🇪🇺 EU (Germany) → 🇯🇵 Japan

EU Export Certifications

No general export certification. Dual-use items: export license from national authority. Sanctions compliance: must screen all parties against EU sanctions lists.

Required Export Documents (EU)

Export declaration (ECS electronic), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin, Export License for dual-use items (EU 2021/821).

Submit Export Declaration via ECS

Export declaration filed electronically via Export Control System (ECS). Pre-departure declaration required. Customs issues export permit (MRN — Movement Reference Number).

Prepare Export Documents

Export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin (if needed), export license (for dual-use/controlled items).

Submit Export Declaration via ECS

Export declaration filed electronically via Export Control System (ECS). Pre-departure declaration required. Customs issues export permit (MRN — Movement Reference Number).

Prepare Export Documents

Export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin (if needed), export license (for dual-use/controlled items).

Shipping Timeline from EU

EU → China: Ocean 25-35 days, $2,500-4,500/FEU. EU → US: Ocean 10-14 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. EU → Japan: Ocean 25-35 days, $2,500-4,000/FEU.

Shipping Timeline to EU

From China: Ocean (Shanghai→Rotterdam) 25-35 days via Suez, $2,500-4,500/FEU. Air 2-3 days, $4-7/kg. From US: Ocean (NY→Rotterdam) 10-14 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. Air 1-2 days, $3-6/kg. From Japan: Ocean (Tokyo→Hamburg) 25-35 days via Suez, $2,500-4,000/FEU. From Korea: Ocean 25-32 days, $2,200-3,800/FEU. Customs clearance: 1-3 days typical.

Shipping Timeline from Japan

Japan → US (West Coast): Ocean 10-14 days, $2,000-4,000/FEU. Air 2-3 days, $5-8/kg. Japan → US (East Coast): Ocean 20-25 days via Panama, $3,500-5,500/FEU. Japan → China: Ocean 3-5 days, $500-1,200/FEU. Air 1-2 days, $3-6/kg. Japan → EU: Ocean 25-35 days via Suez, $2,500-4,000/FEU. Japan → Korea: Ocean 1-3 days, $300-600/FEU. Export customs clearance: typically same-day for AEO, 1-2 days for others.

Shipping Timeline to Japan

Ocean from China: Shanghai→Tokyo 3-5 days, Shenzhen→Tokyo 5-7 days. Cost: $500-1,200/FEU. Ocean from US: LA→Tokyo 10-14 days, LA→Osaka 11-15 days. Cost: $2,000-4,000/FEU. Air from China: 1-2 days, $3-6/kg. Air from US: 2-3 days, $5-8/kg.

Commercial Invoice

Must include seller/buyer info, product description, quantity, unit price, total value, trade terms (Incoterms), and country of origin.

Packing List

Detailed breakdown of contents per package: weights, dimensions, marks, numbers.

Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

Ocean: B/L. Air: AWB. Required for cargo release from port/terminal.

Certificate of Origin

Required for claiming RCEP preferential tariff rates on eligible goods from China. Can be issued by authorized body or self-declared by approved exporters.

Import Declaration (NACCS)

Filed electronically. Includes HS code, value, origin, quantity. Customs broker typically handles this.

Register with Japan Customs via NACCS

All import declarations are processed through NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System). Importers need a NACCS user account or must work through a licensed customs broker (通関業者).

Submit Import Declaration (輸入申告)

File electronically via NACCS. Can be submitted before vessel arrival (preliminary declaration) for faster clearance. Includes HS classification, declared value (CIF), country of origin, and quantity.

Customs Examination & Release

Japan Customs uses a risk-based 3-channel system: Green (immediate release), Yellow (document review), Red (physical inspection). AEO-certified importers get expedited processing. Typical clearance: 1-3 business days.

Pay Duties and Consumption Tax

Pay customs duty (per HTS rate) + 10% consumption tax. Tax base = CIF value + customs duty. Registered businesses can claim consumption tax as input tax credit.

Japan MFN Tariff — Electronics (HS 85)

Most electronics are Free (0%) under the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA). Japan is an ITA signatory. HS 8517, 8471, 8528 (most sub-headings) = Free. Some traditional appliances (HS 8509 etc.) may have 0-5% MFN rates. RCEP preferential rates provide no additional benefit for ITA products (already Free).

Japan Consumption Tax (消費税) — 10%

Applied on (CIF value + customs duty). Standard rate: 10%. Reduced rate for food/beverages: 8%. Consumption tax-registered businesses can claim input tax credit. No exemptions for imports.

RCEP Preferential Tariffs (China→Japan)

RCEP entered into force for Japan on January 1, 2022. First-ever tariff arrangement between China and Japan. Japan will eliminate tariffs on ~86% of tariff lines from China over 10-20 years. Electronics (HS 85): No additional benefit as MFN is already Free (ITA). Key benefits: chemicals, machinery parts, auto parts, textiles, some processed foods. Requires RCEP Certificate of Origin or approved exporter self-declaration. Regional cumulation rules apply.

US-Japan Trade Agreement (Limited, 2020)

Not a comprehensive FTA. Covers only agricultural products and limited industrial goods. Key: US beef tariff reduced from 38.5% to 9% by 2033. US pork tariff reduced. Electronics (HS 85): NOT covered (already Free under ITA). US auto tariff (2.5%) on Japanese cars: NOT reduced (promised reduction never implemented). US-Japan Digital Trade Agreement (2020): Prohibits data localization, protects cross-border data flow.

PSE Mark (Product Safety Electrical / 電気用品安全法)

Mandatory for electrical products sold in Japan. 457 product categories covered. Category A (116 types, high risk): Diamond PSE mark, requires third-party testing. Category B (341 types): Circle PSE mark, self-declaration with testing. Importer must register with METI as a Notified Business Operator (届出事業者).

TELEC / Giteki Mark (技適マーク) — Radio Equipment

Mandatory for ALL devices with wireless functionality (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.). Equivalent to US FCC certification. Issued by MIC-designated bodies (e.g., TELEC). Product must display the Giteki Mark. Timeline: 4-8 weeks. Cost: $3,000-8,000.

VCCI (EMC Compliance)

Voluntary but market-essential. Based on CISPR 32. Almost all IT/electronic equipment sold in Japan carries VCCI certification. Japanese buyers and retailers typically require it.