Japan Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in japan, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Import Tariffs
Last published date:

Japan’s most recent tariff schedule may be found here.  

The FACT SHEET on Agriculture references provisions of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, including tariff elimination and tariff reduction on key agricultural products. See also this USDA summary. 

The Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance administers tariffs. The average applied tariff rate in Japan is one of the lowest in the world. Simple average applied Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff for Japan, according to the WTO data, is as follows: 

  • All products — 4.3 percent
  • Agriculture products — 15.5 percent
  • Non-agriculture — 2.5 percent

Japan: Average industry sector MFN applied duties (selected industries) 

  • Non-electrical machinery — 0.0 percent
  • Electrical machinery — 0.2 percent
  • Transport equipment — 0.0 percent
  • Manufactures, n.e.s. — 1.1 percent
  • Clothing — 9.2 percent
  • Chemicals — 2.3 percent

Harmonized System (HS) codes are used to determine the tariff rate. Japan shares the same HS trade classification system as the United States. Tariff categories are organized by six-digit HS code. 

Japan’s tariff schedule has five rate columns: 

  1. General Rate
  2. Temporary Rate
  3. WTO Rate
  4. GSP Rate - Preferential Rate for designated developing countries
  5. LDC, which covers a series of country-specific “EPA” (Economic Partnership Agreement) 

Rates

U.S. - origin goods have the WTO rate applied unless a lower Temporary Rate exists (e.g., U.S.- Japan Trade Agreement, phase 1). Japan assesses tariff duties on the c.i.f. (cost, insurance + freight) value at ad valorem (based on the value of the goods) or specific rates, and in a few cases, charges a combination of both. Japan’s preferential system of tariffs grants lower or duty-free rates to products imported from developing countries. 

Japan has a simplified tariff system for low-value freight valued at less than ¥200,000 (approximately $1,315 at ¥152/$1), such as small packages, simplifies determination of tariff rates. This system eliminates the time necessary to classify the product and its precise value and minimizes customs broker charges. Importers can choose either the normal rate or the simple tariff, which could be higher or lower depending on the product. More information can be referenced on Japan Customs website.  

Japan Customs can provide advance rulings on tariff classification and duty rates. The Japan Customs website has information on Japan’s customs procedures, customs valuation system import procedures, temporary admission procedures, refunds and duty drawback payments, as well as relevant customs forms. 

For further reference, visit  

Japan Customs or the Customs Info Database Tariff Lookup Tool. 

See also The Japan Tariff Association for trade statistics and other information.

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