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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Japan
JP →
IntroJapan operates a modern low-tariff regime with an average MFN tariff below 4% - lower still under EPAs (CPTPP, Japan-EU EPA, RCEP, JAEEPA). Export controls run through METI under the Foreign Exchange & Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) with catch-all end-use controls. Food imports face rigorous quarantine, especially for animal products.
Primary authorities
  • Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance)Import/export declarations via NACCS.
  • METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry)Export licensing under FEFTA.
  • MHLWFood Sanitation Act, PMDA (pharma & medical device).
  • MAFFAgriculture, quarantine, forestry (JAS).
Licensing regimes
  • Export licence (List Control)Items on Appended Tables 1 (goods) & 3 (technology) of the Export Trade Control Order. · METI
  • Import approvalImport Trade Control Order Annex categories. · METI
  • Food import notificationEvery consignment of food, food additives, packaging. · MHLW quarantine station
  • Yakuji (pharma) marketing authorisationDrugs & medical devices. · PMDA
Prohibited goods
  • · Narcotics without MHLW licence.
  • · Firearms & swords without permits.
  • · Counterfeits & pirated goods.
  • · Materials portraying certain content contrary to Japan law.
Restricted goods
  • · Food additives - only those in the MHLW positive list.
  • · Meat & dairy from countries with active BSE, FMD, AI outbreaks.
  • · Cosmetics - Japan quasi-drug positive list for active ingredients.
  • · Electric appliances - PSE mark under Electrical Appliance & Material Safety Act.
  • · Radio equipment - MIC Type Approval.
Labelling requirements
  • · Japanese-language labelling for retail food, cosmetics, pharma.
  • · Country of origin under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums & Misleading Representations.
  • · Nutrition labelling per Food Labelling Act.
  • · PSE, PSC, PSTG marks on covered electrical/consumer products.
Sanctions overlay
  • · UN Security Council sanctions applied under FEFTA.
  • · Autonomous measures against Russia (2022+), DPRK, Iran, Belarus.
  • · 'End-use' catch-all controls under FEFTA Article 25/48 for WMD & conventional weapons diversion.
Dispute resolutionJapan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) - Tokyo. NY Convention 1961. Japan-based commercial disputes often prefer arbitration over litigation for confidentiality. EPA/FTA disputes: CPTPP Chapter 28; Japan-EU EPA Chapter 21; RCEP Chapter 19. WTO active user, both complainant & respondent.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.