Japan — logistics, customs and trade agreements

CPTPP, RCEP, EU–Japan EPA (JEFTA), bilateral FTAs.

Forwarders and shippers need to understand the specific FTA landscape: which preferences apply, which origin documents are accepted. Verify product-by-product on every quote and shipment.

NACCS system, strict quality standards, AEO with extensive MRA network.

Beyond the systems listed, country-specific requirements on product labelling, technical standards and pre-shipment inspections apply. For B2C flows from the EU into Japan, correct VAT handling (e.g. IOSS) matters.

Main gateways: Tokio, Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya (See); NRT, HND, KIX (Luft).

Routing depends on volume, origin/destination and service level. Time-critical: airfreight via the main hub; volume cargo: sea via the largest terminal; intra-region: road or road-rail combinations.

Main trading partners: China, USA, Südkorea, ASEAN, EU. Exact statistics change yearly; up-to-date data is available from Eurostat, UN Comtrade and national statistics offices.