Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormShelled (Dried kernels)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Japan is a highly import-dependent market for shelled walnut kernels (HS 080232), with UN Comtrade data showing imports of about USD 83.19 million and 18,494.5 tonnes in 2024. The United States accounted for the vast majority of these imports, with smaller volumes from Chile and other suppliers. Commercial imports require an import notification under Japan’s Food Sanitation Act and standard customs import declaration/permit procedures, with potential inspection at MHLW quarantine stations. Packaged foods sold in Japan must declare walnut as a mandatory allergen, shaping labeling and traceability expectations for importers and brand owners.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption and food-manufacturing ingredient market largely supplied by imports
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by stored, dried imports; retail and industrial supply is not strongly seasonal.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Quality and color classes used in international trade: “Extra”, “Class I”, “Class II” (color requirements differ by class).
- Minimum requirements include being free from rancidity, mould, abnormal external moisture, foreign smell/taste, and practically free from visible foreign matter and shell.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content requirement (UNECE DDP-02): not greater than 5%.
Grades- UNECE DDP-02 classes: “Extra”, “Class I”, “Class II”
Packaging- UNECE DDP-02: kernels may be packed in airtight sealed containers, in a vacuum or in an inert gas; packaging must protect the produce properly.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas shelling/packing → sea freight → MHLW quarantine station import notification (document examination; inspection as applicable) → Japan Customs import declaration and duty/tax payment → import permit → importer warehousing → distribution to retail/food manufacturing
Atmosphere Control- Packaging approaches referenced in international trade standards include airtight sealing, vacuum packing, or inert-gas packing to protect kernel quality.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighIf the shipment fails Food Sanitation Act compliance review and any required inspection at an MHLW quarantine station (e.g., hazardous substance/contamination concerns), it may be refused entry and require disposal or shipment back to origin.Use pre-shipment supplier verification and keep complete import-notification support files; consult the relevant quarantine station in advance for product-specific compliance expectations.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPackaged foods sold in Japan must declare walnut as a mandatory allergen; labeling or allergen-control failures can trigger market actions (e.g., relabeling, withdrawal, reputational damage).Implement allergen-control SOPs and conduct Japan-label reviews against Consumer Affairs Agency guidance before import release or repacking.
Supply Concentration MediumJapan’s shelled walnut kernel imports are highly concentrated by origin: UN Comtrade (via WITS) shows the United States supplied about 97.7% of import value in 2024, creating exposure to single-origin crop/logistics shocks.Qualify secondary origins/suppliers (e.g., Chile and others) and diversify contracting to reduce single-origin dependency.
Logistics MediumQuality is sensitive to moisture ingress and oxidation during long sea freight and warehousing; international standards require kernels to be free from rancidity and allow protective packaging such as airtight, vacuum, or inert-gas packing.Specify airtight/vacuum/inert-gas packaging where feasible and tighten receiving inspections on moisture/odor; enforce clean, dry storage and rapid turnover for higher-risk lots.
FAQ
Where does Japan source most of its shelled walnut kernel imports from?UN Comtrade data (via WITS) for HS 080232 shows Japan imported about USD 83.19 million of shelled walnuts in 2024, with the United States supplying the vast majority (about USD 81.28 million). Smaller amounts were imported from Chile and several other countries.
Do commercial imports of shelled walnuts into Japan require an import notification?Yes. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare explains that importers must submit an import notification under the Food Sanitation Act for foods imported for sale or business use, and quarantine stations conduct document examination and inspections as needed before the goods can be used for sale.
Is walnut a mandatory allergen to label on packaged foods sold in Japan?Yes. Consumer Affairs Agency guidance on Japan’s food labeling system lists walnut as a mandatory allergen item that must be indicated when it is included in packaged foods sold in Japan.