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.

Container terminal where goods are cleared through customs

Importing goods

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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%).
  3. 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.
  4. Inspection and Clearance
    • Japan Customs may inspect goods. Normal processing time is generally 1-3 days, depending on documentation accuracy.
  5. Release of Goods
    • After clearance, goods are released and can be transported to their destination within Japan.

Service Providers for Assistance

  1. Yusen Logistics – yusen-logistics.com
  2. Kintetsu World Express – kwe.com
  3. Nippon Express – nipponexpress.com
  4. Hitachi Transport System – hitachi-transportsystem.com
  5. 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.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

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.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into Japan in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.

Import and customs in other countries

More about Japan