🇯🇵 Japan → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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 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.

Shipping Timeline from UK

UK → China: 25-35 days. UK → US: 10-20 days. UK → EU: 2-5 days. UK → Japan: 25-35 days.

Shipping Timeline to UK

From China: 25-35 days ocean. From US: 10-20 days. From Japan: 25-35 days. From EU: 2-5 days (but full customs post-Brexit). Clearance: 1-3 days.

Required Import Documents (UK)

Import declaration (CDS), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin, UKCA/CE conformity docs, Import License (if controlled), EORI number, Entry Summary Declaration (from non-EU).

Import Declaration via CDS

Customs Declaration Service (replaced CHIEF in 2023). Steps: obtain EORI → file declaration → classify goods → pay duty + VAT → border check → release. Post-Brexit: full customs required for EU imports too.

UK Global Tariff — Electronics (HS 85)

ITA member: most electronics 0%. Independent UK Global Tariff (UKGT) post-Brexit. FTAs: UK-Japan CEPA (2021), UK-Korea FTA (2021), UK-CPTPP (2024), UK-EU TCA (zero tariff with rules of origin). No UK-China FTA. No UK-US FTA. Chinese/US goods: MFN rates.

UK VAT — 20%

Standard rate: 20%. Calculated on (CIF + duty). No low-value exemption (removed 2021). Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) available: declare on VAT return instead of paying at border. Improves cash flow.

UKCA Mark (UK Conformity Assessed)

UK's post-Brexit product marking. For electronics: Electrical Equipment Safety Regs 2016, EMC Regs 2016, Radio Equipment Regs 2017. CE marking is now accepted INDEFINITELY in Great Britain for 21 product regulation categories (Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024, in force October 1, 2024). Businesses can use either UKCA or CE marking when placing products on the GB market. A fast-track UKCA process exists where meeting EU Essential Requirements satisfies UKCA requirements. EXCEPTIONS: medical devices (CE accepted until 2028-2030 depending on device type, per MHRA), construction products (separate indefinite CE recognition enacted September 2024), marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft — each has sector-specific arrangements. Northern Ireland: CE mark still valid (Windsor Framework). Self-declaration for most electronics, UK Approved Bodies for some.