Uzbekistan has become one of Japan's five largest suppliers of prunes and ranks among the top 10 exporters of raisins to the Japanese market, according to data cited in a report on the development of trade cooperation between the two countries.

As part of efforts to expand supplies, representatives of the Uzbek Embassy in Japan met with Kengo Sugie, CEO of Japanese company Kurosimo Inc., in Osaka, The Caspian Post reports, citing UzDaily.

The company imports black raisins, almonds and walnuts from Uzbekistan, processes the products and sells them in Japan under the Gift from Silk Road brand.

The products are available at Kintetsu Department Store, one of Japan's largest retail chains, and have attracted interest among consumers, participants in the meeting said.

The discussions also focused on Japanese requirements for imported food products. In particular, suppliers must comply with pesticide residue limits under Japan's Positive List System.

Depending on the product, laboratory tests are conducted to check for pesticide residues, mycotoxins, microbiological indicators and food additives.

Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds and certain plant products are also subject to phytosanitary requirements, including the issuance of relevant certificates and import inspections.

Japanese legislation also establishes packaging and labelling requirements. Labels in Japanese must specify the product name and ingredients, allergens, storage conditions, expiry date, country of origin and importer details.

Under Japan's Food Sanitation Act, a notification must be submitted for every commercial food import.

The meeting aimed to ensure that Uzbek products comply with Japanese regulations and to further expand their supplies to the Japanese market.