1. Your category in Japan
Pick your category and this section shows what we actually hold for Japan: how many potential buyers we have verified, what roles they play in the supply chain, and how well they fit. Switch back to All industries at any time.
“Potential buyers” means the buyers we have verified and listed in our own directory — not every importer in the country. Buyer roles are our own grouping of the roles recorded in that directory. (103 of these records do not yet carry a recorded buyer role.)
2. Entry gate
Japan's gate is the clearest example of a market where the barrier is not the tariff. Duty is low, but the DENAN electrical-safety law and the Radio Law are enforced, and Japanese buyers and retailers will not stock a product that is not correctly marked. Budget certification as a cost of market entry, and expect it to gate the whole project.
| Requirement | Status | What it involves | Lead time | Cost | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSE mark (DENAN law) | Mandatory | Electrical appliances must carry the PSE mark. Specified products (diamond PSE) — including lithium-ion batteries and certain transformers and converters — require third-party conformity testing by a Registered Conformity Assessment Body. Non-specified products (round PSE) allow self-declaration by the manufacturer, but the mark and record-keeping are still mandatory | 6–14 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Radio Law Giteki | Mandatory for wireless | Any product with a radio transmitter — including WiFi or Bluetooth monitoring modules — must obtain Giteki certification from a registered Japanese certification body and carry the mark | 4–8 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| JIS marking | Category-dependent | JIS marks apply to specific product categories and are partly voluntary; some public-sector and utility buyers require them contractually even where the law does not | Varies | Pending | Pending |
| Customs duty (MFN) | Always applies | Average applied MFN tariff is around 2.0% (2022). Electrical machinery and parts are typically at or near zero; confirm at HS-code level | — | Around 0–2% | Pending |
| Consumption tax | Always applies | Consumption tax at the 10% standard rate is charged at import on the CIF value plus duty. A registered importer can normally recover it as input tax | — | 10% of CIF + duty | 2026-10 |
| Importer of record & customs broker | Mandatory | Import clearance is normally handled by a Japanese customs broker on behalf of a Japanese importer of record. Foreign exporters typically sell to a Japanese importer or distributor rather than acting as importer themselves | 1–2 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Japanese-language labelling | Mandatory | Consumer electrical products must carry Japanese-language labelling with the PSE mark, the manufacturer or importer name and the rated specification. Non-compliant labelling is a common cause of retail rejection | — | — | Pending |
Certification, tariff and clearance figures change. Every row above carries a verification date, and the current requirement is confirmed with your nominated local agent before each shipment.
3. Buyers and channel partners
Leading buyers and channel partners
Every company below is a real business in Japan taken from our own buyer research, and we have verified that its website is reachable. Names and business types are public; decision-makers, direct emails and phone numbers are reserved for members of the Buyer Directory.
How to use this list: do not mass-mail. Japanese procurement qualifies suppliers through a formal, document-heavy process, and a named reference installation plus a local service partner count for far more than a price sheet.
4. Demand and import profile
Select your HS code and this block shows the import performance of your own category in Japan — not the country's macro numbers.
Import size & growth
Example: Japan is a large, mature destination for static converters and power electronics, with demand driven by replacement and by the build-out of distributed solar and storage.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Source-country mix
Example: China, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany and the United States lead the source list, with ASEAN share rising as supply chains diversify from China.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Price band
Example: Japanese buyers are quality- and reliability-led. Field failure rate, warranty terms and service response matter more than the last few percent of price.
Example values · to be replaced with customs / trade data
What we can supply to this market
These are the lines we have found the strongest fit for Japan. Specifications are on the product pages; tell us your application and we will confirm the model.
5. Landed-cost calculator
A static table cannot persuade anyone. Enter your own numbers and see the landed cost. Duty rate, freight and consumption tax are editable so you can test scenarios.
Your shipment
Estimated landed cost
Illustrative calculation only. It excludes anti-dumping duty, excise, port storage and any category-specific surcharge. Confirm the duty rate and local charges with your forwarder before making a commitment.
6. Logistics and customs
Transit and clearance figures change; treat as indicative and confirm before quoting.
7. Payment, currency and tax
8. Localisation and communication
These are the details nobody tells you, and one mistake can cost you a customer.
9. Risks and timing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need PSE certification to import into Japan?
Yes. Electrical appliances must carry the PSE mark under the DENAN law. Specified products (diamond PSE) — including lithium-ion batteries and certain transformers and converters — require third-party testing by a Registered Conformity Assessment Body. Non-specified products (round PSE) allow self-declaration, but the mark and record-keeping are still mandatory.
My product has WiFi — what else is required?
Any product with a radio transmitter must obtain Giteki certification under the Radio Law from a registered Japanese certification body, in addition to the PSE mark.
What is the import duty and consumption tax?
The average applied MFN tariff is around 2.0% (2022), and electrical machinery is typically at or near zero — confirm at HS-code level. Consumption tax at the 10% standard rate is charged at import on the CIF value plus duty, and is recoverable by a registered importer.
Can I be the importer of record?
In practice, no. Clearance is normally handled by a Japanese customs broker on behalf of a Japanese importer of record, and foreign exporters usually sell to a Japanese importer or distributor rather than importing directly.
What payment terms are normal?
T/T or L/C for first orders, moving to open account once trust is established. Japanese buyers pay punctually once terms are agreed. Invoice in USD or JPY.
Which port should I ship to?
Tokyo / Yokohama is the largest gateway and the usual choice for the Kanto region, with Nagoya for central Japan and Kobe / Osaka for the west. Tell us the final destination and we will quote to the right port.