Fast, simple ACP for your Japan imports.
We register as your Attorney for Customs Procedures and file every declaration with Japan Customs on your behalf, so non-resident businesses can sell into Japan without a local entity.
No Japan entity required · Response within one business day
Mandatory for non-resident importers since the October 2023 customs reform.
Since the October 2023 Japan Customs reform, every non-resident entity importing into Japan must either establish a local entity or appoint an ACP (税関事務管理人). Without one, your goods cannot ship to Amazon FBA Japan, or clear customs at all.
What an ACP does, and why FBA needs it.
ACP is a legal requirement for non-Japanese businesses importing into Japan. Without it, your products simply cannot reach an Amazon FBA warehouse.
Japan does not permit foreign businesses to act as their own Importer of Record.
Your ACP handles all communication with Japan Customs and licensed customs brokers (通関業者).
Every shipment is checked for compliance with Japanese import law before it sails.
Prevents the shipment delays, penalties, and rejections that catch non-resident importers.
Keeps the required import records and responds to customs inquiries on your behalf.
Goods we move into Japan.
ACP is built for general consumer goods sold through Amazon FBA and direct-to-consumer channels, the categories that ship in volume.
Is ACP the right fit?
ACP covers the straightforward path into Japan. When your goods are regulated, our IOR & EOR service is the better route, and we run both under one roof.
The right fit for non-resident importers of general consumer goods.
- Amazon FBA Japan sellers, mandatory since October 2023
- E-commerce brands shipping direct-to-consumer into Japan
- B2B importers of general consumer goods
- Fashion, sports, electronics accessories, and daily necessities
- Businesses importing without a Japanese legal entity
When your shipment triggers ministry filings beyond customs declarations.
- Medical devices or pharmaceuticals (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, 薬機法)
- Foods requiring import notification (Food Sanitation Act, 食品衛生法)
- Radio or wireless equipment (Radio Act, 電波法 certified)
- Standalone lithium-battery products
- Dual-use or export-controlled goods (Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, 外為法)
ACP vs IOR, the difference.
Two structures, both removing the Japan-entity requirement. Here is how they line up so you can pick the one that matches your goods.
ACP registration, step by step.
From eligibility check to a cleared first shipment, a documented path with no surprises along the way.
Eligibility Check
We review your product category, shipping volume, and compliance needs to confirm ACP eligibility.
Agreement & Docs
Contract signing, company-document collection, and power-of-attorney preparation.
Customs Registration
Formal ACP registration filed with Japan Customs, with approval in roughly two weeks.
First Shipment
Invoice prep, HS-code classification, and customs documentation for your first shipment.
Clearance & Delivery
Each shipment cleared and delivered, to an Amazon FBA warehouse or any address in Japan.
Pricing for Amazon FBA Japan.
Transparent plans that scale with your shipping volume. Pick per-shipment to start, or a plan once you ship regularly.
All plans include a one-time ACP registration fee of USD 500.
Includes customs inquiries and documentation for a single shipment. No commitment.
Choose this plan →Up to 25 shipments included. Overage billed at $280 per shipment.
Choose this plan →Up to 50 shipments included. Overage billed at $260 per shipment.
Choose this plan →Prices in USD. Government fees, customs duties, and consumption tax (10%) are pass-through at cost. No hidden fees.
Beyond FBA, full import consulting.
For businesses of every size, our experts guide you through Japan's import rules, from first compliance check to end-to-end customs management.
We also support general import and IOR consulting projects. Tell us your requirements and we will map the route.
Book a free consultation →Regulated, hazardous, or controlled goods?
For dangerous goods, lithium batteries, medical devices, and export-controlled commodities, our dedicated IOR & EOR service assumes full legal responsibility, including shipments that standard providers decline.
How an ACP engagement works.
You appoint us, we coordinate the brokers and carriers, and we speak to Japan Customs on your behalf, start to cleared delivery.
- Appoint Aplash as your ACP
- Provide the information needed for ACP registration
- Regulation pre-checks
- Document preparation
- Record keeping
- Communication with all stakeholders
- We bridge customs brokers and Japan Customs
- Declarations filed and reviewed in your name
Frequently asked questions.
The October 2023 mandate, documentation, pricing, and the ACP-versus-IOR choice, answered.
What is ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures) in Japan?
An Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP / 税関事務管理人) 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.
Is ACP registration mandatory for Amazon FBA Japan sellers?
Yes. Since the October 2023 reform, ACP registration is mandatory for Amazon FBA Japan sellers and any foreign business shipping products into Japan without a Japanese company.
How long does ACP registration take?
Roughly two weeks to receive approval from the Japan Customs Office. The process runs in three stages: prepare the required documentation together, begin pre-consultation and initial review with Japan Customs, then submit the paper-based application for final review.
What documents are needed for an ACP application?
Required documents include, but are not limited to, a Power of Attorney, your Company Registry, the calculation method for customs valuation, a catalogue of the import goods, and a business / logistics flow document.
What is the difference between an ACP and a customs broker?
An ACP (税関事務管理人) is your designated customs representative who takes legal responsibility for 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.
Can ACP be used for all product categories?
ACP works well for general consumer goods, fashion, electronics accessories, sports goods, and Amazon FBA e-commerce. Regulated categories such as medical devices (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, 薬機法), foods requiring notification (Food Sanitation Act, 食品衛生法), radio equipment (Radio Act, 電波法), and standalone lithium batteries usually require IOR service instead, as those ministry filings go beyond customs-declaration support.
What is the difference between ACP and IOR?
ACP is a representative role: you keep ownership of the goods. IOR (Importer of Record) is the legal importer on record who assumes import liability. ACP suits Amazon FBA and simple e-commerce; IOR suits regulated goods, medical devices, and complex ongoing operations. Both eliminate the need for a Japanese legal entity.
Who pays customs duties and Japan Consumption Tax under ACP?
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 tax are collected by Japan Customs at import and passed through to you at cost, with no markup.
Can I start shipping immediately after ACP approval?
Yes. Once Japan Customs approves your registration (about two weeks after submission), you can begin importing. Aplash prepares the declarations for each shipment, and there is no minimum order-volume requirement.
How many shipments are included in the 6-Month Plan?
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.
How many shipments are included in the 1-Year Plan?
The 1-Year Plan (USD 3,500) includes up to 50 shipments. Additional shipments beyond the included count are billed at USD 260 per shipment.
Which regions of Japan does ACP cover?
Coverage extends to any region in Japan. Aplash handles customs procedures nationwide, including all major ports and Amazon FBA fulfilment centres.
Step up to IOR & EOR.
Medical devices, chemicals, wireless gear, or dual-use commodities need an Importer of Record, not just a customs representative. We take on the legal importer position and the liability that comes with it.
Explore IOR & EOREstablish a Japan entity.
As volume grows, a KK or GK unlocks lower per-shipment costs, direct customs relationships, and full operational independence. We handle the setup end to end.
Explore company setup (KK / GK)Let's help you import to Japan.
Ready to move forward? Tell us about your goods and shipping volume, and our team will guide you step by step.
Talk to a Japan import specialist一個夥伴，貫穿您的日本發展全程。
- 階段 01試探市場透過 IOR 或 ACP 進口銷售，無需在日本設立實體。目前階段
- 階段 02設立公司當業務量足夠時，設立株式會社（KK）或合同會社（GK）。了解更多
- 階段 03持續營運稅務、簽證及日常合規事務一併處理。了解更多
Start your ACP registration.
Tell us your product and monthly volume. We confirm your eligibility and next steps within one business day.
From the journal.
Field notes on importing, exporting, and operating across the Japan border, written by the team that files the paperwork.
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