP for salt with max pH 4.3.
Grades- Codex trade categories (optional): “Extra/Fancy/A”, “First/Choice/Select/B”, “Second/Standard/C”.
Packaging- Packed with or without liquid packing medium; Codex defines packing brines as food-grade salt solutions in potable water, optionally with ingredients such as vinegar, olive oil/vegetable oils, sugars/honey, spices/herbs, and stuffing materials (e.g., pimiento, onion, almond, celery, anchovy, capers).
- Minimum drained weight guidance in Codex: 50% for whole olives and 40% for stoned (pitted) and stuffed olives (with noted exceptions for small sizes).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas curing/processing → packing (often in brine and/or hermetic containers) → containerized sea freight to Japan → MHLW quarantine station import notification/document examination (and inspection when applicable) → customs clearance after confirmed notification → importer warehousing → domestic distribution
Shelf Life- Codex describes table olives as treated/processed to remove bitterness and preserved by natural fermentation and/or heat treatment and/or other means to ensure product stability in appropriate storage conditions.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the importer does not complete the Food Sanitation Act import notification (or if the product fails compliance checks on manufacturing standards, additive use, or hazardous substances), the shipment cannot be imported for sale in Japan and may be subject to disposal/return instructions after quarantine-station review.Before shipment, align the product specification (ingredients, additive list, manufacturing method) to Japan requirements; prepare the MHLW import notification dossier and conduct pre-import verification so the quarantine station’s document examination can be passed without corrective actions.
Labeling MediumNon-compliant Japan-market labeling (including the requirement for Japanese-language labeling) can cause relabeling, delayed distribution, or retailer rejection even after import clearance.Prepare Japan-compliant Japanese labels in advance and validate against Consumer Affairs Agency guidance before first import and before each formulation/label change.
Logistics MediumSea-freight volatility can materially impact landed cost and replenishment timing for heavy packaged cured olives shipped long distance (often in brine and glass/metal containers).Use forward freight planning (contracted lanes where feasible), maintain safety stock for key SKUs, and qualify multiple origins/suppliers to reduce disruption risk from route congestion or cost spikes.
FAQ
What is the key import compliance step for bringing cured black olives into Japan for sale?An importer must submit an import notification (“Notification Form for Importation of Foods, etc.”) to an MHLW quarantine station under the Food Sanitation Act; the product cannot be sold for business purposes without this notification, and customs clearance may require the confirmed notification/certificate.
Do processed/cured olives typically require Japan plant quarantine inspection and a phytosanitary certificate?Japan’s Plant Protection Stations note that processed products whose plant ingredients pose no threat of introducing harmful pests generally do not require plant quarantine import inspections. Requirements can vary by product condition, so importers should confirm the specific item and origin conditions when planning shipments.
Which HS code and indicative tariff lines commonly apply to prepared/preserved olives in Japan?Prepared/preserved olives are classified under HS 2005.70 in Japan; webTARIFF lists national statistical codes including 2005.70-010 (airtight containers ≤10kg) and 2005.70-020 (other), with indicative tariff rates shown on webTARIFF for each line.