Importing goods and customs clearance in Japan

If you want to ship your goods to Japan then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into Japan. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

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 bariers, 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 your HS-codes before you ship

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.

Importing goods into Japan

When importing goods into Japan, you need to follow customs procedures set by the Japan Customs (Nihon Zeikan), which is under the Ministry of Finance. The official website provides detailed guidance on import duties, VAT (or consumption tax), and other requirements: Japan Customs – English.

General Import Process

Customs Declaration
- Submit an Import Declaration through the Japan Customs’ electronic system (NACCS – Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System).
- Key documents required include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
Import Duties and Consumption Tax
- Import duties depend on the goods and are calculated using the HS code. Use the Japan Customs Duty Calculator for reference: Japan Customs Duty Calculator.
- Consumption tax:
  - Standard rate: 10%.
  - Lower rates apply for specific categories of goods like food (8%).
Additional Non-Financial Requirements
- For specific product regulations, such as health, safety, and labeling, consult the Japan Customs website or the Access2Markets portal (Access2Markets) for detailed rules per product category.
Inspection and Clearance
- Japan Customs may inspect goods. Normal processing time is generally 1-3 days, depending on documentation accuracy.
Release of Goods
- After clearance, goods are released and can be transported to their destination within Japan.

Service Providers for Assistance

Yusen Logistics – yusen-logistics.com
Kintetsu World Express – kwe.com
Nippon Express – nipponexpress.com
Hitachi Transport System – hitachi-transportsystem.com
Japan Customs Brokers Association – jcba.or.jp

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, Japan is served by major couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Japan Post. Typical shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

From the USA: ¥3,000-¥6,000 (approximately €20-€40).
From China: ¥2,000-¥4,000 (approximately €13-€26) for economy shipping.

Express shipping (3-5 days) is available at higher rates. Be sure to check rates directly with the courier for specific pricing.

Get funding from banks & investors

Entering a new market is an investment. Finding partners, contracts, translations and marketing costs money and you may need additional working capital.

Only with a good plan with enough financial data you can convince banks and investors to fund you. We help you with the complete business case and documentation.

Frequently asked questions

How to find an importer in Japan for your product?

The best way to find an importer in Japan is to understand the sales channel for your product, and what parties are involved. Then find the right importers or wholesalers at the beginning of that chain. Before starting to push your product, approach a number of them to ask what they need. This way you can position your product better before you reach out to a broader group.

How to find a web shop for your product in Japan?

First check whether your product normally is sold through web shops in Japan or that other distribution structures are more common. Then determine the characteristics of your ideal web shop, and find a number of these, or outsource this search. When you approach the first few, you will learn what they find important and who your competitors are.

How to convince an importer in Japan to work with you?

As in any country, convincing an importer or wholesaler to put your product in his assortment is difficult. Importers in Japan look at the rotation of the product, how easy and often they can sell it, and multiply this with the margin they can make on it. The result should be higher than they earn now from any competing product. Only if you have proper sales data, for example from other countries, they will engage in a discussion with you.