Customs Clearance Dry Ice & Frozen Goods for Japan
Aircargo.nl handles the complete customs clearance for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods to and from Japan. AEO-F certified, experienced with the specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
Shipments of Dry Ice & Frozen Goods relating to Japan have specific customs considerations. On one side, product-specific rules apply for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods (HS codes, certificates, possibly DGR). On the other side, the trade regime between the EU and Japan (Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord) determines which import duties and origin documents apply.
Below you will read the combination: what specifically applies to Dry Ice & Frozen Goods, plus what applies specifically to Japan, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
For Dry Ice & Frozen Goods from or to Japan, you can benefit from the free trade agreement between the EU and Japan. Origin document: REX. With correct origin declaration, 0% or reduced import duties apply. Note: Dry Ice & Frozen Goods often have product-specific origin rules (Product Specific Rules). We verify in advance if your shipment qualifies.
Specific Rules for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods
Dry ice shipments involve two parallel tracks: the hazardous material side and the goods side. The dry ice itself (UN1845) is not fiscally taxed but requires DGR compliance. The underlying goods determine customs treatment: fresh fish and meat undergo veterinary and phytosanitary inspections by the NVWA, pharmaceuticals fall under GDP and IGJ regulations. Food products from third countries nearly always require a health certificate and NVWA notification. Our AEO-F status reduces customs interventions, but veterinary inspections remain independent.
HS Code Examples:
The HS code follows the underlying goods, not the dry ice. Fish: 0303 frozen fish, 0306 crustaceans and shellfish. Meat: 0202 frozen beef, 0207 frozen poultry. Ice cream: 2105.00. Pharmaceuticals: chapter 30. Dry ice itself falls under 2811.21 (carbon dioxide), but as coolant it is generally not declared separately.
Specific Rules 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:
Commercial invoice with REX origin declaration (statement on origin), packing list, Air Waybill, and where applicable PMDA registration for pharmaceuticals, JFDA for food.
Import Duties and Charges for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Japan
Import duties follow the underlying goods. Frozen fish: typically 0-12% depending on type and origin, often 0% under trade agreements. Frozen meat: 0-12% plus possible tariff quotas. Pharmaceuticals: usually 0% under the Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement. Dry ice as coolant carries no separate import duties. VAT in the Netherlands: 9% for food and medicines, 21% for others.
Under which regime: Japan falls under “Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord.” Origin document for preferential tariff: REX. We calculate exactly what you owe in advance and prepare the correct origin document.
Our ACE license (Authorized Consignee) allows frozen shipments to come directly from Schiphol into our controlled environment, crucial for an unbroken cold chain. For pharmaceutical frozen goods, we utilize the TST license for temporary storage under suspension of duties during batch release.
Dry Ice & Frozen Goods falls under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. DGR class: Class 9 — UN1845 (Carbon Dioxide, solid / dry ice). For shipments to Japan, we verify in advance which airlines accept DGR and which packing group/UN number applies to your specific shipment.
Key Figures Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Japan
FAQ on Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Japan
How long does customs clearance take for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods from Japan?
With correct documentation, clearance typically occurs within a few hours at Schiphol. For Japan shipments, we use 2-4 hours at Schiphol; Japanese side 4-8 hours at Narita/Haneda/Kansai as a benchmark. For Dry Ice & Frozen Goods, additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Japan?
For Dry Ice & Frozen Goods: see the product-specific certificates above. For Japan: see typical documents above. The combination means we gather both sets and coordinate them. You provide commercial invoice, packing list, and any certificates — we validate and prepare the declaration.
Can I pay import duties for this flow in a grouped manner?
Yes. Under our DPO permit (Deferred Payment Option), you can pay import duties and VAT for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods from Japan collectively — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for preferential tariff?
REX. We prepare this document under our authorization as customs agents, provided the origin rules (including product-specific rules for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We handle the entire process: pre-declaration (Pre-Lodgement), import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get a single point of contact for the whole clearance.
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