🇯🇵 Japan → 🇻🇳 Vietnam

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 Vietnam

Vietnam → US: 18-25 days ocean. Vietnam → China: 3-7 days. Vietnam → Japan: 5-8 days. Vietnam → EU: 20-30 days.

Shipping Timeline to Vietnam

From China: 3-7 days ocean, $300-800/FEU. From US: 18-25 days. From Japan: 5-8 days. From EU: 20-30 days. Clearance: 1-3 days (green), 5-7 days (red).

Required Import Documents (Vietnam)

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin (for FTA rates), Contract, Insurance, CoC/CoQ (product conformity), Import License (if controlled).

Import Declaration via VNACCS/VCIS

Electronic customs system (based on Japan's NACCS). Steps: register → submit declaration → auto-classification (green/yellow/red channel) → pay duties → release. Fast processing for green channel.

Vietnam Tariff — Electronics (HS 85)

ITA member: most electronics 0%. Smartphones (8517): 0%. Computers (8471): 0%. TVs (8528): 10-25%. FTA preferential: RCEP, CPTPP, EVFTA, ACFTA (China), VKFTA (Korea), VJEPA (Japan). US: MFN only (no FTA).

Vietnam VAT — 8% (Temporary Reduction from 10%)

Standard VAT rate: 10%. However, Vietnam has enacted a 2% VAT reduction under Resolution 204/2025/QH15 and Decree 174/2025/ND-CP, reducing the rate to 8% for most goods and services from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Eligible sectors include IT products, electronics, logistics, and most manufactured goods. EXCLUDED from reduction (remain at 10%): finance, insurance, telecommunications, real estate, and certain other sectors. Calculated on (CIF + duty). VAT-registered businesses can claim input credit. The 8% rate applies uniformly at importation, manufacturing, processing, and trading stages for eligible goods.

QCVN Technical Regulations (Vietnam)

Electrical products must comply with QCVN standards. QCVN 4:2009 (safety), QCVN 9:2012 (EMC). Certification via CoC (batch) or CoQ (per-shipment). Testing by QUACERT/QUATEST. Timeline: 4-8 weeks.