# ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="0.7395833333333334in" height="0.78125in"} Doing Business in Japan: A Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies

# Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards

# INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.

-   [Import Tariffs](#import-tariffs-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Barriers](#trade-barriers-return-to-top)

-   [Import Requirements and
    Documentation](#import-requirements-and-documentation-return-to-top)

-   [U.S. Export Controls](#u.s.-export-controls-return-to-top)

-   [Temporary Entry](#temporary-entry-return-to-top)

-   [Labeling and Marking
    Requirements](#labeling-and-marking-requirements-return-to-top)

-   [Prohibited and Restricted
    Imports](#prohibited-and-restricted-imports-return-to-top)

-   [Customs Contact
    Information](#customs-contact-information-return-to-top)

-   [Standards](#standards-return-to-top)

-   [Trade Agreements](#trade-agreements-return-to-top)

-   [Web Resources](#web-resources-return-to-top)

## Import Tariffs [**Return to top**](#ch5)

According to the Japan Tariff Association
([www.kanzei.or.jp/english/](http://www.kanzei.or.jp/english/)), the
average applied tariff in Japan is one of the lowest in the world. In
addition, import duties on many agricultural items continue to decrease,
and tariffs in many major sectors, such as autos and auto parts,
software, computers, and industrial machinery are zero. However, certain
products including leather goods, certain processed foods and some
manufactured goods have relatively high tariff rates. While Japan\'s
import tariffs are relatively low overall, the nation's average
agricultural import tariff (roughly 50 percent) is among the world\'s
highest for industrialized countries. By comparison, the average
agricultural import tariff is 12 percent in the United States and 30
percent in the European Union.

The Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan\'s Ministry of Finance
administers tariffs. As a member of the Harmonized System Convention,
Japan shares the same trade classification system as the United States
(limited to six-digit code). Japan\'s tariff schedule has four columns
of applicable rates: general, WTO, preferential, and temporary. Goods
from the United States are charged WTO rates unless a lesser
\"temporary\" rate exists. Japan\'s preferential system of tariffs
grants lower or duty-free rates to products imported from developing
countries.

A simplified tariff system for low-value imported freight valued at less
than 100,000 yen, such as small packages for personal imports,
simplifies determination of tariff rates. This system also eliminates
the extra time necessary to classify the product and its precise value,
and thereby minimizes customs brokers\' handling charges. Importers can
choose either the normal rate or the simple tariff, which could be
higher or lower. Japanese Customs can provide an advance ruling on
tariff classification and duty rates (see [Customs Contact
Information](#customs-contact-information-return-to-top)).

## Trade Barriers [**Return to top**](#ch5)

While tariffs are generally low, Japan does have barriers that impede or
delay the importation of foreign products into Japan. Although
competition, U.S. and other foreign government pressure, as well as
other factors have lessened the impact of these impediments, U.S.
companies may still encounter non-tariff barriers such as the following:

-   standards unique to Japan (formal, informal, *de facto,* or
    otherwise);

-   a requirement for companies to demonstrate prior experience in
    Japan, effectively shutting out new entrants in the market;

-   official regulations that favor domestically-produced products and
    discriminate against foreign products;

-   licensing powers in the hands of industry associations with limited
    membership, strong market influence, and the ability to control
    information and operating without oversight:

-   cross stock holding and interconnection of business interests among
    Japanese companies that disadvantages suppliers outside the business
    group;

-   cartels (both formal and informal) and;

-   the cultural importance of personal relationships in Japan and the
    reluctance to break or modify business relationships.

The tools available to overcome these non-tariff barriers depend on the
industry, the product or service\'s competitiveness, and the creativity
and determination of the firm\'s management. In addition, it is
important to note that these non-tariff barriers exist in a highly
competitive market --- Japan is a large and sophisticated market, and
the competition can be fierce. A fair number of companies have benefited
or failed simply as a result of timing and general economic conditions.

