Donkey cheese in Japan

An honest account of what can and cannot be done for buyers in Japan, from an importer based in Switzerland.

Why Japan

Japan has deep expertise in European cheese and a clientele that understands rare, long-matured pastes. The obstacle is procedural rather than commercial.

What the rules require

In broad terms, imported foods require notification to the quarantine authorities, with documentation on ingredients, manufacturing process and origin; dairy from a non-listed establishment is refused. We are importers, not your customs broker: treat this as orientation and verify with the authority or agent handling your consignment.

How to find out where you stand

1. Tell us where you are Your country and city, and whether you already work with a food importer or customs broker in Japan.
2. We check the batch We establish what the current Serbian batch can actually document: establishment, milk treatment, composition.
3. You get a straight answer Within 24 working hours: feasible, feasible with conditions, or not feasible. We say which, and why.
4. If it works, we quote A firm price covering goods, packing, transport and the formalities we can handle from our side.

Read before enquiring

• Price and quotesWhat moves the price and how we calculate yours.
• International shippingWhere we ship, where we cannot, and why.
• Frequently asked questionsThe twelve questions we answer most often.