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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.

The Government of Japan (GOJ) through its Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), has opened the public comment period for revisions it is proposing to the specifications for sterilized or sterile filtered mineral water to include specifications for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has taken extraordinary steps to alleviate high rice prices that have continued to increase since the domestic rice shortage in summer 2024.

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) intends to mandate allergy labeling on cashew nuts from the current recommended status. The CAA also intends to add pistachios to the recommended allergy labeling category.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan announced four sets of proposals. First was revisions on Japan’s maximum residue levels for 9 agricultural chemicals...

FAS/Tokyo projects Japan’s forage demand to continue to be sluggish in MY2024/25 due to the slow recovery of cattle inventories. Even weaker demand for imported forage is anticipated as farmers shift to price-competitive domestic forage.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed three sets of revisions. One is for Japan’s maximum residue levels for three agricultural chemicals (Fluazinam, Flupyrimin, and Mandestrobin) for various agricultural commodities.

In 2023, Brazilian foodservice industry revenues reached US$ 96 billion, an increase of 12 percent compared to 2022. Brazilian imports of consumer-oriented products grew 14 percent in 2023, ending the year at US$ 5.8 billion.

Brazil requires imports and exports of animal-origin products be accompanied by certificate with animal health attestations and/or public health attestations. Import requirements are defined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) and a certificate model must be bilaterally negotiated before trade starts.

The Food and Agricultural Imports Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report provides an overview of the food laws and regulatory environment in Brazil as it relates to food and agricultural exports.