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The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed revisions of Japan’s maximum residue levels for four agricultural chemicals (Butachlor, Etofenprox, Spinetoram, and Prallethrin) for various agricultural commodities.

On April 1, 2025, Japan formally lifted the mandatory aflatoxin testing requirements on U.S. almonds compliant with the new almond export protocol.

This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes.

Japan's vegetable oil and protein feed markets are mature and stable. While surging commodity prices and the shipping crisis impacted Japan's oilseed and product imports in the past, the situation has normalized.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of the Government of Japan (GOJ) convened a meeting of the “Food Sanitation Standards Council, Newly Developed Food Investigation Committee” on February 21, 2025, to discuss the establishment of food safety standards for cell cultured foods.

In 2024, Japan's food processing sector had a 3.9 percent increase in the value of food produced, totaling $174 billion. Production increases occurred in dairy, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and cocoa, and health foods.

Japan remains the largest export market for U.S. grapefruit, which are forecast to increase 15 percent to 30,000 metric tons (MT) in market year (MY) 2018/19 due to reports of improved....

On November 29, 2018, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) announced revisions to Japan’s Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemicals, veterinary drugs....

On September 10, 2018, Japan notified the World Trade Organization of draft amendments to the maximum residue levels (MRL) for the veterinary drug Betamethasone via G/SPS/N/JPN/600.

On September 10, 2018, Japan notified the World Trade Organization of draft amendments to the maximum residue levels (MRL) for the pesticide/veterinary drug Etoxazole via G/SPS/N/JPN/599.

On September 10, 2018, Japan notified the World Trade Organization of draft amendments to the maximum residue levels (MRL) for the pesticide/veterinary drug Diflubenzuron via G/SPS/N/JPN/598.

On September 10, 2018, Japan notified the World Trade Organization of draft amendments to the maximum residue levels (MRL) for the pesticide Chinomethionat via G/SPS/N/JPN/597.