How to Import to Japan: Licenses, Importer of Record and Customs Steps (2026)

To import to Japan, you file an import declaration (輸入申告, yunyū shinkoku) with Japan Customs. Customs grants an import permit (輸入許可, yunyū kyoka) once you pay customs duty and consumption tax.

Since October 1, 2023, Japan Customs has tightened who can act as importer of record. Non-residents without a Japanese entity must appoint an Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) before filing.

Many products also need approval before they reach the border:

• Wireless devices need a Giteki mark (技適マーク).

• Most household electrical goods need a PSE mark.

• Cosmetics need a Cosmetics Marketing License.

• Food needs a food import notification for every shipment.

This guide explains who can import, which goods need an import license, and each step of customs clearance.

Japan import requirements at a glance

Who can import goods into Japan?

The importer of record (IOR) is the party named on the import declaration. The IOR pays customs duties and import consumption tax, and it takes legal responsibility for the goods.

Importer of record rules since October 2023

Japan Customs changed the IOR definition on October 1, 2023. A foreign company importing without a sale generally can no longer use a separate local company as IOR.

In those cases, the importer must have the right to dispose of the goods. If your current IOR no longer qualifies, your foreign company must act as IOR itself.

Non-residents and the Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP)

Non-residents must appoint an Attorney for Customs Procedures (税関事務管理人, zeikan jimu kanrinin). You must notify Japan Customs before you file your first import declaration.

The ACP handles customs procedures on your behalf:

• Files the import declaration

• Attends customs examinations

• Pays customs duty and other taxes

• Receives documents and refunds from customs

The ACP must have an address or residency in Japan. Companies acting as ACP need a headquarters or main branch in Japan. An ACP that files declarations as a business also needs a customs brokerage license.

Other ways to import

You can also set up a Japanese entity to act as importer. Our guides to company incorporation in Japan and opening a branch office in Japan explain each option.

Non-resident companies with Japanese tax obligations must also appoint a tax representative (納税管理人, nōzei kanrinin). This agent handles consumption tax filings and tax office communication.

Do you need an import license in Japan?

Most goods do not need a general import license. However, every commercial shipment needs an import permit from Japan Customs.

When METI import approval is required

Some goods need import approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and the Import Trade Control Order set these controls.

METI requires import approval for:

• Goods on the import quota list, which also need a quota allocation

• Goods from certain restricted origins or shipping locations

• Specific controlled items listed in METI’s import notices

Import approval stays valid for six months from the approval date.

Product-level approvals

Many products need approval from another agency before customs clearance. The table above lists the main categories. Check these requirements before you buy inventory.

Also check your supplier’s country. Some countries apply export controls to technology goods leaving their borders.

What import goods does Japan regulate?

This section covers five common regulated product categories. Check each one before you start your import business.

1. Radio-wave emitting products

Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and Wi-Fi devices must comply with Japan’s Radio Act (電波法, Denpa-hō). The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) oversees this category.

Most wireless devices need certification from a registered certification body. For some equipment types, the manufacturer or importer can self-confirm conformity and notify MIC instead.

Compliant products display the Giteki mark (技適マーク) and a certification number. Extremely low-power devices do not need certification.

The Radio Act also covers these products, some as high-frequency equipment:

• IH cooking devices

• Microwaves

• Ultrasonic devices

• Wireless microphones

Read the English translation of the Radio Act of 1950 for the full law. For the approval process, see JQA’s English guide to Radio Act certification.

2. Electronic goods and batteries

Electrical goods covered by Japan’s safety law must display a PSE mark. This applies to imported goods and goods made in Japan.

The Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (電気用品安全法, Denki Yōhin Anzen-hō) sets the rules. It covers 457 items in two groups:

• Specified items (Category A): 116 higher-risk items, such as AC adapters and power cords. They need third-party certification and the diamond ◇PSE mark.

• Non-specified items (Category B): 341 lower-risk items, including lithium-ion batteries. They need self-inspection and the round ○PSE mark.

For imported goods, the importer carries the legal duties. You must notify the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) within 30 days of starting your import business. You must notify the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) within 30 days of starting your import business. Many importers file before their first shipment to avoid delays.

You cannot sell or display a covered product without the PSE mark. Japan also runs on 100V power, so check Japan’s voltage requirements before you order stock.

For the official rules, see METI’s English PSE page. For a full list of goods that need a PSE mark, JQA’s page (English) is an excellent resource.

