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Asia
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Importing to Japan
Japan is an attractive destination for big tech and cloud companies, and many industry giants have data centers here. However, if you are looking to get your tech gear into Japan, you will need particular knowledge of product compliance.
Tax
up to 10%
Duties
up to 14%
Lead Times
1-2 weeks
Restricted Items
Dual-Use Equipment and Chip Restrictions
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Language
Japanese
Japan Imports
HS code categorization is extremely important to ensure your shipment is compliant for entry into Japan. In recent months, Japan has implemented restrictions against 23 types of equipment, including devices that etch out microscopic circuits of dual-use chips.
Japan has robust environmental laws that require certain electronic goods to meet energy efficiency and disposal standards. Compliance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations is necessary. This is particularly important for electronics that could contribute to e-waste.
TecEx’s Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service goes beyond last-mile delivery, with added white-glove services to get your goods where they need to be. With TecEx acting as your Importer of Record (IOR) into Japan, you do not need to worry about appointing an Attorney for Customs Procedure (ACP).
Exporting from Japan
Japan imposes restrictions on certain types of technology, particularly items that could threaten national security or violate international sanctions. When exporting dual-use goods, such as GPUs, from Japan, special export licenses are required to prevent potential misuse of the technology.
Additionally, Japan’s adherence to international agreements, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, introduces further layers of scrutiny, particularly for advanced GPUs. These regulations, combined with logistical challenges make exporting dual-use tech gear a highly regulated and intricate process.
Population
124,5 m
Biggest Industry by Export
Cars
Capital City
Tokyo
Biggest Industry by Import
Chemicals
Pain Points for Importing to Japan
Importing to Japan requires careful attention to regulatory, logistical, and market-specific factors to ensure compliance with Japanese customs. For instance, labels must be in Japanese (and often in English) and must include essential information such as the product name, manufacturer, usage instructions, and safety warnings. This is especially important for electrical products.
Electronic products must have clear labeling, often including safety certifications like PSE Product Safety Electrical (PSE) marks. PSE regulations apply to over 450 product categories. In a few cases, you might need extra checks in Japan, especially around the product’s safety record.
Countries That Trade with Japan
North America
United States of America (USA)
Asia
South Korea
Specialized Solution for Importing to Japan
While Japan has a relatively low tariff regime for high-tech goods, particularly those from countries with free trade agreements, duties may still apply depending on the type of product. Furthermore, Japan applies a 10% consumption tax instead of a VAT/GST tax on imported products. This tax must be paid at the time of import, and the importer is responsible for both the collection and remittance to Japanese authorities.
Japan has strict enforcement measures for consumption tax (JCT) violations. Any non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. TecEx guarantees a smooth import process for your tech gear while avoiding potential JCT violations.
Navigating Japanese compliance demands, especially for specific HS codes, can be challenging. TecEx has you covered with our comprehensive HS code compliance database, ensuring accurate classification for all components of your tech equipment. As import compliance specialists, we ensure the correct compliance documentation is sourced, even for HS codes that require non-standard documentation. We will also check if your goods need to undergo a PSE inspection.
Japan and AI
As AI integration across sectors fuels graphics processing unit (GPU) demand, chipmakers must navigate complex import and export regulations, straining an already fragile supply chain. Navigating these challenges faced by advanced GPU shipping requires concerted efforts, industry know-how, and reputable compliance expertise. Within the AI space, we have a dedicated team that specifically deals with the heavy compliance and logistics requirements needed for AI gear to cross borders.
Is your AI shipment covered for any damage, loss, or theft? While measures and standard conventions are in place to ensure the safety of consignments – mistakes and unforeseen events do occur. Utilize our global liability cover to remove the risk from your supply chain.
Your global trade solution for Japan
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