Every year, international brands lose significant sums shipping products to Japan that cannot clear customs. Some lose laboratory testing fees on products that would never have been approved regardless of CoA results. Others invest in Japanese labeling, retailer relationships, and warehousing — only to discover at the import notification stage that their product requires reformulation before it can enter legally.
Import Verdict™ was designed to eliminate this category of loss.
What Import Verdict™ Is
Import Verdict™ is a formal pre-import assessment service. We submit your product information — ingredient list, cannabinoid profile, CoA documents, intended use, and product category — directly to the relevant Japanese authorities: Japan Customs, the MHLW, quarantine offices, and any other agency with jurisdiction over your product type.
The output is a written verdict report delivered by email with PDF attachment. The report states:
- Import status: Importable as-is, importable with modifications, or cannot be imported under current regulations
- Required testing: Specific Japanese lab tests required, including acceptable testing institutions and formats
- Required documentation: Complete list of documents required for MHLW import notification and customs clearance
- Applicable regulations: Specific Japanese laws, ministerial ordinances, and MHLW guidance that apply to your product — cited precisely
- Path forward: If applicable, the specific steps required to achieve full import clearance
Who Import Verdict™ Is For
Import Verdict™ is appropriate for any international brand that:
- Has a specific product ready for market and wants confirmation before committing to Japanese market entry costs
- Sells a product type that may be affected by Japan's December 2024 regulatory changes (THC residue limits, CBN designation process)
- Has previously had a product rejected at import and wants a formal assessment before resubmitting
- Is considering reformulation for the Japanese market and wants to confirm the reformulated version will clear before investing in production changes
- Needs documented regulatory due diligence for investor, partner, or board reporting purposes
Pricing
| Products in Submission | Price (excl. tax) | Price (incl. tax) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st product | ¥50,000 | ¥55,000 |
| Each additional (same submission) | ¥35,000 | ¥38,500 |
| Example: 3 products | ¥120,000 | ¥132,000 |
Payment is required in full before work begins. Invoice is issued on quote acceptance. A reference number is assigned immediately on payment confirmation.
Process Overview
- Application: Submit your product information via our online form at cbdlogistics.jp/import-verdict.html. Upload CoA documents and manufacturing process documentation.
- Review & Quote: We review your submission for completeness and issue a formal quote. If anything critical is missing, we will tell you before we start.
- Authority Inquiry: We prepare and submit your product information to the relevant Japanese public bodies.
- Follow-up: Authorities frequently request additional details. We manage all correspondence on your behalf.
- Verdict Report: Delivered by email with PDF attachment. Typical turnaround: 3–6 weeks from payment confirmation.
Next step after a positive verdict: If your product receives a clear-to-import verdict, we can act as the importer of record and handle all subsequent customs procedures — from MHLW import notification through to delivery to our bonded warehouse in Nagano Prefecture.