## Import Requirements and Documentation [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Japan assesses tariff duties on the CIF value at *ad valorem* or
specific rates, and in a few cases, charges a combination of both.
Japan\'s Ministry of Finance maintains a website at
[www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm](http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm)
that describes import clearance and customs procedures, and provides
contact information and other detailed information in English.

Japanese customs regulations can be cumbersome, difficult to understand,
and sometimes frustrating, but they are largely mechanical. Nearly all
customs difficulties result from first time applications. Japanese
customs officials are generally very helpful when it comes to explaining
procedures and regulations, and once these are understood and followed,
difficulties are usually minimal.

Japan prohibits the importation of certain items including narcotics,
firearms, explosives, counterfeit currency, pornography, and products
that violate intellectual property laws. In addition, Japan imposes
restrictions on the sale or use of certain products including those
related to health such as medical products, pharmaceuticals,
agricultural products, and chemicals. For these products, Japanese
Customs reviews and evaluates the product for import suitability before
shipment to Japan. See below for additional information prohibited and
restricted imports.

Certain items may require a Japanese import license. These include
hazardous materials, animals, plants, perishables, and in some cases
articles of high value. Import quota items also require an import
license, usually valid for four months from the date of issuance. Other
necessary documents for U.S. Exporters may include an Import Declaration
Form (Customs Form C-5020) and a certificate of origin if the goods are
entitled to favorable duty treatment determined by preferential or WTO
rates. In practice, shipments from the United States are routinely
assessed using WTO or "temporary" rates without a certificate of origin.
Any additional documents necessary as proof of compliance with relevant
Japanese laws, standards, and regulations at the time of import may also
apply.

Documents required for customs clearance in Japan include standard
shipping documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and an
original and signed bill of lading, or, if shipped by air, an air
waybill. Air shipments of values greater than ¥100,000 must also include
a commercial invoice. The commercial invoice should be as descriptive as
possible on each item in the shipment. The packing list should include
the exact contents of each container, the gross and net weights of each
package, and all container measurements using metric sizes.

## U.S. Export Controls [**Return to top**](#ch5)

As an active member of the Wassenaar Arrangement as well as various
other international export control regimes, Japan enjoys the least
restrictive treatment under U.S. export control law. In response to the
threat from global terrorism, the Japanese government has implemented
\"catch-all\" controls to prevent Japanese firms from exporting goods
and technologies that could be related to the development of weapons of
mass destruction. In APEC, Japan has a leading role in regional export
control with its Asian trading partners. At the same time, however,
Japanese firms are engaged in business activities with countries against
which the United States currently has embargoes. As such, U.S. exporters
are encouraged to conduct thorough research and background checks
pertaining to any potential sale of controlled or sensitive items, in
particular for transactions that may involve possible transshipment
through Japan.

For the latest in U.S. export and re-export control regulations, please
contact the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
at [www.bis.doc.gov/](http://www.bis.doc.gov/).

For defense-related articles, contact the Department of State Office of
Defense Trade Controls at
[www.pmddtc.state.gov/](http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/).

For current U.S. embargo information, contact the Department of Treasury
Office of Foreign Assets Control at
[www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/](http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/).

## Temporary Entry [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Japan is a member of the International Convention to Facilitate the
Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Materials under the
ATA Carnet System. Use of a c*arnet* allows goods such as commercial and
exhibition samples, professional equipment, musical instruments, and
television cameras to be carried or sent temporarily into a foreign
country without paying duties or posting bonds. A *carnet* should be
arranged in advance by contacting a local office of the United States
Council for International Business
([www.uscib.org/](http://www.uscib.org/)) or its New York office by
phone (212-354‑4480) or by e-mail (<info@uscib.org>).

