Exceptions (ships stores)

Export certification is not issued for ships stores as the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 do not apply. Ships stores are milk and milk products on ships or aircraft for the use of passengers and crew or for the service of the ships or aircraft on a voyage from Australia.

There are no known products prohibited from export to Japan.

Electronic certification

Japan requires electronic certification (eCert) for milk and milk products sourced and exported from Australia. Health certification information (including endorsements) is sent electronically from the Department's certification system, Next Export Documentation (NEXDOC), directly to Japan's import clearance authorities.

The Department no longer issues manual health certification for milk and milk products to Japan. A commercial extract is provided instead and includes specific commercial information required to identify the product and shipping details. The extract is not required to facilitate the clearance of consignments. This is done electronically via the eCert. Should an exporter require an extract to satisfy commercial arrangements, an extract of the consignments data can be printed to ensure a Health Certificate number is generated.

With this transition, terminology has also changed as outlined below:

• Certificate/ Certificate template is now known as 'Extract Code'
• Endorsements/ attestations is now known as 'Endorsement Code'.
  

For more information see Electronic Certification (eCert) for imports.

Product use indicator field in the NEXDOC System

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) require the 'product use indicator' field to be provided in each request for export (REX). Exporters should review all REXs prior to finalisation to ensure this information has been correctly populated. Refer to MAA 2021-28 for further information.

Milk and milk products of bovine origin are defined as prescribed goods under the Export Control Act. Production of these products for export is regulated under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and Milk products manufactured from non-bovine species, for example buffalo, goat and sheep, may also need to be regulated through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, though this is only required when export registration and health certification from the Department is required by an importing country.

We are aware that Japan has requirements for export certification for milk and milk products of non-bovine species (refer to section 5.1.2).

Unless technical products and pharmaceutical material are prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods. They are not regulated by the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Unless animal food is prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods.

In accordance with the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, animal food must be clearly identified as animal food and not for human consumption. It must also be segregated from and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption

Japan has no known additional requirements for Manufacturing Grade (DM) milk and milk products that differ from the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Manufacturing Grade products are defined in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Japan has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of milk and milk products that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Japan residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in Japan or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between Japan and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

• These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the Japan​ standards and the Australian standards.
• Any detection of a residue above the Japan MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.

Note

Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.

Japan has no known additional requirements for general operations that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Japan has no known additional hygiene requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules

1. are milk or milk products derived from a bovine animal; and
2. are intended to be exported as food.

Milk and milk products that are not prescribed under Australia's export rules

Milk and milk products which do not meet the criteria under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 are classified by Australia as non-prescribed goods. It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with Japan if there are any specific requirements for the import of these products. Typically, non-prescribed goods include ice-cream, non-bovine milk and milk products, colostrum and products with a minor component of dairy.

Further information on exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia is available on the Department's website.

In some cases, an importing country requires specific health certification and government oversight for what would typically be non-prescribed milk and milk products. When required, these products become prescribed under export legislation and must meet all export and importing country requirements. This includes the products being manufactured and stored at an export registered establishment and having a valid export permit and health certificate for each consignment. Guidance on export registration can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

5.1.1 Health certification for milk and milk products

Paper export certificates are no longer required by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Only electronic certification issued through the eCert exchange, is eligible for import clearance in Japan. This is done directly through a government to government exchange through the department’s Next Export Documentation (NEXDOC) system.

For milk and milk products produced for human consumption (including milk and milk products classified as a prescribed good by an importing Country), use eCert Extract Template Code DJP01.

The DJP01 electronic certificate contains the following attestations:

1. ​Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
2. The dairy and dairy products on this certificate were processed under sanitary conditions in accordance with the laws and regulations of Australia. The laws and regulations of Australia have been deemed to be equivalent to Japan’s Food Sanitation Law and the relevant regulations of Japan.
3. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
4. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
5. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or Listed countries.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
8. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
9. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

Exporter declaration

Whenever export documentation is obtained, the exporter must provide a declaration stating that all the information provided in the permit is true and complete. They must also state that they are in possession of a declaration of compliance that:

1. applies to the milk and milk products
2. complies with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 and meets the specific requirements for entry to Japan.

