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Country Customs Information
- Imports
- Exports
- Transiting Goods
- Prohibited / Restricted Goods
- References
View Japan Customs HS Codes
Imports
General Import Guidelines
- The importer must have a valid importer code from Customs Authority (if required)
- Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
- Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, a Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin, and a Packing List
- HS Codes must be stated clearly on the Commercial Invoice. Where the HS Codes are not stated, Customs Authorities shall determine the proper HS Codes based on the goods and the stated description
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Import Duties and Fees
- The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of gods, insurance and shipping cost to Japan
- Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
- The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods is 5%
- International express or courier imports with declared value below JPY 10,000 are duty free
- Goods with declared value of more than JPY 10,000 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance
The following are trade agreements with Canada that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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Duties Exemption
A number of goods are exempted from customs duties. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
- Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
- Diplomatic goods
- Military goods
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Imports Required Documents
General Imports
Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into Japan from other countries. The below documents are needed:
- Original Waybill
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original of the Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce at country of origin
- Packing List (detailed)
Re-Export
Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into Japan for purpose of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:
- Original Waybill
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original of the Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce at country of origin
- Packing List (detailed)
Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return
Upon entry of goods into Japan on temporary basis for the purpose of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties to be made for the benefit of Japan Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:
- Original Waybill
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original of the Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce at country of origin
- Packing List (detailed)
- Import and export permit (if necessary)
When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More
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Exports
When exporting goods from Japan some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting
Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Customs Declaration regardless of goods' value
- For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military, dual-use, and chemicals
Important Notes
- All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
- Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations. For more information click here
- For more information on exporting from the Japan click here
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Transiting Goods
Transiting Goods through Japan can only remain for one days from the date of arrival into the country
To process Transiting Goods, the below documents are needed:
- Original Waybill
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original of the Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce at country of origin
- Packing List (detailed)
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Prohibited / Restricted Goods
Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Japan
In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:
- Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
- Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
- Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
- Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
- Fireworks*
- Ivory and ivory products*
- Furs*
- Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
- Bullion*
- Chemical waste and nuclear waste
- Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
- Ammunitions*
- Human remains, including ashes*
- Animals, plants, food items and perishable*
*
Certain goods which are
listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if
exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations
Some goods
require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into Japan. Some
examples are shown below:
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References