Insights & Guides
Practical knowledge on Japan market entry — from company setup and visas to trade logistics and branding.
Does an Imported Food Product Need a Business Notification (営業届出) to Sell in Japan?
No. Importing a sealed, retail-packaged, ambient-stable food product and reselling it unopened does not require a business notification (営業届出) under the Food Sanitation Act (食品衛生法). The Act...
Does a PSE Certificate Expire in Japan? Diamond vs Circle Renewal Rules (2026)
Yes for Diamond PSE, no for Circle PSE, but with a catch. A Diamond PSE (特定電気用品) certificate carries a fixed validity period of 3, 5, or 7 years and must be renewed before it lapses. A Circle PSE...
What Is AEO Status With Japan Customs, and Does It Actually Speed Up Import Clearance? (2026)
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status (AEO制度) is a Japan Customs (税関) authorization, administered under the Customs Act (関税法) and overseen by the Ministry of Finance (財務省), that recognizes an...
HS Code for Aircraft Parts, Drones, and Balloons in Japan: 2026 Classification Guide
A complete unmanned aircraft (drone) is classified under HS 8806, a complete balloon or airship with no independent propulsion falls under HS 8801.00, and a part or payload of an aircraft or...
Why Does Demoing a Starlink Terminal in Japan Cost More Than the Hardware? (2026)
A USD 500 to 1,000 Starlink-class terminal cannot legally transmit in Japan without either a Type Certification (技適) mark or an Experimental Station Licence (実験局免許). For a one-off trial or demo,...
Why a Translated SDS Isn't Enough for Japan
No. A translated Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is not sufficient for Japan. Japan requires SDS localization to the JIS Z 7253 standard, which is Japan's GHS-aligned format specifying section structure,...
Does Running a Data Center or Hosting Service in Japan Require Telecom Business Registration? (2026 Guide)
Usually not, but it depends on what the service does, not how big the facility is. Pure server-capacity rental where a customer only runs its own website is exempt from filing under the...
Do You Need a Separate PSE Certificate for Every Product Model in Japan?
No. PSE certification under Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (電気用品安全法) is not organized around the individual SKU. It runs on three separate units: a type-classification group...
Do You Need a Fire Services Act (消防法) Permit to Import Flammable Liquids Into Japan? (2026)
Yes. Importing flammable liquids such as solvents, adhesives, paints, and alcohols into Japan can trigger a separate permit requirement under the Fire Services Act (消防法) once the material is...
Do You Need a Certificate of Origin to Import Into Japan? EPA Preference vs Standard Clearance (2026)
No. A Certificate of Origin is only required if you are claiming a reduced or zero tariff rate under an Economic Partnership Agreement (経済連携協定) or Free Trade Agreement, such as CPTPP, RCEP, or the...