New rule for overseas online sellers (December 2025)

Since December 25, 2025, overseas sellers face new product safety duties in Japan. The rule applies when you sell regulated products directly to Japanese consumers, such as through Amazon or Rakuten.

You must appoint a Domestic Administrator (国内管理人, kokunai kanrinin) based in Japan. You must also submit notifications to METI.

The rule covers four product safety laws, including the PSE and PSC (consumer product safety) rules. See METI’s English overview of the amendment for details. Amazon sellers should also read our guide to Amazon FBA in Japan.

3. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

Japan tightly regulates pharmaceuticals and medical devices. To sell them, you must become a Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) or contract a designated MAH.

This rule puts full regulatory and legal responsibility on a local company. The prefectural governor issues the MAH license.

A Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) needs an office in Japan and three key roles:

• Marketing Supervisor-General (総括製造販売責任者)

• Quality Assurance Manager (品質保証責任者)

• Safety Management Manager (安全管理責任者)

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act, 薬機法, Yakki-hō) governs this category. Entry is complex, so most foreign companies contract a designated MAH to handle approvals.

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) reviews product approvals under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Visit the PMDA English site and its FAQ on the approval process for details.

4. Cosmetic products

Cosmetics fall under the PMD Act (薬機法, Yakki-hō). This act replaced the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act in 2014. It covers these products:

• Perfumes and colognes

• Makeup cosmetics

• Skincare cosmetics

• Haircare cosmetics

• Special purpose cosmetics

• Cosmetic soaps

Prefectural governments issue cosmetics licenses. To import cosmetics for sale, you need:

• Cosmetics Marketing License (化粧品製造販売業許可, keshōhin seizō hanbai-gyō kyoka). A Japanese company must hold it. Foreign brands appoint a Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH).

• Cosmetics Manufacturing License (化粧品製造業許可). You need this for packaging, Japanese labeling, or storage in Japan.

Before you sell, file two notifications:

• A cosmetics marketing notification to the prefecture that issued your license

• A foreign manufacturer notification to PMDA

Ingredients, labels, and marketing claims must meet Japan’s Cosmetics Standards. Labels must appear in Japanese, and a Japanese document translation service can help.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) published a guidebook on importing cosmetics, available in English here. Note that this 2010 edition uses older license names.

5. Food and certain products

The Food Sanitation Act (食品衛生法, Shokuhin Eisei-hō) covers all food imported for sale. It also covers food additives, tableware, food containers, and toys for infants.

You must file a food import notification for every shipment. Submit it to the MHLW quarantine station at your port of entry.

Food sanitation inspectors then review your documents. They check:

• Ingredients and raw materials

• Production methods

• Food additives, which must appear on Japan’s approved list

• The manufacturer’s past safety record

Inspectors may order laboratory tests for high-risk items. Food labels must also follow Japan’s Food Labeling Act.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) publishes this flowchart of the food import procedures.

For a comprehensive explanation of all that you might want to know about importing food to Japan, refer to JETRO's English Handbook for Imported Foods (PDF). 

How to import to Japan: 10 steps through customs clearance

Whether you plan to sell online or in a brick-and-mortar store, these import procedures apply to every commercial shipment. Amazon sellers should also read our guide to Amazon FBA in Japan.

Step 1: Classify your product with an HS code

Find your product’s HS code first. The code sets your customs duty rate and flags any other legal requirements.

Japan Customs offers advance rulings (事前教示, jizen kyōji) if you are unsure of the code. A written ruling stays valid for three years.

Step 2: Check import requirements under other laws

Use the table at the top of this guide to check your product category. Get every license, mark, or approval before your goods ship.

Step 3: Decide who will be the importer of record

Choose your importer of record before you ship. Non-residents must appoint an Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) and notify Japan Customs in advance.

Step 4: Hire a customs broker

Most importers use a licensed customs broker (通関業者, tsūkan gyōsha). Registered customs specialists (通関士, tsūkanshi) review and file declarations through NACCS, Japan’s electronic customs system.

Step 5: Gather your documents

Prepare these documents for customs clearance:

• Commercial invoice, with details for each item

• Packing list

• Bill of lading, or an air waybill for air shipments

• Certificate of origin, if you claim a lower EPA tariff rate

• Licenses, approvals, or notifications from other agencies

Step 6: File your import declaration

Your broker files the import declaration with the Director-General of Customs. Brokers can often file before the goods arrive to save time.

Customs reviews your documents and may examine the goods.

