| Intro | Japan 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. |
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| 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).
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| 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
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| Prohibited goods | - · Narcotics without MHLW licence.
- · Firearms & swords without permits.
- · Counterfeits & pirated goods.
- · Materials portraying certain content contrary to Japan law.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Dispute resolution | Japan 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. |
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| Official sources | |
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