Hello from ICHIZEN. If you run a café, a tea shop, or a distribution business outside Japan, you may be thinking about importing matcha directly from Japan rather than buying it locally.
Importing gives you more choice over the tea and the supplier, but it also adds steps: samples, terms, shipping, customs, and storage. This guide walks through those steps in order so you know what to prepare before placing a first order.
Start with your use and volume
Before contacting suppliers, decide what the matcha is for and roughly how much you will need. A matcha for lattes, a matcha for drinking with water, and a matcha for baking may not be the same product.
It also helps to estimate how often you will reorder. Volume and frequency affect pack size, shipping method, and how much stock you need to hold.
Request samples and test them as you will use them
Samples are the most reliable way to compare suppliers. Test them in your actual recipe: with the milk and sweetness you plan to serve, or in the dessert you plan to make. Keep the amount of matcha and the other ingredients the same across samples so the comparison is fair.
Once you have chosen a matcha, confirm the commercial terms in writing. Points to settle include:
Minimum order quantity and pack sizes.
Lead time from order to shipment.
Shipping terms, such as who arranges and pays for freight, insurance, and import duties.
Payment method and timing.
The documents that will accompany the shipment.
Shipping terms are often expressed with Incoterms such as EXW, FOB, or DDP. If you are new to these, ask your supplier or freight forwarder to explain what each one means for your costs and responsibilities.
Choose a shipping method with freshness in mind
Matcha is sensitive to humidity, light, heat, and strong odors. When choosing between air and sea freight, think about the total time the tea spends in transit and in your storage before it is used, not just the freight cost.
Smaller, more frequent shipments can keep stock fresher, while larger shipments may lower the cost per kilogram. The right balance depends on how quickly you use the tea. Our guide to buying bulk matcha covers pack sizes and opened-pack storage.
Check your country’s import rules
Food import rules differ by country. In the United States, for example, imported food is subject to FDA requirements such as food facility registration and prior notice of shipments. Other countries have their own rules on registration, residue limits, and labeling in the local language.
A customs broker or your local food authority can confirm what applies to you. Japanese suppliers can usually provide product information, but the requirements of the destination country are generally confirmed case by case.
Plan storage for when the tea arrives
Have a cool, dry, dark place ready before the shipment lands. Once a pack is opened, reseal it tightly and use it within a reasonable time.
Start small, then build a steady supply
Importing matcha comes down to defining your use, testing samples, agreeing on clear terms, choosing a shipping method, and checking local rules. A small first order lets you confirm each step before you scale.
ICHIZEN is Uji matcha selected for matcha lattes by Wakimoto Jokoen, a Kyoto tea merchant now in its fourth generation. We work with overseas cafés, restaurants, importers, and distributors, and confirm export conditions, logistics, and local regulations for each destination. Please contact us through our wholesale inquiry page.
FAQ
Do I need a license to import matcha?
Requirements depend on your country. Many countries have food import rules, such as registration, advance notice of shipments, or labeling in the local language. A customs broker or your local food authority can tell you what applies to your business.
Should I ship matcha by air or by sea?
Air freight is faster and suits samples and smaller orders. Sea freight can lower the cost per kilogram for larger volumes but takes longer, so think about how long the tea will be in transit and in your storage before it is used.
What should I ask for in a first inquiry to a Japanese supplier?
Share your intended use, expected order volume and frequency, destination country, preferred pack size, and timeline. Ask about samples, minimum order quantity, lead time, and which shipping terms they can offer.
