JPLast reviewed 2026-07-21

Japan - Import & Export Regulatory Guide

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.

Open Japan trade toolkit Compare Japan vs other markets

Regulatory authorities

Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance) ↗
Import/export declarations via NACCS.
METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry) ↗
Export licensing under FEFTA.
MHLW
Food Sanitation Act, PMDA (pharma & medical device).
MAFF
Agriculture, quarantine, forestry (JAS).
JFTC
Anti-monopoly enforcement.

Licensing regimes

Licence	Scope	Issuer
Export licence (List Control)	Items on Appended Tables 1 (goods) & 3 (technology) of the Export Trade Control Order.	METI
Import approval	Import Trade Control Order Annex categories.	METI
Food import notification	Every consignment of food, food additives, packaging.	MHLW quarantine station
Yakuji (pharma) marketing authorisation	Drugs & 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 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.

Key official sources

Frequently asked questions (6)

How does Japan's catch-all export control work?

Under FEFTA Article 25/48, even items not listed on Appended Table 1 require an export licence if the exporter knows or is informed that the end-use is WMD/missile related or the end-user is on the 'Foreign End-User List' (~700 entities as of 2024). This is a knowledge-based obligation - documented internal screening is critical.

Are CPTPP tariff preferences self-certified?

Yes - Japan accepts CPTPP self-certification of origin by the exporter, producer or importer, without requiring a chamber-issued certificate. Preserve records for 5 years for post-importation audit.

What is the METI export control catch-all clause?

Beyond list-controlled dual-use items (Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, Export Trade Control Order Row 1-15), Japan applies a catch-all to any goods potentially used for WMD or conventional-weapons proliferation. Exporters must apply the 'informed', 'know', or 'suspect' test - documented internal compliance program is expected.

How does the Japanese AEO (Authorised Exporter/Importer) program work?

Japan Customs' AEO regime covers importers, exporters, warehouse operators, customs brokers, logistics providers and manufacturers. Certified entities get simplified declarations (release before duty payment), reduced examination, and mutual recognition with EU, US, China, Korea, and others.

How is consumption tax applied on imports?

10% (standard) or 8% (reduced, for food/beverages ex-alcohol) consumption tax applies on CIF plus customs duty. Qualified Invoice System (Oct 2023) is required for input tax credit - importers must retain a customs permit as the qualifying invoice.

What is the JIS mark and when is it mandatory?

The Japanese Industrial Standards mark is voluntary for most products but effectively required by procurement specifications. Certification is issued by JISC-accredited bodies after factory assessment and product testing against the applicable JIS standard.