🇯🇵 Japan → 🇮🇳 India

Japan Export Certifications

No general export certification requirement for most products. Export-controlled items (semiconductor equipment, dual-use goods) require METI export license. Catch-all control: if exporter knows/suspects military end-use, license required even for non-listed items. Chemical weapons/biological weapons related: always require license.

Required Export Documents (Japan)

Export Declaration (輸出申告, filed via NACCS), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin (if importing country requires), Export License (輸出許可, only for controlled items under Foreign Exchange Act). AEO-certified exporters can use simplified documentation.

Register as Exporter

Register with Japan Customs. AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification available for frequent exporters, providing simplified procedures and faster clearance.

Prepare Export Documents

Required: Export Declaration, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB. If goods are export-controlled (e.g., semiconductor equipment): Export License from METI required.

Submit Export Declaration via NACCS (輸出申告)

Filed electronically through NACCS. Customs may inspect based on risk assessment. After approval, Export Permit (輸出許可) is issued and goods can be loaded.

Consumption Tax Zero-Rating on Exports

Exports are zero-rated for consumption tax (0%). Exporters can reclaim consumption tax paid on inputs through the tax return process. Refund typically takes 1-3 months.

Register as Exporter

Register with Japan Customs. AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification available for frequent exporters, providing simplified procedures and faster clearance.

Prepare Export Documents

Required: Export Declaration, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB. If goods are export-controlled (e.g., semiconductor equipment): Export License from METI required.

Submit Export Declaration via NACCS (輸出申告)

Filed electronically through NACCS. Customs may inspect based on risk assessment. After approval, Export Permit (輸出許可) is issued and goods can be loaded.

Consumption Tax Zero-Rating on Exports

Exports are zero-rated for consumption tax (0%). Exporters can reclaim consumption tax paid on inputs through the tax return process. Refund typically takes 1-3 months.

Shipping Timeline from India

India → China: 10-18 days. India → US: 25-35 days. India → EU: 20-30 days. India → Japan: 12-18 days.

Shipping Timeline to India

From China: 10-18 days ocean. From US: 25-35 days. From Japan: 12-18 days. From EU: 20-30 days. Clearance: 3-7 days (slower than most Asian ports). Main ports: Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai, Delhi ICD.

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.

Required Import Documents (India)

Bill of Entry, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin, BIS certificate, Insurance, Import License (if restricted), IEC, GSTR docs.

Import Declaration via ICEGATE

ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) + ICES. Steps: obtain IEC (Importer Exporter Code) → register on ICEGATE → file Bill of Entry → customs assessment → pay duty (BCD + IGST + cess) → inspection → release (Out of Charge). SWIFT single-window being rolled out.

India Tariff — Electronics (HIGH)

India has one of the HIGHEST tariff structures for electronics globally. Smartphones (8517): BCD 20%. Laptops/PCs (8471): BCD 0% under ITA commitment (India signed ITA-1 in 1997; despite repeated proposals to increase, WTO commitment prevents raising BCD on ITA-covered products). TVs (8528): 10-20%. ICs (8542): 0%. Plus: SWS (Social Welfare Surcharge) = 10% of BCD (zero additional cost when BCD is 0%). Plus: IGST 18%. Effective rate on smartphones: ~43-45%. Effective rate on laptops (commercial import): ~18% (IGST only since BCD=0%). Make in India policy drives high import barriers. ITA member but disputes with WTO on actual implementation. No FTA with China or US. India-Japan CEPA, India-Korea CEPA, India-ASEAN FTA provide some preferences. 2025-26 Budget: significant customs rationalization, reducing number of BCD rates.

India IGST (Integrated GST) — 18%

IGST on electronics: 18%. Calculated on (CIF + BCD + SWS). IGST-registered importers can claim input credit. Additional cesses may apply on some products.

BIS Certification (Bureau of Indian Standards)

CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme): MANDATORY for electronics/IT products. Now covers 76+ product categories (expanded from original 15). Covers: adapters, chargers, LEDs, laptops, phones, tablets, printers, TVs, monitors, audio equipment, smart watches, power banks, CCTV cameras, solar PV modules. Process: lab testing → BIS application → possible factory inspection (even overseas) → registration. Timeline: 3-6 months (can take 12 months). Cost: $1,000-10,000. Valid 2 years, needs renewal. THIS IS THE #1 BARRIER for foreign electronics entering India. 2026 UPDATES: (1) BIS Scheme X (for components/sub-assemblies) has been WITHDRAWN — suspended until further notice per Jan 14, 2026 announcement. (2) Safety standards transitioning from IS 13252/IS 616 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 (hazard-based approach), with concurrent validity period until November 1, 2028. (3) CCTV cameras: relaxation withdrawn, full compliance mandatory from April 1, 2026. (4) BIS Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations 2026 (Feb 25) changed fee structures and licence validity periods. Product list is continuously updated by MeitY through gazette notifications.

TEC + WPC (Telecom & Wireless)

TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre): mandatory for telecom equipment. WPC (Wireless Planning): ETA (Equipment Type Approval) for all wireless devices. Must obtain before BIS registration.