Exporting to Japan is within reach
[{“type”:”text”,”content”:”As South Africau2019s fourth biggest global trading partner, Japanu2019s trade with our country is an estimated R159 billion. Thanks to Japanu2019s mountainous terrain, the country offers a high-growth market for the import of commodities. Yet, some challenges relating to trading with the u201cland of the rising sunu201d exist. nn**Distance**nnAs South Africa and Japan are more than 14,000 km apart, transporting goods between the two countries is expensive. Few direct shipping lines exist, and most shipments stop in Singapore with trans-shipment into China. Exporters should consider freight and logistics cautiously; infrequent shipping and trading of perishable goods require expensive insurance. Since no long-haul flights to Japan are available, transporting goods may take 24-36 hours. To further complicate transport options, South African Airways (SAA) no longer flies to Japan or Hong Kong, resulting in exporters to rely on Middle Eastern Airlines. In addition, Japan is still in a pandemic, though experts believe the Japanese Government will downgrade COVID-19 to a treatable disease in May 2023. Furthermore, due to the restrictions regarding COVID-19, exporters are advised to check with air freighters since some of them have stricter regulations than the actual destination.nn**Japanese consumers**nnJapanese consumers want to know as much as possible about their purchases, from quality to labeling, product descriptions, background stories, displays, and pricing this should be available to the consumer in Japanese. Consumers in the Japanese market will not pay more for a product when they do not believe its quality justifies the higher price.nn**Export requirements**nn**1.** Phytosanitary controls (regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – MAFF).
nIt is crucial to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in South Africa, as they conduct all agricultural negotiations. Since the department will negotiate on behalf of Agri SA and its members, Agri SA should make a concerted effort to engage with the department.nn**2.** Animal quarantine controls (regulated by MAFF)
nDue to foot-and-mouth disease, exporting meat and alfalfa (lucerne) can be challenging. Agri SA will critically engage with the members of the commodity chamber regarding this issue.nn**3.** Animal health controls (regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare – MHLW)
nAnimal health control regarding exporting live animals is problematic.nn**4.** Food safety controls (regulated by the MHLW).
nTechnical regulations vary from product to product.n nProducts not complying with requirements set out by Japanese authorities will not be allowed into the country. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to build trust between South African companies and Japanese companies.”,”position”:0,”id”:”Hg6VIetlIP8dqZx3″}]