Exporting to Japan – Tips and Links to Help
Japan has made a name for itself as a nation of quality and innovation and consumers are drawn to premium, high-end goods. Exporting Japan can be profitable, but it’s important to do your research.
Japanese Free Trade Agreement
Australia has a Free Trade Agreement with Japan. Whilst some commodities are duty free, others are subject to some duties and restrictions – notably wine and spirits and foodstuffs. The Free Trade Agreement with Japan stipulates that these will eventually be free as well.
Japan has some other free trade agreements that may affect goods or services you want to export to Japan.
If your documents are not in order, it is very likely your goods wont be loaded in the first place. Even if they were loaded, they certainly won’t be allowed entry. Furthermore, all of the costs for compliance are applied to the account of the exporter.
Japan has high risk controls on all imports, so it is imperative that you follow all documentation requirements. Regulatory barriers, including licensing requirements, restricted goods, certifications, labeling requirements, and more besides – check and check again.
Japan also has high risk controls on outside packaging. You should check with your buyer as to what is and isn’t allowed. For example, normal wooden pallets are not allowed, whereas these could be used for domestic transport.
Barriers to export
Tariffs on most imported goods into Japan are relatively low. However, cultural, regulatory, and other non-tariff barriers to market entry continue to exist. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some barriers companies may encounter:
- Japan-specific standards and testing requirements
- Import license requirements
- Restricted or prohibited imports
- Temporary entry of goods
- Certifications
- Labelling requirements
- Long term local partner/distributor relationship issues and expectations
- High context business relationships and procedures
- Inability to communicate in English
- High expectations for quality and customer service
- High cost for entry due to size of economy
Shipping to Japan
Tokyo is the main gateway for shipping cargo into Japan from the world. Its deepwater port is called Yokohama. 
Several other ports and cities across Japan are serviced for FCL (full container load) cargoes, but LCL (less than a container load) cargo is consolidated into containers in Australia and can be shipped to the destination by any number of routes.
There are daily flights from Australia to Tokyo and Osaka and cargo can be sent on direct flights at premium rates, or held for consolidation.
If you are not a regular established exporter to Japan, then you should thoroughly check all requirements and shipping routes before proceeding. SPLS can assist with this.
Resources to help you with exporting to Japan.
Customs Requirements For Exports From Australia – A great starting point of research when exporting goods to Japan.
Doing Business In Japan – An overview of the Japanese import markets.
Tariffs and Regulations – A tariff finder tool to discover current Japanese import tariffs.
Japan Customs – Import / Export – Resource of Japanese customs rules and regulations.
Specialised Projects and Logistics Services (SPLS)
SPLS can help with all your freight forwarding and logistics requirements, including when exporting to Japan. Contact us to discuss how we can help build your import/export business.
