Export of Cosmetics to Japan: How to Make the Label Information on Small Containers Legal and Compliant?

In theCosmetics & Personal CareIn export business, especially when facing the Japanese market, the packaging label requirements for products are often quite confusing. For small cosmetic containers produced, if the space on the container body is limited and only basic information such as capacity and product name can be printed, can information such as ingredients and precautions that must be printed be printed on the outer packaging? Today, we will answer this question in detail for you.

First of all, according to Japanese regulations, the following information needs to be clearly labeled on cosmetic packaging:

• Product Name
• Capacity or Weight
• Ingredient List
• Precautions
• Manufacturer or Importer Information
• Batch Number or Production Date

All this information is to protect consumers right to know and ensure the safe use of products. Therefore, it must be marked on the product packaging. For Japanese consumers, transparent and detailed information can enhance trust and better meet the strict requirements of the Japanese market for product safety.

So, if the cosmetic container is small, can some of the information be marked on the outer packaging? According to the relevant regulations of the 《Japan Cosmetics Regulation》, Japan has some flexible handling methods for small containers, but it still needs to ensure that all necessary information can be presented clearly and completely.

Specifically, Japan does not require all information to be printed on the container body, but allows the ingredient list to be marked on the outer packaging. This is especially applicable to small containers with limited space. Therefore, detailed information such as ingredients and precautions can be printed on the outer packaging carton, while basic information such as the product name and capacity can be marked on the main container.

Japanese regulations clearly require that the label information on the outer packaging and the main packaging must be consistent, but the ingredient list can be printed only on the outer packaging, provided that the clarity and readability of this information are ensured.

To help enterprises smoothly export to the Japanese market, the following are some specific requirements for full ingredient labels:

• Language: Japanese must be used.
• Ingredient Ordering: All non - pigment ingredients should be arranged in descending order of importance, and ingredients with a content of 1% or less can be arranged in random order.
• Incidental Ingredients: Incidental ingredients do not need to be specified, but for mixed ingredients, each individual ingredient needs to be listed.
• Extracts: It is necessary to indicate that it is an extract and mark the solvent or diluting solution.
• Fragrance: It can be marked as “Perfume”.

In addition, the Japan Cosmetics Industry Association (JCIA) has also compiled a Japanese - language “List of Cosmetic Ingredient Label Names”, which enterprises can refer to ensure that ingredient names meet Japanese regulatory requirements. This document can be referred to ensure the accuracy and compliance of label information.

In summary, depending on the specific situation of the cosmetic container, compliant information that cannot be printed on the container body can be marked on the outer packaging, provided that all required information must be presented clearly and completely to consumers. This can not only meet the strict label requirements of Japan, but also ensure that consumers obtain sufficient safety information when using the product, enhancing the professional image of the brand.