Procurement, sourcing and import from Japan

Purchasing products or services seems easy, but this is not always the case. How do you know that you have the best deal, especially if you haven’t done much business before in Japan?

It already helps if you have a structured approach for your procurement and to keep your options open. Working with a local consultant or agency may help to identify more potential suppliers and to get the products that you just bought accross the border to their destination.

Find the right suppliers in Japan

Japan, located in East Asia, exports a diverse range of high-tech products and traditional goods that highlight its advanced manufacturing capabilities and cultural heritage. The country is renowned for exporting automobiles, electronics, and machinery, including products like cars, semiconductors, and industrial robots, which are highly regarded worldwide for their quality and innovation. Japan also exports high-quality consumer goods such as electronics, cameras, and watches.

Wages in Japan vary by industry and region. Generally, wages are higher compared to many other countries, reflecting its developed economy and high standards of living. The cost of living in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka can be high, which impacts disposable income levels.

Japan is also known for its precision manufacturing and technology sectors, including robotics, medical devices, and optics. The country has a strong agricultural base, exporting products like seafood, rice, and green tea, known for their quality and safety standards. Additionally, Japan is famous for its cultural exports, including anime, manga, and traditional crafts like ceramics and textiles.

Shipping your products

If you purchase tangible products, you have to ship them out of the country. Depending on the country where you want these goods, this may have implications.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial barriers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

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A structured sourcing approach in Japan

Step 1

Supplier search

Try to identify in total 6 to 10 possible suppliers and check their websites. Approach them with a general request to see whether they have the products or services you need.

Step 2

Supplier selection

Submit your requirements to a group of three to five selected suppliers and ensure you get the right comparable quotations to make a choice. Negotiate with one or two of them to get the best result.

Step 3

Supplier management

Now start collaborating, making sure you have an efficient ordering process and limited risks where it comes to quality control and shipping the products.