Milk and milk products reprocessed in Japan and exported to the European Union

For milk and milk products exported to Japan for reprocessing and inclusion in products sent to the European Union (EU) an on-sold letter must be provided to MAFF confirming the products EU-eligibility at the time they were exported from Australia. Exporters can obtain a completed letter by contacting the Department at foodexports@aff.gov.au.

Note

All products included in the REX, regardless of if they are all being further processed and require an on-sold letter must be eligible for the EU at the time of export from Australia. 

Exporters can request a copy of this letter before or after the consignment has been exported once a REX has been obtained. Please note, there is a fee applicable to obtain this document as per the department’s charging guidelines.​

5.1.2 Health certification for milk and milk products of non-bovine origin

For non-bovine milk and milk products for human consumption (including to milk and milk products of buffalo, goat and sheep species) to Japan to be eligible for health certification, the manufacturer must be export registered. Guidance on export registration for manufacturer's producing non-bovine milk and milk products can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

For further information on export registration and exporting non-bovine milk and milk products for human consumption to Japan please contact the Dairy Eggs and Fish Program at DairyEggsFish.agriculture.gov.au.

Transit certification requirements

Milk and milk products transiting the European Union or the United States may require transit documentation. These certificates are available as additional certificates through the NEXDOC system. If the product is transiting the United States, standard certification is required and the exporter should contact the Department for advice on how this certification may be issued. If the product is transiting a European Union member state, see the particular European Union member state regarding the certificate template to select.

For Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products, use the ZD016 Certificate as to Condition for Manufacturing Grade products.

The ZD016 Certificate as to Condition contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

1. In sound condition
2. Of Australian Origin
   

The ZD001 Certificate as to Condition with Endorsement 5324 may be issued for technical products and pharmaceutical material.

Note

There is currently no agreed certification for technical products and pharmaceutical material derived from milk of non-bovine origin.

The ZD001 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information on this form is true and correct in every particular details and that the product described above is of Australian origin and is acceptable for sale in Australia and fit for human consumption.

Endorsement 5324

Endorsement 5324 contains the following attestations:

1. The above products are technical products or pharmaceutical material.
2. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
4. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
5. Raw milk of bovine origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or Listed countries.
8. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
9. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
10. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.
    

5.4.1 Milk and milk products of bovine origin for animal consumption

The ZD015 Certificate as to Condition for Stockfood can be issued for milk and milk products of bovine origin for animal consumption.

Two versions of the certificate are available, one for consumption by cloven hoofed animals (animals that have a hoof split into two toes for example cattle, pigs, goat and sheep) and the second for consumption by non-cloven hoofed animals (for example poultry or horses). Exporters must confirm with their importers whether the product will be consumed by cloven hoofed or non-cloven hoofed animals before seeking certification from the Department.

Note

For milk and milk products of non-bovine origin for animal consumption (refer to section 5.4.2).

Milk and milk products for consumption by cloven-hoofed animals

For milk and milk products to be consumed by cloven-hoofed animals, use the ZD015 certificate with attestation 5320 (default) or 3903 (includes radioactivity statement).

The ZD015 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

1. In sound condition
2. Product of Australia

Endorsement 5320

Endorsement 5320 contains the following attestations:

1. The above products are fit for consumption by cloven-hoofed animals.
2. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
   
4. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
   
5. Raw milk of bovine origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or Listed countries.
8. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
9. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
10. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

The above product is for animal consumption and not for human consumption.

Endorsement 3903

Endorsement 3903 contains the following attestations:

1. The above products are fit for consumption by cloven-hoofed animals.
2. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia
4. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
5. Raw milk of bovine origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or Listed countries.
8. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
9. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
10. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

The above product is for animal consumption and not for human consumption.

The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg.

Milk and milk products for consumption by non-cloven-hoofed animals

For milk and milk products to be consumed by non-cloven-hoofed animals, use the ZD015 certificate with attestation 5321 (default) or 3660 (includes radioactivity statement).

