Important: Be sure to check both general and product-based categories for relevant information. Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this information.
For information on clearance procedures and contacts see: Tokyo 2020 Customs and Freight Forwarding Guide.
Japan Advance Filing Requirements (AFR/JP24) (24-hour Rule) are in force since 10 Mar 2014. The following information is required on the bill of lading:
Other requirements:
(Last updated on 2022-07-16)
For detailed Customs information contact:
For Customs clearance see Japan Customs information covering Import Customs Clearance, and Summary of Customs Procedures.
A simplified Customs clearance procedure is available for goods with a Customs value of Yen (¥) 200,000.00 ( ~ USD 1880.00 / ~ EUR 1710.00) or less. See Japan Customs information covering Simplified Customs Clearance.
Goods with a Customs value of Yen (¥) 100,000.00 or less are eligible for application of a simplified tariff. For details, see Japan Customs information covering Simplified Tariff applicable to goods at a total value of Yen (¥) 100,000.00 ( ~ USD 940.00 / ~ EUR 850.00) or less.
For help with Customs procedures and formalities see comments by: Customs Counselors.
(Last updated on 2022-07-20)
De Minimis Threshold:
Note on De minimis value: If the value is below the de minimis threshold, imports may be exempted from customs duties and/or taxes and VAT. De minimis values and rules differ by country. For de minimis information by country, please see:
(Last updated on 2023-12-14)
Japan's tariff is based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS).
For worldwide tariff information please see:
(Last updated on 2022-05-31)
Duties for most products are assessed on an ad valorem basis, on the CIF value of the goods. The CIF value of the goods is the wholesale value of goods in the country of origin, plus transport charges, export duties, insurance, commissions, freight, and all other costs incurred before the goods reach Algerian Customs supervision.
The dutiable value does not include Customs duties and warehouse charges. The cash wholesale value of similar goods on the local market may be used as the dutiable value when valuation according the usual method is questionable.
The dutiable value will be determined by Customs based on the importer's declaration.
According to the WTO Valuation Agreement there are six acceptable methods of determining Customs value. Typically the first method is used (unless the buyer and seller are related parties). When the value cannot be obtained this way, or is rejected by Customs, one of the other methods is to be used, in descending order:
See additional information on the WTO website under WTO Customs Valuation.
(Last updated on 2019-06-07)
Most goods qualify as freely importable and do not require an import license.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Japan prohibits imports of hazardous waste as per the Basel Convention.
Generally prohibited imports:
(Last updated on 2023-07-05)
Foreign currency exchange is regulated by the:
Selected banks are authorized to approve and handle foreign exchange transactions.
The unit of currency is the JPY = Japanese Yen [¥] (divided into 100 sen).
(Last updated on 2023-01-16)
At least two (2) copies of the commercial invoice should precede or accompany the shipped goods. It is recommended that exporters check with their customer in Japan for the exact number of invoice copies required as well as the particulars of the information required on them for the specific goods shipped.
Originals must be on shipper's letterhead and signed by the shipper or an authorized representative.
The following information should be included: shipper and consignee information; invoice date and place; contents and country of origin of each package in the consignment; description of shipping containers; net weight, gross weight and cube in metric system units; marks and numbers on the shipped packages; unit price; total commercial value, and the manner in which that value was determined; Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) classification numbers; all expenses (itemized) including freight, insurance, and shipping charges, and cost of packaging; destination; and conditions of contract.
Neither certification by a Chamber of Commerce nor consular legalization are required.
For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see GISTnet headings: Commercial Invoice and Shipping Document Distribution Based on Specific Functional Needs. See details pertaining to air waybill (AWB).
Non-commercial shipments will require a pro-forma invoice.
For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
A packing list is recommended to facilitate customs clearance. Units of measure should be included.
In general, even when it is not required by regulation, it is recommended that a packing list be used with all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo. Most countries require a packing list be provided together with the commercial invoice. The required information must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice.
At least three (3) copies of the packing list should be included as part of the shipping documents sent to the consignee or the agent thereof. The exact contents of each package should be clearly identified. This should include each item's gross weight and net weight and each package's marks and numbers.
(Last updated on 2016-08-03)
A properly prepared transport document is required for transportation purposes and as a source document for customs clearance.