Advertising materials, including brochures, films, and photographs, may
enter Japan duty free. Articles intended for display - but not for
sale - at trade fairs and similar events are also permitted to enter
duty free but only when the fair or event is held at a bonded exhibition
site. After the event, these bonded articles must be re-exported or
stored at a bonded facility. A commercial invoice for these goods should
be marked "no commercial value, customs purposes only" and "these goods
are for exhibition and are to be returned after conclusion of the
exhibition." It is also important to identify the trade show or
exhibition site, including exhibition booth number (if known), on
shipping documents.

## Labeling and Marking Requirements [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Correct packing, marking, and labeling are critical to smooth customs
clearance in Japan. Straw packing materials are prohibited. As noted
above, the Japanese Measurement Law requires that all imported products
and shipping documents show metric weights and measures. For most
products there is no requirement for country of origin labeling, though
some categories such as beverages and foods do require such labeling. If
labels indicating origin are later determined to be false or misleading,
the labels must be removed or corrected. False or misleading labels
which display the names of countries, regions or flags other than the
country of origin, and/or names of manufacturers or designers outside
the country of origin are not permissible.

Japanese law requires labels for products in four categories: textiles,
electrical appliances and apparatus, plastic products and miscellaneous
household and consumer goods. Because the relevant regulations apply
specifically to individual products, it's important for U.S. exporters
to work with a prospective agent or importer to ensure the exporter's
product meets applicable requirements. Generally, most labeling laws are
not required at the customs clearance stage, but at the point of sale.
Consequently, it is most common for Japanese importers to affix a label
before or after clearing customs.

## Prohibited and Restricted Imports [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Japan strictly prohibits entry of narcotics and related utensils,
firearms, firearm parts and ammunition, explosives and gunpowder,
counterfeit or imitation coins or currency, obscene materials, or goods
that violate intellectual property rights. Restricted items include but
are not limited to certain agricultural and meat products, endangered
species and products such as ivory, animal parts and fur whose
international trade is banned by international treaty, and more than two
months' supply of medicines and cosmetics for personal use. In addition,
Japan imposes restrictions on the sale or use of certain products
including those related to health such as medical products,
pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and chemicals. For these
products, Japanese Customs reviews and evaluates the product for import
suitability before shipment to Japan. The use of certain chemicals and
other additives in foods and cosmetics is severely regulated and follow
a "positive list" approach. For more information on prohibited and
restricted imports visit the Q&A section on the Japan Customs web site:
[www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm](http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm).

## Customs Contact Information [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Ministry of Finance

3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-8940

Japan

Phone: +81/3/3581-4111

[www.mof.go.jp/english/tariff/tariff.htm](http://www.mof.go.jp/english/tariff/tariff.htm)

[www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm](http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm)

Customs Counselors System in Japan

Tokyo Headquarters

Phone: +81/3/3529-0700

[www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/seido/telephone_e.htm](http://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/seido/telephone_e.htm)

Japan Tariff Association

Chibiki 2nd Bldg., 8F

4-7-8 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 102-0083

Japan

Phone: + 81/3/3263-7221

Fax: + 81/3/3263-7972

[www.kanzei.or.jp/english/](http://www.kanzei.or.jp/english/)

APEC Tariff Database

[www.apectariff.org/](http://www.apectariff.org/)

## Standards [**Return to top**](#ch5)

-   [Overview](#overview-return-to-top)

-   [Standards Organizations](#standards-organizations-return-to-top)

-   [Product Certification / Conformity
    Assessment](#product-certification-conformity-assessment-return-to-top)

-   [Accreditation](#accreditation-return-to-top)

-   [Public Comment on Technical
    Regulations](#public-comment-on-technical-regulations-return-to-top)

-   [Labeling and Marking](#labeling-and-marking-return-to-top)