The ZD015 certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

In sound condition
Product of Australia

Endorsement 5321

Endorsement 5321 contains the following attestations:

1. The above products are fit for consumption by animals other than cloven-hoofed animals.
2. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia
4. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
5. Raw milk of bovine origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or Listed countries.
8. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
9. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
10. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

The above product is for animal consumption and not for human consumption.

Endorsement 3660

Endorsement 3660 contains the following attestations:

1. The above products are fit for consumption by animals other than cloven-hoofed animals.
2. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia
4. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
5. Raw milk of bovine origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or Listed countries.
8. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
9. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
10. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

The above product is for animal consumption and not for human consumption.

The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg.

5.4.2 Milk and milk products of non-bovine origin for animal consumption

For milk and milk products of non-bovine origin (includes but is not limited to dairy products of buffalo, goat and sheep species) for animal consumption, exporters should use an EX188M manual certificate which can be obtained from NEXDOC@agriculture.gov.au.

Two versions of the certificate are available, one for consumption by cloven hoofed animals (animals that have a hoof split into two toes for example cattle, pigs, goat and sheep) and the second for consumption by non-cloven hoofed animals (for example poultry or horses). Exporters must confirm with their importers whether the product will be consumed by cloven hoofed or non-cloven hoofed animals before seeking certification from the Department.

The EX188M certificate must include:

1. species name from which the products are derived (in the product description section of the certificate).
2. date of manufacture of the products (in the product description section of the certificate).

The EX188M certificate for consumption by cloven hoofed animals must be printed on security paper and contain the following endorsements:

This product is not for human consumption. This product is for consumption by cloven hoofed animals.

1. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
2. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
4. Raw milk of cloven hoofed animal origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
5. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or listed countries.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
8. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
9. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

The EX188M certificate for consumption by non-cloven hoofed animals must be printed on security paper and contain the following endorsements

This product is not for human consumption. This product is for consumption by non-cloven hoofed animals.

1. Australia has been free from FMD, and vaccination against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
2. Importation of cloven-hoofed animals that have been vaccinated against FMD is prohibited in Australia.
3. Australia has an appropriate quarantine system for the import and export of raw milk and milk products from the perspective of animal health.
4. Raw milk of cloven hoofed animal origin was used in the preparation of the above products.
5. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk obtained from clinically healthy animals, and it is prohibited to use raw milk obtained from animals infected with animal infectious diseases as an ingredient according to legislation in Australia.
6. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced from raw milk collected in Australia and/or Listed countries, and must be produced, packaged and stored only in Australia and/or listed countries.
7. Raw milk and/or milk products exported to Japan have been produced, packaged and stored from raw milk collection to shipment of final products to Japan without contamination by pathogens of animal infectious diseases or commingling with raw milk and/or milk products which do not meet Articles 5, 6-1 and 6-2 in 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries'.
8. Packages and containers such as carton boxes for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan have been clean and hygienic.
9. All other relevant requirements of the 'Animal Health Requirements for raw milk and/or milk products to be exported to Japan from Listed countries' have been satisfied.

The certificates are available for download:

• EX188M Certificate non-bovine dairy for consumption by cloven hoofed animals (DOC 150 KB)
  
• EX188M Certificate non-bovine dairy for consumption by non-cloven hoofed animals (DOC 150 KB)
  

It is the responsibility of exporters to determine through their importers if export certification is required for consignments and trade samples that are less than 10 kilograms or 10 litres, as an export permit is not required.

The ZX01 Certificate as to Dioxin Status of Australian Dairy Products is available on request.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU documentation requirements for edible products for the reference numbers and attestations in these certificates.

Exporters should ensure that their importer complies with any requirements to obtain a permit for imports into Japan.

Ensuring that imports comply with any permit requirements is a matter arranged between the exporter and importer.

For further information visit Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Import Food Inspection Services website.

Putting a new label over an existing label is acceptable under Japanese law as long as the label applied is not easy to remove.

Exporters should confirm current labelling requirements with Japanese authorities to ensure current use by labelling requirements are met.

Refer to the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 for specific Australian requirements.

Japan has no known specific requirements for shelf life restrictions other than those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Japan has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).