Japan
Shipping Mode
Important
- ISPM 15 Fumigation required for all wooden packaging materials
According to the Japan Customs website1, import licenses are required for items that are restricted, prohibited, or subject to tariff rate quotas (TRQs) under the Foreign Trade Policy.
If you are importing goods that are not subject to import restrictions, you do not need an import license. All importation into Japan is required to declare to the Director-General of Customs and obtain an import permit after necessary examination and payment of Customs duty and excise tax1. You also need to submit an import declaration form and other relevant documents, such as Invoice, Packing list, Bill of lading, certificate of origin, Insurance, etc.
Imports
General Import Guidelines
- The importer must have a valid importer code from Customs Authority (if required)
- Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
- Imported goods must be accompanied with a Bill of Lading / Air Waybill, a Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin, and a Packing List
- HS Codes must be stated clearly on the Commercial Invoice.
Import Duties and Fees
- The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of gods, insurance and shipping cost to Japan
- Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
- The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods
Required Documents
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Original of the Certificate of Origin
Important Notes
- All Imported goods will be inspected by Customs Authorities
Exports
Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Customs Declaration regardless of goods’ value
- For certain goods, an export license is required.
Government Agencies
| Japan Customs | www.customs.go.jp/english |
| Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare | www.mhlw.go.jp/index.html |
Seaport
| Port of Kobe |
| Port of Nagoya |
| Port of Osaka |
| Port of Tokyo |
| Port of Yokohama |
Airport
| Haneda Airport |
| Narita International Airport |
Prohibited and Restricted
- Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
- Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
- Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
- Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
- Fireworks*
- Ivory and ivory products*
- Furs*
- Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
- Bullion*
- Chemical waste and nuclear waste
- Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
- Ammunitions*
- Human remains, including ashes*
- Animals, plants, food items and perishable*