###  Overview [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

> Many domestic and imported products alike are subject to product
> testing and cannot be sold in Japan without certification of
> compliance with prescribed standards. Knowledge of, and adherence to,
> these standards and their testing procedures can be the key to making
> or breaking a sale. Product requirements in Japan fall into two
> categories: technical regulations (or mandatory standards) and
> non-mandatory voluntary standards. Compliance with regulations and
> standards is also governed by a certification system in which
> inspection results determine whether or not approval
> (certification/quality mark) is granted. Approval is generally
> required to sell a product or even display it at a trade show;
> unapproved medical equipment may be displayed if accompanied by a sign
> indicating that the product is not yet approved for sale. To affix a
> mandatory quality mark or a voluntary quality mark requires prior
> product type approval and possibly factory inspections for quality
> control assessment. Regulated products must bear the appropriate
> mandatory mark when shipped to Japan in order to clear Japanese
> Customs. Regulations may apply not only to the product itself, but
> also to packaging, marking or labeling requirements, testing,
> transportation and storage, and installation. Compliance with
> \"voluntary\" standards and obtaining \"voluntary\" marks of approval
> can greatly enhance a product\'s sales potential and help win Japanese
> consumer acceptance.

There are two ongoing trends in Japan regarding standards. One is a move
toward reform of such standards, and the other is a move toward bringing
them into harmony with prevailing international standards. While reform
is underway, a long list of laws containing mandatory standards remain
on the books and most have not been translated into English. Therefore,
it is important that a Japanese agent or partner be fully aware of the
wide variety of legislation that could affect the sale of the exported
product in Japan. Major laws stipulating standards that apply to
products in Japan include the following:

-   Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law

-   Consumer Product Safety Law

-   Gas Utility Industry Law

-   Food Sanitation Law

-   Pharmaceutical Affairs Law

-   Road Vehicles Law

-   Building Standards Law

###  Standards Organizations [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

> The Japan Industrial Standards Committee (JISC) plays a central role
> in standards activities in Japan
> ([www.jisc.go.jp/eng/index.html](http://www.jisc.go.jp/eng/index.html)).
> Its mission consists of four elements: (1) establishment and
> maintenance of Japan Industrial Standards (JIS), (2) administration of
> accreditation and certification, (3) participation in international
> standards activities, and (4) development of measurement standards and
> technical infrastructure for standardization. JISC publishes plans
> each month for the preparation of new and revised JIS drafts on its
> website at
> [www.jisc.go.jp/eng/jis-act/drafts-preparation.html](http://www.jisc.go.jp/eng/jis-act/drafts-preparation.html).
>
> Existing JIS standards are reviewed and revised every 5 years. Once a
> new or revised draft JIS standard has been prepared, JISC posts these
> draft standards for a sixty-day public comment period. The JISC
> website also provides information regarding how foreign entities may
> participate in the JIS drafting process.
>
> The \"voluntary\" JIS mark, administered by the Ministry of Economy,
> Trade and Industry (METI), applies to nearly 600 different industrial
> products and consists of over 8,500 standards. Adherence to JIS is
> also an important determinant for companies competing on bids in the
> Japanese government procurement process. Products that comply with
> these standards will be given preferential treatment in procurement
> decisions under Japan\'s Industrial Standardization Law. JIS covers
> all industrial products except for those products regulated by
> specific national laws or for which other standard systems apply
> (*e.g.,* the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and Japan Agricultural
> Standards).
>
> The Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) mark is another \"voluntary\"
> but widely used product quality and labeling mark. JAS applies to
> beverages, processed foods, forest products, agricultural commodities,
> livestock products, oils and fats, products of the fishing industry,
> and processed goods made from agricultural, forestry, and fishing
> industry raw materials. Specific JAS marks exist for various types of
> plywood, paneling, flooring boards, lumber, and timber. The JAS
> marking system is administered by Japan\'s Ministry of Agriculture,
> Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and
> Welfare (MHLW) administers separate mandatory standards for quality
> labeling of processed foods and beverages.

