How to Import using the EU-Japan
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

CONTENTS
1.0

Introduction

1

2.0

Trade Statistics: EU and Japan Trade2

3.0

The EU-Japan EPA in a Nutshell3

4.0

What can SMEs Importers expect when importing goods from Japan using the EPA?

4

4.1
5.0

Case Study Example: Automotive Parts
How to check if EPA preferential tariﬀs apply to your product

5
6

5.1

Option 1: Use one of the European Commission’s Online Tools to access the EU Tariﬀ

8

5.2

Option 2: Use the EU-Japan EPA Text, Annex 2-a9

6.0

Requirements for imports to benefit from preferential tariﬀs using the EPA

10

6.1

Meeting the Rules of Origin (RoO)

11

6.2

Assessing whether your product meets the RoO

12

6.2.1

Case Study Example – RoO for apple juice from Japan

13

6.3

The Claim of Preferential Tariﬀ Treatment

14

6.4

Transport from Japan to the EU

17

7.0

Other Import Requirements

18

7.1

General Requirements to import goods into the EU

18

7.1.1

Import duties, VAT and Taxes

19

7.1.2

Import Documentation for Customs Clearance

20

7.2

Specific Import Requirements

21

7.2.1

Case Study Example: Product requirements for vacuum cleaners from Japan

22

8.0

Intellectual Property Rights

23

9.0

Information Sources

24

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)>INTRODUCTION
This guide supports the requirement by the EU Japan
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to provide Small andMedium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary informationto access and conduct trade overseas.
The aim of this guide is to provide a simple explanation of the
EU Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in order toenable SMEs to be aware, understand and take advantage ofthe opportunities created by the EPA.
This guide will focus on the importation of Japanese goods by
SMEs in the EU using the EPA. The guide will provide information
on Customs duties, import requirements for goods including
customs procedures and other rules governing imports fromJapan to the EU.

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)12.0 TRADE STATISTICS:
EU AND JAPAN TRADE
Japan is:uu

the EU’s 2nd biggest trading partner in Asia after China
the EU’s 6th most important trading partner worldwide

Europe is:uJapan’s 2nd biggest trading partner worldwide

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/isdb_results/factsheets/country/details_japan_en.pdf

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/isdb_results/factsheets/country/details_japan_en.pdf

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)2

3.0 THE EU-JAPAN EPA
IN A NUTSHELL
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is a trade agreement thatwas signed on July 17, 2018 and entered into force on February 1, 2019.
The EPA aims to reduce and remove barriers to trade and investments andimprove economic relations between the EU and Japan.

1
The EPA covers 3 pillars

3

2

Rules

Market Access• Trade in goods • Trade in services• Government procurement

Regulatory Cooperation• Sustainable development• Trade and Customs facilitation• SMEs (transparency)• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and
Geographical Indications (GI)• Regulatory • Technical barriers to trade• Food safety, animal health and plant health• Other sectors

The objectives of the EPA will be achieved through:u

Reduction and elimination of the EU
Customs tariﬀs - 99% of tariﬀ lines will
be eliminated over timeuOpen trade in services in the areas
such as telecommunications, transport,
distribution and financial servicesuElimination of non-tariﬀ related
obstacles to trade e.g. elimination ofEU’s import restriction on JapanesewineuCreating opportunities for both
economies to invest in each other’smarketu

Cooperation of the two economies toaddress matters that aﬀect SMEs suchas electronic commerce and Intellectual
Property RightsuSimplified import procedures andrequirements related to the imports
and exports of goods

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)3

4.0 What can SMEs Importers expect
when importing goods from Japan
using the EPA?

Fair businessenvironment

E.g. Self-certification
procedures to prove
products meet theRule of Origin in order
to benefit from reduced
or zero tariﬀs

Reduced or zero
Customs Tariﬀs

Simplified importprocedures &requirements

Greater access toJapan products

Reduced import costs

Removal of sometrade obstacles

Protection ofIntellectual
Property(IPR)

E.g. Elimination of
EUs import restriction
on wineImportation of genuine
Japanese products

Examples of sectors that will benefit from the reduction and elimination ofCustoms Tariﬀs• Agriculture, forestry and fishery• Electronics• Motor vehicles• Pharmaceuticals• Medical devices

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

4

4.1
Case Study Example: Automotive Parts
Customs tariﬀs were imposed on automotive parts imported from Japan, prior to theimplementation of the EPA. However, the EPA provides tariﬀ elimination immediately forsome of these products and gradual tariﬀ reductions or complete elimination of tariﬀs.
See examples shown in the table below:
Product

