On August 8, 2018, Japan introduced new standards for liquid infant formula under the Food Sanitation Act. As a result, liquid infant formula is now permitted for manufacture and sale in Japan whereas only powdered infant formula was previously allowed. Imported whey powder used for the production of liquid infant formula will likely enter under a special tariff-rate quota.
Until now, the absence of official government standards for liquid infant formula in Japan prevented its production and sale in the country.