Insights & Guides
Practical knowledge on Japan market entry — from company setup and visas to trade logistics and branding.
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,...
Can You Use a Pure Import Agent in Japan Instead of an IOR or ACP? (2026)
No. Japan has no legal category for a pure import agent who neither takes title to the goods nor becomes the named importer. The Customs Act (関税法) requires whoever appears on the import...
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...
How Long Does It Take to Get an ACP Appointment Recorded with Japan Customs? (2026)
Once a complete document pack is ready, recording an Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP, 税関事務管理人) appointment with Japan Customs typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. That covers document-pack review, a...
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...
Why Did My HS Code Get Rejected in NACCS in 2026?
NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System, Japan's customs electronic filing system) rejects a filing when the declared HS heading no longer exists in the current Japan tariff...
Do You Need a Separate Permit to Import High-Pressure Gas Into Japan in 2026?
Yes. Importing compressed or liquefied high-pressure gas into Japan requires clearing the High Pressure Gas Safety Act (高圧ガス保安法), on top of ordinary customs clearance under the Customs Act (関税法)....