Foreign trade demands procedures that comply strictly with laws and regulations stipulated by both exporting and importing nations. The process of auditing those procedures is called customs clearance. Exporters or importers can load the cargo aboard a vessel and receive the shipped cargo by making a declaration of export or import cargo and obtaining customs approval. Japan Express has customs clearance experts for both export and import cargo, handling procedures via the electronic customs clearance system Sea-NACCS. We also provide a preliminary survey of customs clearance procedures and consultation with the tax office.

When raw materials exported from Japan are processed or assembled in another country and then imported as finished products within one year, there is a tax exemption on the raw materials.

Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification

This system allows smooth and speedy declaration of exports and imports by making preliminarily enquiries about customs classification (custom code) and duty rates.

Generalized System of Preferences (GPS)

This system promotes imports with tax breaks for specific imported products made with raw materials from developing nations. It also aims to boost the economies of developing nations. In order to take advantage of this tax break, importers must have a certificate for the country of origin.

Preliminary Examination System

This system allows preliminarily examination of customs clearance document upon submission of an application form to the tax office before the cargo's arrival in Japan, speeding up the import process. It is especially useful for perishable items and cargo on tight delivery deadlines.