Starting a business
Can I sell supplements in Japan?
Yes, but supplements must be classified correctly as foods rather than unapproved medicines, and ingredient, health-claim, import and labeling rules apply.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Medical-style efficacy claims can cause a product to be treated as an unapproved drug.
- Novel or restricted ingredients need special review.
- Imported food supplements can require food-import notification.
Documents
- Identity documents
- Company/business plan documents
- Corporate registration documents where applicable
Likely cost
No single government price. Costs depend on the business license, registration, premises, capital, product compliance and professional services required for this exact activity.
Where to act
The sector-specific licensing authority plus Legal Affairs Bureau/tax offices where entity or tax registration is involved.