【EXPERT Q&A】What are the processes involved in exporting pharmaceuticals to Japan?
December 1, 2023
Source: drugdu
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Drugdu.com expert's response:
Exporting pharmaceuticals to Japan involves a complex process with multiple steps, due to the stringent regulatory system of the Japanese pharmaceutical market. Here are the key steps summarized by Dide Medical Trade Network:
1.Understanding Japanese Pharmaceutical Market Regulations Before starting the export process, it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of Japan’s pharmaceutical regulatory laws. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) are the main regulatory bodies responsible for the approval and supervision of pharmaceuticals.
2.Product Registration and Approval All pharmaceuticals intended for sale in the Japanese market must be registered and approved by the MHLW. This usually involves submitting detailed information about the pharmaceutical, such as clinical trial data, evidence of safety and efficacy, etc.
3.Japanese GMP Certification Japan has strict quality control standards for pharmaceutical production, and pharmaceuticals exported to Japan must be produced in facilities that meet GMP standards. This might mean adjusting the production process to meet Japanese GMP requirements.
4.Labeling and Packaging Requirements The labeling and packaging of pharmaceuticals must comply with Japanese regulations, and all information should be provided in Japanese.
5.Finding a Japanese Partner For foreign companies without a branch in Japan, finding a local partner or agent is crucial. This partner can help with handling the registration process, regulatory compliance, and subsequent sales and distribution.
6.Price Negotiation and Drug Re-evaluation Negotiating prices with Japan’s healthcare insurance system and regularly re-evaluating the pharmaceutical in the market are also important steps in entering the Japanese market.
7.Post-Market Regulatory Compliance Once the pharmaceutical enters the market, it needs to comply with Japan’s post-market regulatory requirements, including reporting adverse reactions and post-market surveillance.
8.Continuously Updating Regulatory Knowledge Pharmaceutical regulations are constantly changing, so it is vital to keep up-to-date with the updates in Japanese pharmaceutical laws.
In summary, although exporting pharmaceuticals to the Japanese market is a challenging process that requires professional knowledge and meticulous preparation, it is advised to work with professional legal consultants and maintain close communication with Japanese partners to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.