Country profile
Japan
JP · JPNAs of: 7/18/2026Export-strong industrial nation / Pacific hub
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.
Overview
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.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Japan Customs (Zeikan), Ministry of FinanceImport system
Electronic clearance via NACCS of Japan Customs; over 90 percent of import procedures are digitized, declarations by registered users or customs brokers.
Export system
Export declaration also electronic via NACCS; advance declaration possible, processing by registered exporters and licensed customs brokers.
Import VAT
- Consumption tax 10 percent standard rate, 8 percent reduced rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages
- levied on customs value plus duty.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Import declaration via NACCS
- if applicable, origin or preference proof
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration via NACCS
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- if applicable, METI export licence
Origin proofs / FTA
Preference proof per agreement: origin declaration or self-certification (CPTPP, RCEP, Japan-EU EPA) or certificate of origin. Japan-Switzerland EPA in force since 1.9.2009.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibited or restricted: narcotics, weapons and ammunition, counterfeit products, certain plants, animals and foodstuffs (quarantine) as well as endangered species (CITES).
Export controls & sanctions
Export control by METI under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA): list-based plus catch-all control, Core-items reform Oct 2025; UN and G7 Russia sanctions implemented.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Japan) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to Japan. Depending on goods, product requirements and documentation can matter; correct classification and consistent documents help avoid delays.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: additional product/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export + complete documentation
- Import clearance (agent/broker, potential inspections)
- Release, duties/taxes, and delivery
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or wrong classification → delays
- Certificates/product requirements not checked → holds
- Inconsistent values/documents → queries
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
High exposure to earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, with very good disaster management. Logistics overall is reliable, highly automated and predictable.
Seasonal & weather risks
Typhoon season roughly June to October (peak August/September) with possible port and flight delays; winter storms and snow on the Sea of Japan coast and in Hokkaido.
Current logistics notes
As of 2026-07-18: Japan is strongly interconnected via CPTPP, RCEP and the Japan-EU EPA; free trade agreements cover a large part of trade. METI catch-all/Core-items export control tightened since October 2025. No nationwide disruption verified; seasonal typhoon risk June-October.
As of: 2026-07-18
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Jan 12, 2026 | Coming of Age Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Feb 11, 2026 | National Foundation Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Feb 23, 2026 | The Emperor's Birthday | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Mar 20, 2026 | Vernal Equinox Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Apr 29, 2026 | Shōwa Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| May 3, 2026 | Constitution Memorial Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| May 4, 2026 | Greenery Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| May 5, 2026 | Children's Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| May 6, 2026 | Substitute Holiday | National | Substitute for Constitution Day falling on Sunday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed. | ||
| Jul 20, 2026 | Marine Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Aug 11, 2026 | Mountain Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Sep 21, 2026 | Respect for the Aged Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Sep 22, 2026 | Citizens' Holiday | National | Citizens' holiday between two holidays: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed. | ||
| Sep 23, 2026 | Autumnal Equinox Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Oct 12, 2026 | Sports Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Nov 3, 2026 | Culture Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. | ||
| Nov 23, 2026 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | National | Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance. |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Coming of Age Day
Jan 12, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
National Foundation Day
Feb 11, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
The Emperor's Birthday
Feb 23, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Vernal Equinox Day
Mar 20, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Shōwa Day
Apr 29, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Constitution Memorial Day
May 3, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Greenery Day
May 4, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Children's Day
May 5, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Substitute Holiday
May 6, 2026
Substitute for Constitution Day falling on Sunday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed.
Marine Day
Jul 20, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Mountain Day
Aug 11, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Respect for the Aged Day
Sep 21, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Citizens' Holiday
Sep 22, 2026
Citizens' holiday between two holidays: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed.
Autumnal Equinox Day
Sep 23, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Sports Day
Oct 12, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Culture Day
Nov 3, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Labor Thanksgiving Day
Nov 23, 2026
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Sources: Cabinet Office Japan (Kokumin no Shukujitsu) / publicholidays.jp
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- customs.go.jp
- meti.go.jp
- mofa.go.jp
- stat.go.jp
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Japan?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Japan?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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