For ocean cargo, an ocean bill of lading is typically used. It may take several forms (a traditional negotiable bill of lading, a straight bill of lading, an express bill of lading, or an electronic bill of lading (EBL)).
All shipping documents must show weights and measures in metric units.
Include at least three (3) signed B/L copies.
Specific requirements may apply as per consignee's instructions or letter of credit.
Note: For detailed information on completing a bill of lading see interactive bill of lading exhibit. (Scroll down to see the form, and click on any field for details on the information that goes in that box.)
For air cargo, an air waybill (AWB) replaces the bill of lading used for ocean freight. For air waybills, nine (9) copies on a standard IATA form are required.
Japan Advance Filing Requirements (JP24) (effective 10 Mar 2014): Enforcement of Japan’s 24-Hour Rule began on 10 Mar 2014. The following information is required on bill of lading:
This requirement applies to containerized ocean cargo being discharged in Japan. For additional information, see the Japan Customs Website: Implementation of the Advance Filing Rules on Maritime Container Cargo Information. Contact the carrier for carrier-specific requirements and fees which may apply.
(Last updated on 2023-03-28)
A certificate of origin is required for shipments of raw silk cloth and imports for which duty concession or preferential treatment is requested. Two (2) copies are generally required. Verify with importer for exact requirements.
When required by the buyer (consignee) or the terms of a letter of credit (L/C), the number may vary. The general C/O form, available from commercial printers, may be used. Certification by a legal chamber of commerce is required. Consular legalization is not required.
For goods qualifying for GSP Concessions under Japan's Generalized System of Preferences, a GSP Form A may be used.
(Last updated on 2021-11-12)
Shippers wishing to protect their interests in the cargo in the event of loss or damage prior to delivery to the ultimate consignee should obtain cargo insurance, depending on terms of delivery with either an FOB/FAS clause, or a CIF+10% value coverage. It is more advisable, however, to obtain contingency insurance clause coverage.
(Last updated on 2023-10-30)
All shipping documents must show weights and measures in metric system units.
Required documents include:
Exact documentary requirements may vary depending on letter of credit requirements, type of product, country of origin, etc. It is recommended that exporters work closely with their Japanese agents or importer.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) have been adopted by this country. All Wood Packing Material (WPM) must be made from debarked wood, which needs be treated and certified according to ISPM-15. The wood is to be stamped with the internationally standard ISPM-15 mark.
Review Guidelines for Regulating WPM in International Trade, issued by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Plant Protection Service, U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00100 Rome, Italy; fax: +39 6 570 56347; email: ippc@fao.org
General Information regarding WPM:
For a listing of countries that have adopted ISPM-15 requirements see: ISPM15.com.
For IPPC contact information by country see: International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and select "Countries".
(Last updated on 2021-07-08)
Japanese law requires labels for products in many categories. Labeling for most imported goods is not required at the Customs clearance stage, but certainly at the point of sale. Japanese legislation provides specific labeling rules for certain foodstuffs and textile products, electrical appliances and consumer goods. To ensure that all applicable requirements are met and that the product is properly labeled, exporters should work closely with their Japanese agents or importer.
Straw packing materials are not permitted.
In general, follow standard shipping practices.
(Last updated on 2019-08-30)
Labeling is regulated by the:
Labels are not required prior to Customs clearance, but at the point of sale.
Special labeling requirements apply to food products, textiles, plastic products, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances, pet food, packaging materials, and certain household and consumer goods.
Clothing and fabrics, food and beverage products require country of origin labeling.
Certain regulated products must have a certification and/or bear a mark indicating that the product is in compliance with set standards.
False or misleading labels are prohibited.
See also: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Guidey to Japanese Household Goods Quality Labeling Law.
Additional product packaging and/or labeling requirements may apply to particular types of products. Refer to the product-based information for the product you are considering to import or export. An exporter should also verify with its prospective importer in the destination country as to requirements for a specific product to be shipped.
(Last updated on 2022-07-16)
Product standards are regulated by the:
(Last updated on 2022-07-16)
The ATA Carnet is accepted in this country.
An ATA Carnet is obtained in the country from which the goods are to be first exported (see list of participating ATA Carnet countries). Initiating and governing authority for ATA Carnets is the:
(Last updated on 2024-02-21)
Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com) concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.