###  Product Certification / Conformity Assessment [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

> The Japan Accreditation System for Product Certification Bodies of JIS
> Mark
>
> (JASC) is an accreditation program defined by the Japanese Industrial
> Standards (JIS) Law, and operated by the JASC office in METI. JASC
> accredits product certification bodies in the private sector and
> allows them to certify companies so that they may place the JIS Mark
> on their products. A list of Japanese and foreign organizations
> accredited by JASC as \"JIS mark\" certification bodies is available
> on the JISC website at
> [www.jisc.go.jp/eng/jis-mark/acc-insp-body.html](http://www.jisc.go.jp/eng/jis-mark/acc-insp-body.html).
> This list provides contact information as well as the JIS field of
> certification for these testing organizations.
>
> The two major non-governmental accreditation bodies in Japan are the
> Incorporated Administrative Agency (IAJapan---within the
> quasi-governmental National Institute of Technology and Evaluation)
> and the Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (JAB).
> IAJapan operates several accreditation programs including the Japan
> National Laboratory Accreditation System (JNLA) and the Japan
> Calibration Service System (JCSS). IAJapan\'s website
> ([www.nite.go.jp/asse/iajapan/en/index.html](http://www.nite.go.jp/asse/iajapan/en/index.html))
> provides lists of laboratories accredited under its programs, and
> laboratories accredited by JAB can be found at
> <http://www.jab.or.jp/english/index.html>.
>
> A limited number of testing laboratories in the United States not
> listed on the websites noted above have also been designated by
> various Japanese government agencies to test and approve U.S. products
> for compliance with Japanese mandatory certification systems and laws.
> Products not covered by these arrangements must be tested and approved
> by Japanese testing labs before these products can be sold in Japan.

Conformity assessment bodies recognized by Japan for electrical
appliances can be viewed on the METI
website:http://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/denan/procedure/07.htm. For
additional information on third-party conformity assessment for
electrical products in Japan, visit:
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/denan/procedure/06.htm.

###  Accreditation [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

Please see the [Product Certification / Conformity
Assessment](#product-certification-conformity-assessment-return-to-top)
section above.

###  Public Comment on Technical Regulations [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

> Each Japanese ministry posts draft regulations for public comment on
> their respective websites. These draft regulations can also be found
> in a consolidated list, available in Japanese on the e-Gov web portal
> ([search.e-gov.go.jp/servlet/Public](http://search.e-gov.go.jp/servlet/Public)).
> The website was designed to help facilitate public participation in
> Japan's regulatory process by improving the public\'s ability to find,
> view, and comment on regulatory actions.
>
> It should be noted that although U.S. entities may submit comments on
> draft regulations, the amount of time given for submissions varies
> widely and all comments must be submitted in Japanese. To assist U.S.
> entities that wish to participate in the Japanese regulatory process,
> Commercial Service staff at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo prepare a weekly
> summary translation in English of selected public comment
> announcements by Japanese government agencies. This translation is
> available at
> [www.buyusa.gov/japan/en/mac.html](http://www.buyusa.gov/japan/en/mac.html).
>
> Finalized technical regulations and standards are published in
> Japan\'s national gazette known as the *Kanpō*
> ([kanpou.npb.go.jp/](http://kanpou.npb.go.jp/), Japanese only).

###  Labeling and Marking [**Return to top**](#standards-return-to-top)

As noted above, Japanese laws requiring product certification and
labeling are numerous. A good reference for information on these
requirements is JETRO\'s Handbook for Industrial Product Import
Regulations available at:

> [www.jetro.go.jp/en/market/regulations/index.html](http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/market/regulations/index.html).

