What are problems with taking food items (large quantities)?

[MikeSD]

I'm going to Japan to visit relatives again in March-April time frame. We are planning to take a lot of food items, as we normally do. I have done this before and I have been there once since 9/11. But I have not been to Japan in a few years and I'm wondering what rules might have changed.

We plan to take:

1) A suitcase full of prepared, cooked, and frozen Matsutake (mushrooms). We will be taking an amount well over 500 Matsutake. This will likely fill a large suitcase. These will be given to my wife's family, after we arrive.

We have taken a suitcase full in the past. Are there any restrictions I should be aware of, on something like this? It has never been a problem before but I've only been there once since 9/11.

2) Several frozen Salmon - We like to fish and usually take a few Salmon to Japan when we go there. In the past, we just bought some salmon and had the seller pack them for shipping to Japan. But this time, we will be packing them ourself. What is the proper way to pack these, to keep them fresh (frozen), and still be allowed to get them through Japan customs?

I'd like to hear from people who have done this with similar food items.

Also, is it possible to ship these from Tokyo to other destinations in Japan that is logistically simple. I have heard that one can ship from hotels to other locations, using Cool Packs or something like that. Anyone have any information on that method of shipping? It might be easier than hauling them through airports and train stations.

 

[dballred]

I would check with the nearest Japanese consulate on specific import policy. Self-packed items are usually problematic because of the possibility of importation of pests. A definite no-no is jerky of any kind--even those with stickers saying they are approved for import into Japan.

 

[MikeSD]

I would check with the nearest Japanese consulate on specific import policy. Self-packed items are usually problematic because of the possibility of importation of pests. A definite no-no is jerky of any kind--even those with stickers saying they are approved for import into Japan.

I've been to Japan many times. I have taken Jerky everytime I go and never had any problems and customs always checks it. I use the approved for import and it has never been a problem.

I found this on one site:

Basically, foods can be brought to Japan as long as she plans to bring it for personal use (not for selling). Because of BSE issue, meats from some countries are not allowed. But noodles, wine and chocolate do not have any problem.

All meat and meat products require certification for import into Japan.

I've actually taken lots of mushrooms before too but not in this quantity in a few years, which is why I asked. Once we took a suitcase full, along with several pack in each of our carry on. However, I doubt they will get through in carry-on this time.

I did check the rules and they said, essentially, that prepared foods were ok, as long as they were for personal consumption (i.e. not commercial). That is why I'm wondering about this large quantity. They are for personal use (i.e. the entire family ours and in Japan) but I don't know how customs will take it. Also, is "personal" meaning "me" or can it include our "extended family" in Japan? That is the problem I'm wondering about.

Also, printed rules aren't always what's works. It just depends on how the local customs people interpret them. So that's why I was asking here. Possibly someone else has been through this recently.

I will check with the consulate as time gets closer.

Thanks,

Anyone else have any direct experience recently with something like this?

 

[Glenski]

500 matsudake mushrooms!? That has to cost a fortune, perhaps enough to declare. How did you get these? It seems like coals to Newcastle...

And frozen to boot!

You might want to ask our airline for shipping/packing instructions.

 

[MikeSD]

500 matsudake mushrooms!? That has to cost a fortune, perhaps enough to declare. How did you get these? It seems like coals to Newcastle...

And frozen to boot!

You might want to ask our airline for shipping/packing instructions.

It was a very good season. We wound up with over 600. My wife and I picked each and every one of them. My wife is Japanese and has been in the U.S. for over 43 years. She has been hunting these every year. This year was in the top 5 years.

We are going to see if it's possible to next day air them via FedEx or DHL. OR we have been thinking about using CoolPak, when we get to the hotel.

msdsite.com/photos/matsutake/10-9-2010/photo2.jpg

msdsite.com/photos/matsutake/10-9-2010/photo3.jpg

msdsite.com/photos/matsutake/10-9-2010/photo4.jpg

 

[MikeSD]

I am interested in importing some prepared food items into US. How can I get started. Do I need an import license or are their agencies who can import things for me. How about FDA requirements in terms of checking ingredients and quality of place (outside US) where the food item is prepared. What kind of packaging would I need. Any help would be appreciated.

That is a different topic for another thread. One should not hijack another's thread for their unrelated question.

 

[FrustratedDave]

That is a different topic for another thread. One should not hijack another's thread for their unrelated question.

 

[Navy Guy]

LOL ... nice one Dave!

but for import you should contact the consolate in Seattle. My wife and I always bring a small suitcase of Godiva chocolates and jerky since her relatives like them... never tried to bring mushrooms though. You could have a problem if they are not cooked/prepaired... the whole "do not import raw produce" thing. Again check with the people that really know the laws not a bunch of guesses, nothing is more embarrasing than being cuffed at a port of entry for mushrooms, seen it happen and it wasn't pretty.

 

[Ginkgoo]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread - and the info. Was also wondering about taking food items into Japan so thanks!