Japan
Japan Customs Contacts
Website: http://www.customs.go.jp/
Email: Customs Counselors Office of Tokyo Customs/ tyo-gyomu-sodankan@customs.go.jp
Address: Customs and Tariff Bureau, 3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8940, JAPAN
Telephone: +81 3-3529-0700
Japan is a country situated in East Asia, in the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan, the China Sea, China, Korea, Russia and Taiwan. Japan is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Food and Agriculture Organization, Group of Five, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Customs Organization and World Trade Organization.
Tariffs
Japan has one of the lowest customs tariffs in the world, which is equal to 2%. The country uses the Harmonised System and most import taxes are ad valorem on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of goods. The importer will also have to pay a consumption tax of 8% for some products, and additional taxes are applied to liquors and tobacco.
Product certification, labelling and packaging
Importers do not need an import licence for a large number of goods. However, licences are required for some products such as hazardous materials, animals, plants, perishables and articles of high value. Animals and plants require health certificates, while frozen fruit and vegetables must have a certificate of condition. The import of food products also requires a food import permit issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Beverages containing alcohol may require a certificate of age.
There are certain restricted goods such as certain agricultural and meat products, endangered species, ivory, animal parts and fur banned internationally.
Labelling
Labels are required for textiles, electrical appliances, plastic products, miscellaneous household and consumer goods. Food products must have a sticker attached to each package having a detailed description of contents on it, including artificial colorings, name and address of importer and date of import or manufacture in Japanese. In addition, all imported products and shipping documents must be market in metric weights and measures.
Straw packing is not permitted.
Documents for import/export:
- Pro-form invoice
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of lading or Air Waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Packing lists, freight accounts, insurance certificates, etc.
- Licenses, certificates, etc.
- Customs duty payment slips
A detailed information about import tariffs can be found here:
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff/2014_4/index.htm
Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/exp-imp/index.htm
https://en.portal.santandertrade.com/international-shipments/japan/customs-procedures
