Fast & Easy ACP + IOR

An Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP / 通関手続代理人) is a Japan-based representative appointed by foreign importers to handle customs declarations and communications with Japan Customs on their behalf. Since the October 2023 Japan Customs reform, all non-resident entities importing into Japan must either establish a local entity or appoint an ACP.

Yes. Since the October 2023 Japan Customs reform, ACP registration is mandatory for Amazon FBA Japan sellers and any foreign business shipping products into Japan without a Japanese company.

ACP registration typically takes approximately 2 weeks to receive approval from Japan Customs Office. The process includes pre-consultation with Japan Customs, preparation of documentation, and a formal paper-based application review.

• Prepare required documentation between us
• Start pre-consultation with Japan Customs Office and proceed with initial review
• Submit paper-based application documents to Japan Customs Office for final review

Required documents include (but are not limited to): Power of Attorney, Company Registry, the calculation method of Customs Valuation, a catalog of the import goods, and the business/logistics flow document.

An ACP (通関手続代理人) is your designated customs representative who takes legal responsibility for all customs declarations filed in your name under the Customs Act (関税法). A customs broker (通関業者) handles the physical clearance paperwork. Your ACP must review and approve each declaration before the broker submits it to Japan Customs.

ACP works well for general consumer goods, fashion, electronics accessories, sports goods, and Amazon FBA e-commerce. Regulated categories -- medical devices (薬機法), foods requiring import notification (食品衛生法), radio equipment (電波法), and standalone lithium batteries -- often require IOR service instead, since additional ministry filings go beyond customs declaration support.

ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures) is a representative role -- the client retains ownership of the goods. IOR (Importer of Record) is the legal importer on record who assumes import liability. ACP is best for Amazon FBA and simple e-commerce imports; IOR is suited for regulated goods, medical devices, and complex ongoing import operations. Both services eliminate the need for a Japanese legal entity.

You, the client, remain the legal owner and payer of all import duties and Japan Consumption Tax (10%). ACP does not assume import liability. Duties and taxes are collected by Japan Customs at the time of import and passed through to you at cost with no markup.

Yes. Once Japan Customs approves your ACP registration (approximately 2 weeks after submission), you can begin importing. Aplash prepares customs declarations for each shipment. There is no minimum order volume requirement.

The 6-Month Plan (USD 2,200) includes up to 25 shipments. Additional shipments beyond the included count are billed at USD 280 per shipment.

The Annual Plan (USD 3,500) includes up to 50 shipments. Additional shipments beyond the included count are billed at USD 260 per shipment.

ACP coverage extends to any region in Japan. Aplash can handle customs procedures nationwide, including all major ports and Amazon FBA fulfillment centers.