Japan launches food safety certification support for exporters

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has announced a series of free consultation sessions for food businesses seeking food safety management certification.

The support is aimed at companies planning to export food, small and medium-sized businesses considering international certification, and operators looking to review or upgrade an existing certification.

Businesses can receive advice at any stage of the process. Topics include the types of food safety management certification available, the steps and timeline for obtaining certification, requirements set by export markets or commercial partners, and the preparation of internal systems and production sites.

MAFF plans to hold five consultation events. The first will take place from 22 to 24 July at FOODEX JAPAN in Kansai 2026 at Intex Osaka. Free individual consultations will last 30 minutes and require advance booking.

Further sessions are scheduled in Fukuoka and Tokyo in October and November 2026, followed by events in Chiba and Tokyo in February and March 2027.

The initiative forms part of Japan’s strategy to expand agricultural and food exports by helping suppliers meet food safety requirements important for international trade.

source and photo: maff.go.jp