Customs Clearance for Pharmaceuticals to and from Japan
Our customs team handles the complete customs clearance for Pharmaceuticals to and from Japan. AEO-F certified, experienced with specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
Shipments of Pharmaceuticals between NL and Japan have specific customs considerations. On one side are the product-specific rules for Pharmaceuticals (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 Pharmaceuticals, plus what specifically applies to Japan, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
For Pharmaceuticals from or to Japan, you can benefit from the free trade agreement between the EU and Japan. Origin document: REX. With a correct origin declaration, 0% or reduced import duties apply. Note: Pharmaceuticals often have product-specific origin rules (Product Specific Rules). We verify in advance if your shipment qualifies.
Specific Rules for Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical shipments are subject to strict regulations on multiple fronts. Customs requires GMP and GDP-compliant distribution licenses; the IGJ (Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate) oversees product specifications; and narcotics or psychotropic substances require an opium law permit from the CIBG. Temperature excursions are grounds for rejection — ensure comprehensive documentation for the entire chain.
HS Code Examples:
Chapter 30 — pharmaceutical products: 3004.90 other medicines, 3002.41 vaccines, 3006.30 diagnostic reagents. For clinical samples: 3002.12. Importers of medicines are subject to stricter TARIC controls than supplements or medical devices (Chapter 90).
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 Fees for Pharmaceuticals from Japan
Most medicines are subject to 0% import duties in the EU under the Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement. Medical devices and non-prescription supplements may incur 2–6% duties. VAT in the Netherlands: 9% for medicines, 21% for cosmetics and supplements.
Under which regime: Japan falls under the “Derde land met vrijhandelsakkoord”. Origin document for preferential tariff: REX. We calculate exactly what you owe in advance and prepare the correct origin document.
With our TST license, we can store pharmaceutical shipments in temporary storage with suspension of duties and VAT for up to 90 days — for example during batch release by your own quality department. Our CWP (customs warehouse) is suitable for longer-term inventory management. ACE (Authorized Consignee) allows direct transfer to our controlled environment without delay at Schiphol.
Key Figures for Pharmaceuticals Japan
FAQ on Pharmaceuticals Japan
How long does customs clearance take for Pharmaceuticals from Japan?
With correct documentation, release usually follows within a few hours at Schiphol. For Japan shipments, we expect 2-4 hours at Schiphol; Japanese side 4-8 hours at Narita/Haneda/Kansai. Additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time for Pharmaceuticals — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Pharmaceuticals Japan?
For Pharmaceuticals: see the product-specific certificates above. For Japan: see typical documents above. The combination means we gather both sets and coordinate them. You provide the commercial invoice, packing list, and any certificates — we validate and file the declaration.
Can I pay import duties for this flow on a grouped basis?
Yes. Under our DPO permit (Deferred Payment), you can pay import duties and VAT for Pharmaceuticals from Japan on a grouped basis — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for a preferential tariff?
REX. We prepare this document under our authorization as customs broker, provided the origin rules (including product-specific rules for Pharmaceuticals) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We provide complete handling: pre-lodgement, import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Pharmaceuticals, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get one point of contact for the entire process.
Start customs clearance of Pharmaceuticals Japan?
Request a quote for customs clearance of Pharmaceuticals from Japan. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.