A Guide To Importing Exporting And Doing Business In Japan
July 22nd, 2009 | 
Author: A Guide To Importing Exporting And Doing Business In Japan
Japan holds an important place in the global market and enjoys lucrative business relations with several countries. Enterprises involved in trade with Japan will find doing business with the Japanese to be both challenging and rewarding. Although importing and exporting goods into this country is very profitable for Western businesses as a result of the growing Japanese economy cultural differences can give rise to unexpected issues. In addition to possible cultural misunderstandings manufacturers and traders will also need to deal with the fierce competition in the Japanese market.
The importing of goods into Japan also requires a fair amount of investment in advance making a comprehensive market analysis essential for anyone planning to do business with Japan. Importing and exporting into Japan involves various procedures that you should familiarise yourself with if you are considering doing business with Japan.
All shipments entering Japan have to go through an import declaration process at the regional Customs office. The NACCS Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System is used in Japan and may involve the Sea NACCS or Air NACCS depending on your method of transport.
In Japan there are two kinds of customs clearance processes namely manifest clearance low value declaration and high value declaration. It is necessary that the required documentation be produced and all regulations be complied with for your goods to enter the country. The documents required include an air waybill a commercial invoice a certificate of origin an ATA carnet health certificates and declarations of antiquity where applicable.
One must also keep in mind the country’s regulations regarding food plants animals narcotics pharmaceuticals and dangerous goods. It is necessary to make sure that your goods do not contravene any laws when they are being imported or exported. The Japanese also have strict laws relating to foreign trade and exchange and these should be diligently followed.
When doing business with Japan a Customs valuation along with a description of the goods needs to be provided. Excise duties are applicable on goods containing tobacco or alcohol and any import or export duties or taxes should be appropriately paid. Japan does not impose Customs fees or exchange controls.
As for the exporting of goods an export declaration process has to be followed during export of goods from Japan. Similar documentation is also required for import.
If you are planning to do business with Japan you should also examine the various aspects of business relations where culture plays an important role. Japanese business culture for example is rooted in the concept of teamwork and united efforts. Discipline and punctuality are very important and there are complex procedures for negotiations and business relations. . Etiquette is strictly followed in Japan and showing respect is essential; age family and reputation are all of great relevance during business interactions. During negotiations it is vital to exercise diplomacy and politeness and to be willing to compromise.
About the writer: Paul writes for the Wales Freight company and about Cardiff Freight Forwarding.
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