Customs Clearance

Given that Japan is a trading nation, logistics activities would be impossible without importing and exporting shipments. We have accumulated know-how from long years of our experience, having many skilled staff members who are experts in imports and exports. Customs declarations are made – via a system for processing information on the Customs-clearance of maritime shipments (Sea-NACCS) – by specialists certified by Customhouses. When shipments are exported, we provide Customs-clearance services fast and accurately as well as prepare documents for shipping, which is a time-consuming task. For import freight, we operate Customs-clearance services, pay import duties, carry out animal and plant quarantine inspections and make complex arrangements for imports of foodstuffs with governmental ministries and agencies. Customers are advised to leave all these activities to us without anxiety.

Declaring products for display at trade fairs

In Japan, there are trade fairs on a variety of products imported from other countries, including foodstuff, motor vehicles and machinery. Commodities are imported after either completing regular or special declaration forms. Special declaration forms are completed for products that will be returned to their home countries after the trade fair. These products are exempt from import and consumption taxes when imported and displayed. If exhibition venues are bonded facilities, customs declaration and other formalities are just needed for exhibiting import products. If not, however, import declaration must be made through the ATA Carnet. We can arrange for well-experienced customs specialists to handle both customs declaration and other formalities to help customers, as we are experienced in supporting many exhibitions and related activities. (Note: Import formalities through the ATA Carnet are not always available.)

Declaring foodstuff

Japan’s import of foodstuff is on the rise exponentially with the decline in the country’s self-reliance of food production. When importing foodstuff, it is necessary to notify relevant authorities in accordance with the Food Sanitation Act. However, many other inspections, reports and formalities are also needed. For example, plant quarantine inspections are necessary for vegetables, flour and other products, while animal quarantine is required for meat and poultry. In addition, flour and other grain products along with sugar must undergo even more procedures. Import wine and other alcoholic beverages fall under the Liquor Tax Act, which demands that importers submit labels placed in exporting countries and pay liquor taxes. For clearing customs inspections of import food products, we are experienced in handling commodities overseen by Tokyo’s tariff-quota system, as well as the Washington Convention. We can have ready well-experienced customs specialists with thorough knowledge of customs tariff schedules.