Step 7: Pay customs duty and consumption tax

Pay customs duties and import consumption tax before release. Liquor, tobacco, and fuel also carry excise tax. See the tax section below for rates.

Step 8: Receive your import permit

Japan Customs issues an import permit once your duties are paid. Your goods are then released into Japan.

Step 9: Meet post-import obligations

Some duties continue after release. For example, you must display PSE marks, keep inspection records, and use Japanese labels.

Step 10: Start selling

You can now sell your goods in Japan. Keep your import records, because Japan Customs can audit them later.

This is a simplified overview, and your product may need extra steps. A customs broker can guide you, and a bilingual concierge service can help with Japanese paperwork.

Customs duty and consumption tax on imports to Japan

Customs duty

Your HS code sets the customs duty rate, and many goods enter duty-free. Japan Customs calculates duty on the CIF value, which covers cost, insurance, and freight.

Japan’s trade agreements can lower your rate. To claim a lower rate, you need a certificate of origin or an origin declaration.

Import consumption tax

Import consumption tax is 10% for most goods. Food and non-alcoholic drinks use the reduced 8% rate.

The tax applies to the CIF value plus customs duty and any excise tax. Learn more in our Japan consumption tax guide.

Excise tax

Liquor, tobacco, and petroleum products carry excise tax on top of duty. Customs collects it at import.

Low-value shipments: changes from April 2028

Shipments worth ¥10,000 or less are currently exempt from customs duty and import consumption tax. Alcohol and tobacco never qualify, and some leather goods and knitwear still pay duty. Japan’s FY2026 tax reform ends this exemption from April 1, 2028.

After that date, overseas sellers of low-value goods must register and charge consumption tax at the point of sale.

Key Japanese import terms

For more terms, see MailMate’s Japanese Business Glossary.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an import license to import goods into Japan?

Most goods need no general import license. Every commercial shipment needs an import permit from Japan Customs. Goods on METI’s import quota list or from restricted origins need METI import approval, which stays valid for six months. Many products also need approval from other agencies, such as PSE marks or food import notifications.

Who can act as the importer of record in Japan?

The importer of record is the party named on the import declaration, and it pays duties and taxes. Since October 1, 2023, a foreign company importing without a sale generally cannot use a separate local company as importer. Non-residents must appoint an Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) with an address in Japan. The ACP files declarations, attends examinations, and pays customs duty on your behalf.

What documents are required for customs clearance in Japan?

You need a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. The commercial invoice should describe each item in detail. Add a certificate of origin to claim a lower EPA tariff rate. Regulated goods also need their licenses, approvals, or notifications from other agencies.

How long does customs clearance take in Japan?

Clearance time depends on your documents, your product, and whether customs examines the goods. Shipments with complete paperwork and no other-agency approvals clear fastest. Your customs broker can file before arrival through NACCS to save time. Food, cosmetics, and other regulated items take longer because other agencies review them first.

How much is customs duty and consumption tax on imports to Japan?

Customs duty depends on your HS code, and many goods enter duty-free. Import consumption tax is 10% for most goods and 8% for food and non-alcoholic drinks. Japan Customs calculates the tax on the CIF value plus customs duty and any excise tax. Liquor, tobacco, and fuel also carry excise tax.

What are the regulations for importing food into Japan?

The Food Sanitation Act covers food, food additives, tableware, containers, and infant toys imported for sale. You must file a food import notification with an MHLW quarantine station for every shipment. Inspectors check ingredients, production methods, and food additives against Japan’s standards. High-risk items may need laboratory inspection before customs clearance.

Can I import electronics and IT equipment into Japan?

Yes, but most electronics need approvals before sale. Designated electrical goods need a PSE mark, and importers must notify METI within 30 days of starting business. Wireless devices such as Wi-Fi routers need a Giteki mark, usually through a registered certification body. Since December 25, 2025, overseas sellers selling directly to consumers must also appoint a Domestic Administrator in Japan.

What are the requirements for importing pets into Japan?

To import dogs and cats from non-designated regions, you need a microchip and at least two rabies vaccinations. Your pet also needs a rabies antibody test and a 180-day wait after blood sampling. You must notify Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival. Pets that miss a requirement can face up to 180 days of quarantine.

In closing

Importing to Japan takes preparation, but the process is manageable. Start with your product’s requirements, then choose your importer of record.

The reward is access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Japanese buyers value quality, so a compliant launch builds trust from day one.

Language barriers slow many importers down. A bilingual assistant can help with import declaration forms, broker emails, and Japanese paperwork.