The United States is the world's largest importer of Japanese matcha, yet the process of bringing matcha into the US market remains confusing for first-time importers. FDA regulations, Prior Notice requirements, labeling rules, and customs classification can seem overwhelming — especially when you're trying to build a matcha-based business.
This guide, written from the perspective of a Japan-based exporter who ships matcha to the US regularly, walks you through every step of the process.
Step 1: FDA Facility Registration
Before any food product can enter the United States, the foreign facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds the food must be registered with the FDA under the Bioterrorism Act.
- Registration is free and done online through the FDA's FURLS system
- The facility must designate a US Agent — a person or company located in the US who serves as a point of contact for the FDA
- Registration must be renewed biennially (every two years)
- WAGYU NINJA: Our partner facilities in Japan are FDA-registered, and we maintain a designated US Agent
Step 2: Prior Notice Filing
For every shipment of food entering the US, a Prior Notice must be filed with the FDA before arrival:
- Air freight: Prior Notice must be submitted no more than 15 days and no less than 4 hours before arrival
- Sea freight: No less than 8 hours before arrival
- Filed through the FDA's Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or through the ACE/ABI system used by customs brokers
- Must include: shipper info, manufacturer, grower (if known), FDA registration number, product description, quantity, and arrival details
Step 3: Customs Classification & Duties
Japanese matcha (green tea powder) is classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS):
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0902.10.10 | Green tea, not fermented, in packages ≤ 3kg | Free |
| 0902.10.90 | Green tea, not fermented, in packages > 3kg | Free |
| 2101.20.48 | Tea extracts/essences/concentrates (if blended) | 8.5% |
Key insight: Pure matcha powder (100% ground green tea) is typically duty-free. However, if your matcha is blended with sugar, milk powder, or other ingredients, it may be reclassified under a different HTS code with applicable duties.
Step 4: Labeling Requirements for the US Market
If you're selling matcha to end consumers in the US, FDA labeling regulations apply:
- Product identity statement — e.g., "Matcha Green Tea Powder"
- Net weight — in both metric and US customary units
- Ingredient list — for pure matcha: "Green tea (Camellia sinensis)"
- Nutrition Facts panel — required for retail products
- Name and address of manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- Country of origin — "Product of Japan"
- Allergen declarations — matcha itself is allergen-free, but check any blends
For B2B/wholesale purchases that will be repackaged by the buyer, full consumer labeling is not required on the bulk packaging — but country of origin and ingredient identification must still be present.
Step 5: Pesticide Residue & Quality Testing
While the FDA does not require pre-shipment pesticide testing, shipments may be tested upon arrival. Japan's pesticide standards (set by the Ministry of Health) are among the world's strictest, but it's still important to:
- Obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from your supplier showing pesticide residue levels
- Ensure matcha meets EPA tolerances for pesticide residues on tea
- For organic matcha, ensure the supplier holds USDA NOP (National Organic Program) or equivalent certification
Importing Matcha to the USA? We Handle Compliance.
WAGYU NINJA ships matcha to the US with full FDA compliance, Prior Notice filing assistance, and all required export documentation. Tell us your needs — we'll handle the rest.
Get a USA Import Quote → Chat on WhatsAppShipping Options: Japan → USA
| Method | Transit Time | Best For | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMS/DHL Express | 3-5 days | Samples, orders under 30kg | ¥3,000-5,000/kg |
| Air Freight | 5-7 days | 30-200kg orders | ¥1,500-2,500/kg |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 3-4 weeks | 200kg+ bulk orders | ¥300-800/kg |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 3-4 weeks | Full container (8+ tons) | Negotiable |
Common Mistakes When Importing Matcha to the USA
- Not filing Prior Notice — Results in FDA refusal at the port. Your shipment will be detained.
- Buying from unregistered facilities — If the Japanese facility isn't FDA-registered, the shipment is illegal.
- Incorrect HTS classification — Blended matcha products may attract unexpected duties.
- Missing Nutrition Facts — Required for all retail-packaged food sold in the US.
- Using "Organic" without certification — USDA NOP certification is legally required to use the word "organic" in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need FDA approval to import matcha to the USA?
Matcha does not require pre-market FDA approval, but the foreign facility must be FDA-registered, and Prior Notice must be filed before each shipment. The facility must also have a designated US Agent.
What is the customs duty on matcha imported to the USA?
Pure matcha (100% green tea powder) under HTS 0902.10 is generally duty-free. Blended matcha products may be classified differently with applicable duties of up to 8.5%.
What labeling is required for matcha sold in the USA?
FDA requires: product identity, net weight, ingredient list, Nutrition Facts panel, manufacturer/importer name and address, and country of origin. Organic claims require USDA NOP certification.
Can I sell matcha online in the USA without a physical store?
Yes. Online sales of food products are legal in the US, subject to the same FDA labeling and facility registration requirements. Some states may require additional food dealer licenses.
Karen Hashimoto
Founder & CEO · WAGYU NINJA
Karen regularly ships matcha to the US market and manages all FDA compliance documentation from the Japan side. Based in Fukuoka. @konnichiwa.karen