Licensing & Importer of Record Archives - Page 2 of 3

Blog, Licensing & Importer of Record July 30, 2026

By JAPANPINT

The Difference Between a Customs Broker, a Forwarder and an Importer of Record

Three roles come up constantly when foreign brands plan to ship alcohol into Japan: customs broker, freight forwarder, and importer of record. These roles can overlap, but they do not mean the same thing. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right partner and avoid gaps in your import process.…

Blog, Licensing & Importer of Record July 30, 2026

By JAPANPINT

Do Importers Need to Register as Importers in Japan? Clearing Up the Confusion

Foreign brand owners who’ve researched import processes in other markets sometimes come to Japan expecting a specific “importer registration” step — a discrete license or permit tied to the act of importing itself. That expectation is understandable, but it doesn’t quite match how Japan’s system actually works. Here’s what importer…

Blog, Licensing & Importer of Record July 30, 2026

By JAPANPINT

The Labeling-Method Notification: The License Step Everyone Forgets

Foreign brands researching Japan entry often focus on two major requirements: the import license and the food import notification. Both matter. However, alcohol importers also need to understand another requirement that can easily get overlooked: the liquor labeling-method notification in Japan. This notification concerns how required information appears on imported…

Blog, Business, Licensing & Importer of Record July 30, 2026

By JAPANPINT

Wholesale vs. Retail Liquor Licenses in Japan: A Decision Guide

Once a foreign brand starts digging into Japan’s licensing framework, one question comes up quickly: is this one license, or several? The honest answer is that a wholesale retail liquor license japan search actually turns up two distinct license families — and knowing which one matters to your go-to-market plan…

Importing alcohol under a partner's license: how it actually works

Blog, Licensing & Importer of Record July 14, 2026

By JAPANPINT

Importing alcohol under a partner’s license: how it actually works

If you’ve been researching how to sell your brand in Japan, you’ve probably encountered a phrase that sounds reassuring but raises more questions than it answers: “import under our license.” This phrase describes the core offer behind many serious import partners in Japan. It allows a foreign brand to ship…

How to Vet a Japanese Import Partner: 12 Questions to Ask

Business, Licensing & Importer of Record July 13, 2026

By JAPANPINT

How to Vet a Japanese Import Partner: 12 Questions to Ask

Choosing who represents your brand at the Japanese border is one of the highest-stakes decisions in your market entry plan — and unlike most vendor selection, the wrong choice here can mean stalled shipments, non-compliant labels, or a partner with no real distribution reach. Here’s how to vet japan import…

Liquor Tax Act vs. Food Sanitation Act: The Two Laws Governing Your Import

Blog, Licensing & Importer of Record July 13, 2026

By JAPANPINT

Liquor Tax Act vs. Food Sanitation Act: The Two Laws Governing Your Import

Foreign brands researching Japan entry often assume there is one main alcohol law to understand. In reality, several laws work together. The liquor tax act japan governs alcohol taxation and licensing. The Food Sanitation Act focuses on food safety and import controls. The Food Labeling Act covers many consumer-labeling requirements.…

Can a Foreign-Owned Company Get a Liquor License in Japan?

Blog, Licensing & Importer of Record July 11, 2026

By JAPANPINT

Can a Foreign-Owned Company Get a Liquor License in Japan?

If you’re seriously considering a long-term presence in Japan, you may wonder whether your company can hold its own alcohol license instead of relying entirely on a local partner. The answer is yes. A foreign company liquor license japan application can be possible, depending on the license category and the…