Japan: Guidance for Preparing Compliance Letters

The Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) conducts random sampling of imports to maintain confidence that imports comply with Japanese food safety standards. When shipments violate those standards, MHLW enhances monitoring from 5 percent to 30 percent of shipments, or may hold product until tests verify compliance (referred to as an inspection order). Exporters may prepare a compliance letter that provides information on the causes of the violation and the counter-measures the company or industry implemented to prevent future violations. A compliance letter may provide MHLW with sufficient justification to lift heightened inspection sooner than the prescribed number of shipments or time. 

Japan: Guidance for Preparing Compliance Letters