Importing from India to Japan
A quality-exacting East Asian market anchored by fish meal and sesame seeds.
Quick answer: Japan is a diversified market for Indian exports, led by fish meal (aquaculture feed demand) and sesame seeds, with black pepper, maize, squid/cuttlefish and shrimp also moving in the data we've verified. Japan applies some of the strictest food-safety and residue standards of any market we serve, enforced independently of EU or US standards, so pre-shipment testing against Japan's specific limits is essential rather than optional. Transit from Indian ports runs roughly 16-22 days.
A diversified market led by feed-grade fish meal
Japan is one of the more diversified markets in our verified trade data — fish meal (driven by Japan's aquaculture sector) leads, with sesame seeds, black pepper, maize and smaller seafood lines like squid/cuttlefish and shrimp also moving. This is a different profile from the staple-commodity-dominated South Asian or Gulf markets, reflecting Japan's role as both a food-processing and feed-mill buyer.
Standards set independently, tested accordingly
The single most important operating fact for this market: Japan sets and enforces its own Maximum Residue Limits and food-safety standards, separate from the EU or US systems. A product that clears European or American import testing is not automatically cleared for Japan. We test and document specifically against Japan's own limits for any Japan-bound order — tell us early if Japan is your destination so we can confirm the right testing panel before shipment, not after a rejection.
Transit and payment
Yokohama, Kobe and Nagoya are all realistic entry ports, with transit generally running 16-22 days depending on routing. Confirmed LC is typical for a first order with a new Japanese buyer, with established relationships often moving to TT.
Key facts
- Fish meal (aquaculture feed) is Japan's largest Indian import line in the verified data
- Sesame seeds, black pepper and maize also move in volume; squid/cuttlefish and shrimp in smaller quantity
- Japan enforces its own MRLs, independent of EU/US standards — testing confirmed per destination
- Transit: 16–22 days depending on port and routing
- Confirmed LC typical for first orders; TT common for established relationships
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What India exports to Japan
Products we handle where verified trade data shows India exporting to Japan. Figures are India's total exports of that product to Japan in the year shown — not our own shipment volumes.
| Product | India's exports to Japan | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Meal (HS 2301.20) | $25,388,390 | 2024 (calendar year) |
| Sesame seeds (hulled / natural) (HS 1207 40) | $22,500,000 | 2024-25 (volume); 2024 (value figures, product-use framed rather than plain country totals) |
| Other Oil-Cake & Residues (incl. Neem Cake) (HS 2306.90) | $4,200,640 | 2024 (calendar year) |
| Black Pepper (HS 0904.11) | $2,784,790 | 2024 (calendar year) |
| Maize (Corn) (HS 1005.90) | $1,947,760 | 2024 (calendar year) |
| Squid & Cuttlefish (frozen) (HS 0307.43) | $259,850 | 2024 (calendar year) |
| Frozen vannamei / black tiger shrimp (HS 0306 17) | 38,917 MT | 2024-25 |
Sources: compiled from the per-product trade-data files cited on each product page — primarily WITS (World Bank) / UN Comtrade for calendar year 2024, with some products from APEDA, MPEDA and trade-press compilations. Each product page states its own source, year and any limitations. Retrieved 2026-10-17.
Ports & transit time
| Destination port | Typical transit from Indian west-coast ports |
|---|---|
| Yokohama | 16–20 days |
| Kobe | 17–21 days |
| Nagoya | 18–22 days |
Transit times are general guidance based on typical shipping-line schedules and change with routing and transshipment. Ask for a current estimate to your port.
Documentation for shipments to Japan
Export documentation prepared to match destination-country and buyer requirements — phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, fumigation certificate, lab test reports and more, as applicable.
- Phytosanitary certificate for plant-origin goods
- Certificate of origin
- Pre-shipment residue/quality testing against Japan's specific Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), independent of EU or US standards
- Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading
Share your compliance checklist and we will confirm the documentation for your shipment. Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or your nominated agency) can be arranged on request.
Payment & currency norms
USD or JPY invoicing both occur; confirmed LC remains common for first orders with new buyers, moving to TT once a trading relationship is established.
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Japan import FAQs
Fish meal is the largest line we've verified — aquaculture feed demand, not general livestock use — followed by sesame seeds. Black pepper, maize, and smaller volumes of squid/cuttlefish and shrimp round out the picture.
Japan maintains its own Maximum Residue Limits and food-safety standards, set and enforced independently of the EU or US systems. A product cleared for European or American import isn't automatically cleared for Japan — we test and document against Japan's specific limits for any Japan-bound order.
Typically 16-22 days from Indian ports depending on the specific destination port and routing — Yokohama tends to be the fastest of the three main ports we ship to.
Animal feed — specifically aquaculture feed. Fish meal exported under this line is unfit for human consumption and is formulated/handled for the feed-mill market, which is the primary demand driver for Japan in our data.
Confirmed letter of credit is common for a first order with a new buyer; established relationships commonly move to telegraphic transfer. Both USD and JPY invoicing occur — tell us your preference.
Related markets
Get an export quote for Japan
Tell us your product, quantity and destination port — we'll confirm availability, documentation and a current FOB or CIF price within 24 business hours.
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