Japan
JP · JPN
As of: 7/18/2026
Exportstarke Industrienation / Pazifik-Drehkreuz
Capital: Tokyo
CPTPP / RCEP (keine Zollunion)SeeLuftStrasseSchieneImport VAT: Verbrauchsteuer (Consumption Tax) 10 Prozent Normalsatz, 8 Prozent ermässigt für Lebensmittel und alkoholfreie GetränkeCustoms: mittelRisk: niedrigPharma/Cold Chain: hochDangerous Goods: hochE-Commerce: hoch
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
Area377,975 km²
Population123,802,000
CurrencyJapanese yen (JPY)
Economic areaCPTPP / RCEP (keine Zollunion)
ContinentAsien
ReligionsSintoismus, Buddhismus, Christentum
ISO codeJP / JPN
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Japan Customs (Zeikan), FinanzministeriumImport system
Elektronische Abfertigung über NACCS der Japan Customs; über 90 Prozent der Einfuhrverfahren sind digitalisiert, Anmeldung durch registrierte Nutzer oder Zollmakler.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung ebenfalls elektronisch über NACCS; Vorabanmeldung möglich, Abwicklung durch registrierte Exporteure und lizenzierte Zollmakler.
Import VAT
- Verbrauchsteuer (Consumption Tax) 10 Prozent Normalsatz, 8 Prozent ermässigt für Lebensmittel und alkoholfreie Getränke
- erhoben auf Zollwert plus Zoll.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Konnossement oder Luftfrachtbrief
- Einfuhranmeldung über NACCS
- ggf. Ursprungs- oder Präferenznachweis
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung über NACCS
- Konnossement oder Luftfrachtbrief
- ggf. Exportlizenz (METI)
Origin proofs / FTA
Präferenznachweis je Abkommen: Ursprungserklärung oder Selbstzertifizierung (CPTPP, RCEP, Japan-EU-EPA) bzw. Ursprungszeugnis. Japan-Schweiz-EPA in Kraft seit 1.9.2009.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Verboten oder beschränkt: Betäubungsmittel, Waffen und Munition, Produktfälschungen, bestimmte Pflanzen, Tiere und Lebensmittel (Quarantäne) sowie gefährdete Arten (CITES).
Export controls & sanctions
Exportkontrolle durch METI nach Devisen- und Aussenhandelsgesetz (FEFTA): Listen- plus Catch-all-Kontrolle, Core-items-Reform Okt 2025; UN- und G7-Russland-Sanktionen umgesetzt.
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)
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
Air
highSea
highRoad
highRail
mediumInland Waterway
lowCargo airports
- Narita (NRT)
- Haneda (HND)
- Kansai (KIX)
Seaports / access ports
- Tokio
- Yokohama
- Nagoya
- Kobe
- Osaka
Top trade lanes
- Japan-China
- Japan-USA
- Japan-ASEAN
- Japan-EU
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskniedrig
Customs delay riskniedrig
Port congestion riskmittel
Risk notes
Hohe Erdbeben-, Tsunami- und Taifunexposition bei sehr gutem Katastrophenmanagement. Die Logistik ist insgesamt zuverlässig, hochautomatisiert und planbar.
Seasonal & weather risks
Taifunsaison etwa Juni bis Oktober (Schwerpunkt August/September) mit möglichen Hafen- und Flugverzögerungen; Winterstürme und Schnee an der Japanmeerküste und in Hokkaido.
Current logistics notes
Stand 2026-07-18: Japan ist über CPTPP, RCEP und das Japan-EU-EPA stark vernetzt; Freihandelsabkommen decken einen Grossteil des Handels. METI-Catch-all-/Core-items-Exportkontrolle seit Oktober 2025 verschärft. Keine landesweite Störung verifiziert; saisonales Taifunrisiko Juni-Oktober.
As of: 2026-07-18
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 18, 2026
| 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
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Coming of Age Day
Jan 12, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
National Foundation Day
Feb 11, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
The Emperor's Birthday
Feb 23, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Vernal Equinox Day
Mar 20, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Shōwa Day
Apr 29, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Constitution Memorial Day
May 3, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Greenery Day
May 4, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Children's Day
May 5, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Substitute Holiday
May 6, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Substitute for Constitution Day falling on Sunday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed.
Marine Day
Jul 20, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Mountain Day
Aug 11, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Respect for the Aged Day
Sep 21, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Citizens' Holiday
Sep 22, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Citizens' holiday between two holidays: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed.
Autumnal Equinox Day
Sep 23, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Sports Day
Oct 12, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Culture Day
Nov 3, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Labor Thanksgiving Day
Nov 23, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Nationwide public holiday: Japan Customs (NACCS) and businesses closed, no clearance.
Sources: Cabinet Office Japan (Kokumin no Shukujitsu) / publicholidays.jp
Airports in this country
Chubu Centrair International Airport
NGO · Tokoname
Fukuoka Airport
FUK · Fukuoka
Kadena Air Base
DNA · Okinawa
Kagoshima Airport
KOJ · Kagoshima
Kansai International Airport
KIX · Osaka
Naha Airport / JASDF Naha Air Base
OKA · Naha
Narita International Airport
NRT · Narita
New Chitose Airport
CTS · Sapporo
Osaka International Airport
ITM · Osaka
Sendai Airport
SDJ · Natori
Tokyo Haneda International Airport
HND · Tokyo
Yokota Air Base
OKO · Fussa
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-18
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
Wie hoch ist die Einfuhr-Verbrauchsteuer in Japan?
Die Consumption Tax beträgt 10 Prozent als Normalsatz und 8 Prozent ermässigt für Lebensmittel und alkoholfreie Getränke. Sie wird auf den Zollwert plus Zoll berechnet.
Über welches System läuft die Zollabfertigung?
Die Abfertigung erfolgt elektronisch über NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) der Japan Customs; über 90 Prozent der Verfahren sind digitalisiert.
Gibt es ein Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der Schweiz und Japan?
Ja, das Japan-Schweiz-EPA ist seit dem 1. September 2009 in Kraft und ermöglicht Präferenzzölle bei korrektem Ursprungsnachweis.
In welche Freihandelsnetze ist Japan eingebunden?
Japan ist Teil von CPTPP, RCEP und dem Japan-EU-EPA sowie zahlreicher bilateraler EPAs; Freihandelsabkommen decken einen Grossteil des Aussenhandels ab.
Was ist bei der Exportkontrolle zu beachten?
METI kontrolliert nach dem Devisen- und Aussenhandelsgesetz (FEFTA) gelistete und Catch-all-Güter. Seit Oktober 2025 gelten verschärfte Core-items-Regeln für sensible Technologien.
Welches sind die wichtigsten Häfen und Flughäfen?
Wichtigste Containerhäfen sind Tokio, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe und Osaka. Grösster Luftfrachthub ist Narita (NRT), gefolgt von Kansai (KIX) und Haneda (HND).
Welche wetterbedingten Risiken bestehen?
Es bestehen eine Taifunsaison von etwa Juni bis Oktober sowie Erdbeben- und Tsunamirisiken. Japan verfügt jedoch über ein robustes Katastrophenmanagement.
Welche Güter sind ein- oder ausfuhrbeschränkt?
Beschränkt oder verboten sind unter anderem Betäubungsmittel, Waffen, Produktfälschungen sowie quarantänepflichtige Pflanzen, Tiere und Lebensmittel; CITES-Arten benötigen Genehmigungen.
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:
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