I. Overview of Japanese Customs
Japanese Customs is administered by the Customs and Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance, overseeing 9 regional customs offices (Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Moji, Nagasaki, Hakodate, and Chiba), along with numerous branch offices and sub-offices.
Key features of Japan's import clearance:
- High clearance efficiency (most shipments cleared within 1–2 days)
- Strict regulations with high accuracy requirements for declarations
- Significant tariff reductions for Chinese exports to Japan following the implementation of RCEP
II. Japan Import Clearance Process
① Arrival / Pre-arrival declaration (Japan allows advance filing)
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② Submission of Import Declaration
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③ Customs document review (automated system + manual review)
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④ Inspection (if applicable)
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⑤ Tax payment (Customs duties + Consumption Tax)
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⑥ Customs clearance release (Unloading permission)
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⑦ Cargo pickup
Key Points:
| Aspect | Description |
| Advance Declaration | Japan allows declarations up to 7 days prior to vessel arrival, enabling faster release |
| Duty Collection | Customs duties + Consumption Tax (10%, including local consumption tax) |
| Clearance System | NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System), enabling online processing |
| Customs Procedures | Handled by a licensed customs broker registered in Japan (通関業者) |
III. Japan Customs Duties
3.1 Japan Customs Duty Rates
Japan applies the first 9 digits of the HS Code (Japan has its own detailed HS classification system). Duty rate inquiries can be made at:
- Japan Customs and Tariff Bureau: www.customs.go.jp/tariff
- RCEP Tariff Inquiry: Japan Customs RCEP portal
3.2 Tariff Preferences for Chinese Exports to Japan
RCEP represents the first free trade agreement between China and Japan, carrying significant implications for Chinese exporters:
| Product Category | Previous Duty Rate (Reference) | RCEP Concession Arrangement |
| Textiles/Apparel | Approx. 8%–12% | Gradually reduced to 0% over 10–16 years |
| Aquatic Products/Processed Foods | Approx. 5%–15% | Some immediately 0%; others reduced over 10–15 years |
| Mechanical & Electrical Products | Approx. 0%–6% (some already 0%) | Most eventually will reach 0% |
| Plastic Products | Approx. 3%–6% | Gradually reduced to 0% over 10–15 years |
| Furniture | Approx. 3%–8% | Immediately 0% or reduced to 0% within 10 years |
RCEP duty rates for specific products vary by year. Please refer to the RCEP tariff concession schedule for verification.
3.3 Consumption Tax (JCT)
Imports into Japan are subject to Consumption Tax (JCT, Japan Consumption Tax) :
- Standard rate: 10%
- Calculation basis: Customs value (CIF) + Customs duties
- Similar to China's VAT, it can be deducted in subsequent sales stages
IV. Special Compliance Requirements for Imports to Japan
4.1 Food Imports
Japan imposes very strict regulations on imported food. Core requirements for exporting food to Japan:
| Requirement | Description |
| Food Sanitation Act | All imported food must comply with Japan's Food Sanitation Act standards |
| Import Notification | Importers must submit an "Import Notification of Foods, etc." to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare |
| Inspection System | Includes mandatory inspection for designated items (Order Inspection) and random inspection (Monitoring Inspection) |
| Additive Standards | Japan's positive list system for food additives prohibits the use of additives that are allowed in China but banned in Japan |
| Labeling Requirements | Japanese-language labels required (product name, shelf life, ingredients, importer information, etc.) |
4.2 Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
Exporting pharmaceuticals or medical devices to Japan requires compliance with the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMD Act) :
| Product Category | Requirements |
| Medical Devices | Must obtain marketing authorization from Japan's PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) |
| Cosmetics | Must comply with Japanese cosmetic standards (including the list of prohibited ingredients) |
| Health Supplements | Classified under "Foods with Health Claims" and must be declared according to specific categories |
4.3 Electrical Appliances
Electrical products exported to Japan must comply with the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE Law) :
- Specific electrical appliances must bear the diamond-shaped PSE mark
- Non-specific electrical appliances must bear the circular PSE mark
- Testing must be conducted by a Japan-accredited laboratory
V. Important Considerations for Japan Customs Clearance
| Consideration | Description |
| Japanese Customs Broker | Must use a customs broker registered in Japan to handle clearance |
| Japanese Labels | Japan requires Japanese-language labels; English labels do not meet requirements |
| Wooden Packaging | Must comply with ISPM-15 standards (heat treatment or fumigation) |
| Cargo Description | Japanese Customs strictly prohibits vague descriptions; materials and specifications must be specified in detail |
| Food Date Marking | Japan requires clear manufacturing dates and expiration/consumption dates |
| Prohibited Imports | Narcotics (cannabis, heroin, etc.), counterfeit products, and certain animal products are prohibited |
VI. RCEP Benefits for Exports to Japan
RCEP delivers the greatest benefits to Chinese exports to Japan—because prior to RCEP, there was no FTA between China and Japan. Key benefits include:
| Industry | RCEP Benefit |
| Textiles and Apparel | Gradual reduction from 8%–12% to 0% |
| Aquatic Products | Some products immediately 0%; others gradually reduced |
| Processed Foods | Gradual tariff reduction to lower levels |
| Furniture | Immediate zero tariff or zero tariff within 10 years |
| Select Chemical Products | Immediate zero tariff |
For details, see the China-Japan tariff concession explanations in "4.5 Guide to Utilizing RCEP Tariff Preferences".
📖 Next: "6.4 Southeast Asia Import Clearance Guide" — Clearance essentials for Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
Bofeng Logistics specializes in domestic/international container shipping, Hong Kong/Macau logistics services, and value-added services (trucking, customs brokerage, warehousing, insurance).
Customs brokerage service areas: Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.
Inquiry Hotline: 13075678958 | Email: info@zhbfwl.com
Further Reading
- Complete Import Customs Clearance Process: A step-by-step guide covering arrival document exchange, customs declaration and tax payment, inspection and release, and cargo pickup
- Guide to U.S. Import Customs Clearance: ISF/AMS filing, Section 301 additional tariffs, and FDA/CPSC inspections
- Guide to EU Import Customs Clearance: EORI number, import VAT, CE certification, and REACH regulations
- Guide to Import Customs Clearance in Mexico, Russia, Canada, Australia, and South Korea: NOM/EAC/ACI, biological quarantine, and KC certification
- Comparison of Import Customs Clearance in Five Southeast Asian Countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
- International Ocean Freight Import Services: Full-process import support from overseas shipping to domestic pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exports to Japan be declared before the goods arrive at port?
Yes. Japan allows advance declaration through NACCS within 7 days before the goods arrive at port, and release is faster after arrival; whether this applies and the specific time limits are subject to the current regulations of Japan Customs.
How should RCEP tariff concessions for Japan be verified?
RCEP is the first free trade agreement between China and Japan, and tariff concessions are implemented gradually by agreement year. Before exporting, you should verify the commodity tariff rate against Japan Customs' RCEP tariff schedule for the current year, and prepare certificates of origin that comply with the rules of origin; you cannot extrapolate subsequent years based on the first-year rate.
This article was prepared by the Bofeng Logistics team and reviewed in September 2026. Customs rules change frequently; refer to official customs and authority notices for the latest requirements.
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