## Trade Agreements [**Return to top**](#ch5)

As of February 2007, Japan has entered into economic partnership
agreements (EPAs) with Singapore, Malaysia and Mexico. Given its
favorable effect on trade and economic growth in both countries,
Singapore and Japan reached a new agreement on a revised outline of the
EPA in January 2007. Japan signed an EPA with the Philippines in
September 2006, and is also expected to sign one soon with Thailand.
Japan recently reached basic agreement on an EPA outline with Chile,
Brunei and Indonesia. India and Vietnam held first rounds of
negotiations with Japan in January 2007, and Australia and Switzerland
agreed to commence negotiations in 2007. In 2006 Japan launched
negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-Bahrain, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait) on an FTA covering
trade in goods and services. The second round of negotiations was
concluded with the GCC in January 2007. Japan is also pursuing
negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),
however, no negotiation has been held with the Republic of Korea since
November 2004. Study groups exploring future bilateral EPAs with Japan
have also been established with Canada and South Africa. Japan is a
member of APEC, which has established a goal of APEC-wide free trade and
investment for developed economy members by 2010, and for all APEC
member economies by 2020.

Economic partnership agreements (EPAs) are broader than traditional free
trade agreements (FTAs), which are generally limited to the reduction or
elimination of tariffs on goods and other barriers on investment and
trade in services. EPAs expand beyond FTAs to harmonize economic systems
through the free movement of people, goods, and capital within a region.
Japan's EPAs include economic activities such as tourism, intellectual
property rights protection, standardization of customs and trade
regulations, and the controlling of anti-competitive activities, among
others things.

## Web Resources [**Return to top**](#ch5)

Japanese import clearance and customs procedures:

Japanese Ministry of Finance

[www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm](http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm)

Japanese Customs:

Japanese Ministry of Finance

[www.mof.go.jp/english/tariff/tariff.htm](http://www.mof.go.jp/english/tariff/tariff.htm)

Customs Counselors System in Japan

[www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/seido/telephone_e.htm](http://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/seido/telephone_e.htm)

Japan Tariff Association

[www.kanzei.or.jp/english/](http://www.kanzei.or.jp/english/)

APEC Tariff Database

[www.apectariff.org/](http://www.apectariff.org/)

U.S. export control procedures:

U.S. Department of Commerce

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

[www.bis.doc.gov/](http://www.bis.doc.gov/)

(for defense-related articles)

U.S. Department of State

Office of Defense Trade Controls

[www.pmddtc.state.gov/](http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/)

(for current U.S. embargo information)

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Office of Foreign Assets Control

[www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/](http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/)

Obtaining a temporary-entry *carnet:*

United States Council for International Business

Local Offices ---[www.uscib.org/](http://www.uscib.org/)

N.Y. Office --- <info@uscib.org>

[www.atacarnet.com/](http://www.atacarnet.com/)

Standards:

Japan Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)

> [www.jisc.go.jp/eng/index.html](http://www.jisc.go.jp/eng/index.html)

International Accreditation Japan (IAJapan)

[www.nite.go.jp/asse/iajapan/en/index.html](http://www.nite.go.jp/asse/iajapan/en/index.html)

Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (JAB)

> [www.jab.or.jp/english/index.html](http://www.jab.or.jp/english/index.html)

Japanese government regulations:

> (for public comment updates)
>
> U.S. Commercial Service
>
> American Embassy Tokyo
>
> [www.buyusa.gov/japan/en/mac.html](http://www.buyusa.gov/japan/en/mac.html).

(for finalized technical regulations and standards)

Japan National Gazette (*Kanpō*)

[kanpou.npb.go.jp/](http://kanpou.npb.go.jp/) (Japanese only)

Labeling and marking requirements:

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

[www.jetro.go.jp/en/market/regulations/index.html](http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/market/regulations/index.html)

[Return to table of
contents](#doing-business-in-japan-a-country-commercial-guide-for-u.s.-companies)

U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or
country-specific commercial information should consult with their
nearest **Export Assistance Center** or the **U.S. Department of
Commerce\'s Trade Information Center** at **(800) USA-TRADE**, or go to
the following website: [http://www.export.gov]().

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report
is accurate as of the date published. However, **The Department of
Commerce** does not take responsibility for actions readers may take
based on the information contained herein. Readers should always conduct
their own due diligence before entering into business ventures or other
commercial arrangements. **The Department of Commerce** can assist
companies in these endeavors.