# Japan (JP) **Capital:** Tokyo **Currency:** Japanese yen (JPY) (JPY) **Population:** 123,802,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented. **Area:** 377,975 km² > Japan is a leading industrial and exporting nation and a key logistics hub in the Pacific. Consumption tax is 10 percent (8 percent reduced for food). Customs is processed electronically via NACCS. Through CPTPP, RCEP and the Japan-EU EPA, Japan is deeply integrated into free-trade networks; an EPA with Switzerland has been in force since 2009. The main ports are Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe and Osaka, and Narita is the largest air-cargo hub. Japan (JP) is a leading industrial and exporting nation and a key logistics hub in the western Pacific. As an island state it maintains no customs union but is deeply integrated into free-trade networks through CPTPP, RCEP and the Japan-EU EPA; an EPA with Switzerland has applied since 2009. Customs clearance runs electronically via NACCS, and import consumption tax is 10 percent (8 percent reduced for food). The main gateways are the container ports of Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe and Osaka and the cargo airports Narita (NRT), Kansai (KIX) and Haneda (HND). Domestic transport relies on a dense motorway and rail network along the Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka Pacific belt, while coastal shipping links the main islands. Typical goods are vehicles and parts, machinery, electronics and semiconductors; the main trading partners are China, the USA, ASEAN and the EU. **Top Import Partners:** CN, US, AU, KR, SA **Top Export Partners:** CN, US, KR, TW, HK **Top Import Goods:** Mineral oils, Electronic devices, Machinery, Food, Chemicals **Top Export Goods:** Vehicles, Machinery, Electronics, Steel, Chemicals **Key Airports:** - [Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/chubu-centrair-international-airport-ngo) - [Fukuoka Airport (FUK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/fukuoka-airport-fuk) - [Kadena Air Base (DNA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kadena-air-base-airport-dna) - [Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kagoshima-airport-koj) - [Kansai International Airport (KIX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kansai-international-airport-kix) - [Naha Airport / JASDF Naha Air Base (OKA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/naha-airport-jasdf-naha-air-base-airport-oka) - [Narita International Airport (NRT)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/narita-international-airport-nrt) - [New Chitose Airport (CTS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/new-chitose-airport-cts) - [Osaka International Airport (ITM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/osaka-international-airport-itm) - [Sendai Airport (SDJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sendai-airport-sdj) **Key Seaports:** - [Kawasaki Ko (JP KWS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/kawasaki-ko-port-jp-kws) - [Kobe (JP UKB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/kobe-port-jp-ukb) - [Mikawa (JP MKW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/mikawa-port-jp-mkw) - [Nagasaki (JP NGS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/nagasaki-port-jp-ngs) - [Nagoya Ko (JP NGO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/nagoya-ko-port-jp-ngo) - [Oita Ko (JP OIT)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/oita-ko-port-jp-oit) - [Onomichi-Itozaki (JP ONX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/onomichi-itozaki-port-jp-onx) - [Osaka (JP OSA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/osaka-port-jp-osa) - [Tokyo Ko (JP TYO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/tokyo-ko-port-jp-tyo) - [Wakamatsu Ko (JP WAM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/wakamatsu-ko-port-jp-wam) ## Customs & Import **Import VAT:** Consumption tax 10 percent standard rate, 8 percent reduced rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages **Customs complexity:** medium **Customs system:** Electronic clearance via NACCS of Japan Customs; over 90 percent of import procedures are digitized, declarations by registered users or customs brokers. **Customs authority:** [Japan Customs (Zeikan), Ministry of Finance](https://www.customs.go.jp/english/) ## Logistics & Risk **Logistics role:** Export-strong industrial nation / Pacific hub **Economic area:** CPTPP / RCEP (no customs union) **Logistics risk:** low **Dangerous goods relevance:** high **Pharma/cold chain:** high ## FAQ ### What is the import consumption tax in Japan? The consumption tax is 10 percent as the standard rate and 8 percent reduced for food and non-alcoholic beverages. It is calculated on the customs value plus duty. ### Through which system is customs clearance handled? Clearance is handled electronically via NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) of Japan Customs; over 90 percent of procedures are digitized. ### Is there a free trade agreement between Switzerland and Japan? Yes, the Japan-Switzerland EPA has been in force since 1. September 2009 and enables preferential tariffs with correct proof of origin. ### Into which free trade networks is Japan integrated? Japan is part of the CPTPP, RCEP and the Japan-EU EPA as well as numerous bilateral EPAs; free trade agreements cover a large part of external trade. ### What should be observed regarding export control? METI controls listed goods and catch-all goods under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA). Since October 2025, stricter Core-items rules apply to sensitive technologies. ### What are the most important ports and airports? The main container ports are Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe and Osaka. The largest air cargo hub is Narita (NRT), followed by Kansai (KIX) and Haneda (HND). ### Which weather-related risks exist? There is a typhoon season from about June to October, as well as earthquake and tsunami risks. Japan, however, has robust disaster management. ### Which goods are restricted for import or export? Restricted or prohibited are, among others, narcotics, weapons, counterfeit products, and plants, animals and foodstuffs subject to quarantine; CITES species require permits. ## Sources & Last Verified - [https://www.customs.go.jp/english/](https://www.customs.go.jp/english/) - [https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/import.htm](https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/import.htm) - [https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/tariff.htm](https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/tariff.htm) - [https://www.customs.go.jp/english/epa/index.htm](https://www.customs.go.jp/english/epa/index.htm) - [https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/external_economy/trade_control/index.html](https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/external_economy/trade_control/index.html) - [https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/fta/index.html](https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/fta/index.html) - [https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/fta/switzerland.html](https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/fta/switzerland.html) - [https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jinsui/2024np/index.html](https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jinsui/2024np/index.html) *Last verified: 2026-07-18* --- *Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/jp](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/jp)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/jp](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/jp)*