Crossborder Tax Tool
Check中文

🇯🇵 Everything you need to sell in Japan

Japan is the world's third-largest ecommerce market with sophisticated consumers who value quality, reliability, and excellent customer service. Amazon.co.jp and Rakuten are the dominant platforms. Japan has a consumption tax (CT) system and strict product safety and labeling requirements. Japanese-language support is essential.

Last updated: 2026-08-05·Verified: 2026-08-05

🛃 Customs Notes

JPY 10,000 customs duty threshold. CT (10%) collected on most imports. PSE mark required for electrical products. Japanese-language labeling mandatory. CPTPP, EU-Japan EPA provide preferential rates.

Compliance Topics

📊 Consumption Tax (CT)

Japanese Consumption Tax (CT) rate is 10% (8% for food and beverages). Non-resident businesses selling B2C digital services to Japan must register for CT. The Qualified Invoice System (Seikyu-sho) implemented in October 2023 requires CT-registered businesses to issue qualified invoices. JCT registration threshold is JPY 10 million.

  • •CT rate: 10% (reduced 8% for food and beverages)
  • •JCT registration threshold: JPY 10 million
  • •Non-resident businesses supplying B2C digital services must register
  • •Qualified Invoice System (Seikyu-sho): mandatory from October 2023
  • •Marketplace facilitator rules: Amazon/eBay collect CT for low-value goods
  • •CT returns filed annually, semi-annually, or quarterly

Sources:

🚢 Customs & Import Duties

Japan's duty-free threshold for customs duty is JPY 10,000, but CT (10%) is collected on most imports. Import duties based on HS code and country of origin. Japan Customs (Kanzei-kyoku) manages import procedures. Japan has FTAs with many countries including the CPTPP, EU-Japan EPA, and RCEP.

  • •Customs duty threshold: JPY 10,000
  • •CT (10%) collected on imports regardless of duty exemption
  • •Import duties vary by HS code and country of origin
  • •Japan Customs (Kanzei-kyoku) manages import declarations
  • •CPTPP, EU-Japan EPA, RCEP provide preferential tariff rates
  • •APIS/advance filing requirements for certain goods

Sources:

♻️ EPR / Environmental

Japan has EPR schemes for packaging (containers and packaging recycling law), WEEE (home appliance recycling law), and batteries. The Containers and Packaging Recycling Act requires producers to contribute to recycling costs. Japan's recycling system is well-established but has specific requirements for foreign sellers.

  • •Containers and Packaging Recycling Act: packaging EPR
  • •Home Appliance Recycling Act: WEEE for specified categories
  • •Battery recycling requirements under various laws
  • •JCPRA (Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association) manages packaging EPR
  • •Specific marking/labeling requirements for recyclable packaging
  • •Foreign sellers may need an authorized representative

Sources:

🛡️ Product Safety & Labeling

Japan has strict product safety requirements under various laws including the Consumer Product Safety Act and Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE mark). Japanese-language labeling is mandatory. The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) oversees product safety. Products must comply with Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) for certain categories.

  • •PSE mark mandatory for electrical products (specific and non-specific categories)
  • •PSC mark required for certain consumer products
  • •Japanese-language labeling and instructions mandatory
  • •Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) oversees product safety
  • •JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) compliance for certain categories
  • •Product Liability Act applies to all product sales

Sources:

🔒 Data Privacy

Japan's data protection is governed by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), significantly amended in 2022. The PPC (Personal Information Protection Commission) oversees compliance. Japan has received EU adequacy status, enabling data transfers from the EU. Strict rules on cross-border data transfers.

  • •APPI (Act on the Protection of Personal Information): primary privacy law
  • •PPC (Personal Information Protection Commission) oversees compliance
  • •2022 amendments: stricter rules on data breaches and cross-border transfers
  • •EU adequacy status: enables data transfers from EU to Japan
  • •Consent required for cross-border data transfers
  • •Japanese-language privacy policy recommended

Sources:

🛒 Marketplace Rules

Amazon.co.jp and Rakuten are the dominant marketplaces in Japan. Yahoo! Shopping is also significant. Japanese consumers expect very high service levels including fast delivery and excellent customer service. Japanese-language product listings and customer support are essential. The Specified Commercial Transactions Act governs online sales.

  • •Amazon.co.jp: large marketplace, requires Japanese-language support
  • •Rakuten: dominant Japanese marketplace with 100M+ registered users
  • •Yahoo! Shopping: significant platform (PayPay Mall integration)
  • •Japanese-language product listings and CS mandatory
  • •Specified Commercial Transactions Act: specific disclosure requirements
  • •Very high customer service expectations (same-day shipping common)

Sources:

Avoid penalties — check your Japan compliance obligations

2-min self-check to confirm if you need VAT, EPR or customs registration

Start self-check

Top Product Categories

ElectronicsFashionBeauty & Personal CareHome & KitchenToys & Games

Related resources

Guides(6)

Templates(12)

Comparisons(4)

Cases(2)

Tax calendar

Official Sources

More Asia markets

🇮🇳India🇸🇬Singapore🇰🇷South Korea🇲🇾Malaysia🇹🇭Thailand🇮🇩Indonesia🇻🇳Vietnam🇵🇭Philippines

This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal, tax, or compliance advice. Consult a qualified professional and check official sources before making decisions.