Japan is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is a party to many of the bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the WTO oversees and for which the WTO provides arbitration. Japan requires shipments entering the country to undergo an import Declaration process. This process is carried out by either the actual importer or by a Customs broker who is authorized to act on behalf of the importer. The import declaration is submitted to the regional Customs office responsible for the port at which the shipment arrives or through which the shipment is transiting. Most import declarations are made using the NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System), which provides an on-line process to both Customs and trade industries such as Airlines and Customs Brokers. NACCS consists of Air NACCS for air cargo and Sea NACCS for sea cargo and is used for both the Import and Export declaration process. There are three primary types of import declaration: Manifest Clearance, Low Value Declaration, and High Value Declaration. According to Customs law, it is the importer’s responsibility to keep records of all their transactions for a period of three years plus the current year’s transactions. In order to protect the Japanese industry, economy, health, hygiene, security of society, and morals from negative impact, there are several domestic laws and regulations that affect imported goods. For specific information about importing goods subject to these laws and regulations, you may contact the appropriate Ministry or Agency of the Japanese government.

Customs Fees:

There are no customs fees for Japan

Exchange Controls:

There are no exchange controls for Japan