Customs clearance for Japan
Our customs team manages the complete customs clearance for shipments to and from Japan. Trade zone: Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord. AEO-F certified, experienced with auto parts, electronics, precision instruments, pharmaceuticals, optics.
Customs Japan at a glance
Japan · Asia
- auto parts
- electronics
- precision instruments
- pharmaceuticals
- optics
When importing to or exporting from Japan certain customs aspects come into play. Aircargo.nl handles daily shipments to and from Japan, especially in product categories auto parts, electronics, precision instruments, pharmaceuticals, optics. Our AEO-F status (NL AEOF 0002440) ensures faster processing times and a lower chance of physical inspections.
On this page you’ll find the specific customs details for Japan: trade regime, origin documents, typical processing times, and which documents are needed for smooth clearance.
Japan and the EU have a free trade agreement. The correct origin document for preferential tariff is: REX. With proper origin declaration, 0% or reduced import duties apply. We pre-check if your shipment qualifies and prepare the document.
Customs details for Japan
EU-Japan EPA in effect since February 2019: 0% duties on most goods provided origin rules are met. No formal EUR.1 — origin declaration on invoice (statement on origin) under the REX system is sufficient. Japanese Customs is highly efficient and transparent. Additional Japanese certifications apply for specific goods (cosmetics, food, medical devices) such as PMDA and JFDA.
Typical documents for Japan
Commercial invoice with REX origin declaration (statement on origin), packing list, Air Waybill, and where applicable PMDA registration for pharmaceuticals, JFDA for food.
We prepare these documents under our own authorization as an AEO-F customs broker. For Authorized Consignor shipments (ACR), export freight can depart immediately without delay at a customs office.
Key customs figures Japan
Customs by goods category for Japan
FAQ on customs clearance Japan
How do I arrange customs clearance for imports from Japan?
We handle the import declaration through DMS under our AEO-F authorization. With correct documentation, release usually occurs within a few hours. When possible, we arrange pre-arrival declarations so your shipment doesn’t sit idle unnecessarily.
And for exports from the Netherlands to Japan?
Under our ACR license (Authorized Consignor), export shipments can depart directly from our or your location. For preferential tariffs in Japan, we prepare the correct origin document: REX.
Can I pay import duties in a consolidated manner?
Under our DPO license (Deferred Payment), you can settle import duties and VAT grouped — monthly instead of per shipment. This provides a direct cash flow advantage for regular import flows from Japan.
How long does customs clearance take between the Netherlands and Japan?
Typically 2-4 hours at Schiphol; Japanese side 4-8 hours at Narita/Haneda/Kansai. Our AEO-F status ensures priority handling and a lower rate of physical inspections.
What if I’m not established in the EU?
For clients located outside the EU, we act as indirect representative under our customs broker authorization. Learn more on our representation page.
Ready for customs clearance with Japan?
Request a quote for customs clearance between the Netherlands and Japan. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.