Customs Clearance Valuable Goods for Japan
Our customs team manages the complete customs clearance for Valuable Goods to and from Japan. AEO-F certified, experienced with the specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
For Valuable Goods between the Netherlands and Japan require attention on multiple fronts. On one side, product-specific rules apply for Valuable 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.
On this page you will find the combination: what specifically applies to Valuable Goods, plus what applies specifically to Japan, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
For Valuable 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: Valuable Goods often have product-specific origin rules (Product Specific Rules). We verify in advance if your shipment qualifies.
Specific Rules for Valuable Goods
Valuable goods — jewelry, precious metals, art, watches, banknotes — require enhanced security at every customs step. Customs conduct value inspections more frequently, may require a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) for classification, and can check diamond certification under the Kimberley Process. For art, a provenance file is essential — imports of so-called human-made and archaeological objects are subject to stricter rules under EU 2019/880 since 2025.
HS Code Examples:
Chapter 71 — precious metals and jewelry. 7102.31 diamonds, 7108.12 gold (uncoined), 7113.19 gold jewelry, 7114 table silver. Art chapter 97: 9701.10 paintings, 9706.00 antiques over 100 years old. Watches: 9101.11. Banknotes: 4907.00.
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 Valuable Goods Japan
Gold (uncoined): 0%. Rough or polished diamonds: 0% (free trade). Processed jewelry: 2.5–4%. Watches: 4.5% (for mechanical), up to 9% for specific types. Art and antiques: 0% for original artworks over 100 years old. VAT: 21% (some art categories 9% on first sale).
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.
SSE (Special Model Sealing) enhances seal integrity for valuable shipments — important in high-value transit. CWP (customs warehouse) for strategic storage under duty suspension. CGU (Continuous Guarantee) covers the guarantee customs may require for high values — avoiding a separate bank guarantee.
Key Figures Valuable Goods Japan
Frequently Asked Questions about Valuable Goods Japan
How long does customs clearance take for Valuable 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 Valuable 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 Valuable Goods Japan?
For Valuable 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 Valuable 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 Valuable 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 Valuable Goods, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get a single point of contact for the whole clearance.
Ready for customs clearance of Valuable Goods Japan?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Valuable Goods to Japan. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.