Customs Tariﬀ
prior to EPA

Immediate tariﬀ
elimination w.e.f
February 1, 2019

Rear view mirrors
Lead-acid batteries
Spark plugs
Windscreen wipers
Seats for motor vehicles
Speed indicators

4%
3.7%
3.2%
2.7%
3.7%
2.6%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Rubber transmission belts

6.5%

0%

Instrument panel clocks

3.7%

0%

Gradual Reduction,then zero tariﬀ
within 16 years

Reduced to 1.7% in2020 and by 2024
tariﬀ will beeliminatedNon-tariﬀ benefits for the Automotive Parts Sector
The EU and Japan shall accept products covered by a type approval certificate in the context
of specified UN Regulations, as being compliant with its domestic technical regulations andconformity assessment procedures, without requiring any further testing, certification ormarketing.
Examples of automotive parts and the related UN Regulations as per Appendix 2-C-1 of
the EPA:
UN Regulation #
25
98
30
43
27

Products
Headrests whether or not incorporated in vehicle seats
Motor vehicle headlamps equipped with gas-discharging
light sources
Pneumatic tyres for motor vehicles
Safety glazing materials and their installation on vehicles
Advance warning triangles

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

55.0 How to check if EPA preferential tariﬀs
apply to your productPreferential tariﬀ treatment defines how and at what rate the Customs duty
is to be reduced or eliminated. To check preferential tariﬀs, the tariﬀ code isrequired. The tariﬀ code determines the tariﬀ liberalisation treatment which
can either be zero tariﬀ, elimination or reduction of tariﬀs over specified time
periods.

Goods traded internationally are identified bya tariﬀ code, also known as commodity code,
tariﬀ classification, product code or as in theEU, the Combined Nomenclature (CN) code

TARIFF
CODE

Tariﬀ codes are found in the Customs
Tariﬀ and are used to determine theCustoms duty among other things

The Tariﬀ code is based on the Harmonised
Commodity Description and Coding System(HS). The first 6 digits of this code is called the
HS CodeTariﬀ code+

EPA
Liberisation
Treatment

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)=

Preferential
Tariﬀ
Treatment

6

Example of a Tariﬀ Code010639 10 00
represents live
pigeons

The tariﬀ code in the EU consists of 6-14 digits

Structure of the Tariﬀ Code0

1

HS
Chapter

0

6HS
Heading

3

9

1

0

HS
CN
Subheading Subheading

0 0 0 0 0 0

Taric CodeHS CodeCN CodeTaric CodeHS Chapter – The first 2 digits of the code

01 represents Chapter 1 and concerns live animals

HS Heading – The first 4 digits of the code

0106 concerns other live animals

HS Subheading/HS Code – The first 6 digits of the code

0106 39 specifies other birds. The HS Code is identical in the
EU and Japanese Customs Tariﬀ

CN Code – 8-digit code specific to the EU used for tariﬀ
and statistical purposes

0106 39 10 specifies live pigeons

Taric Code – The 9th and 10th digits used with the
CN code form the Taric code numbers. In exceptional
circumstances, an additional Taric code of 4 digits
may be used

Used to identify products that have special regulations whenimported into the EU, such as duty suspensions and antidumping duties. lf the digits beyond the CN Code number are
zeros, as in 01063910000000, then no special regulations
apply

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

7

5.1 Option 1: Use one of the European
Commission’s Online Tools to access the
EU Tariﬀ
European Commission’s Access2Markets website: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/

Step 1: Select My Trade Assistant and enter the country of origin, country of destinationand the Tariﬀ Code

Source: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/

Step 2: Search and view results

Source: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/results?product=090210&origin=JP&destination=DE

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

8

5.2 Option 2:
Use the EU-Japan EPA Text, Annex 2-a
Obtain the tariﬀ code for your product•It gives information on the Customs duty , taxes and other conditions
applicable to your product•You can consult the Customs Authority or a representative to get assistanceto obtain this code and tariﬀ rate•

If the Tariﬀ rate is already zero, then no need to use the EPA; if more thanzero, proceed to the next step

Locate the tariﬀ code in the EPA EU Liberalisation Schedule•

The EPA Liberalisation Schedule lists the tariﬀ code and corresponding
tariﬀ treatment to be applied over a number of years•

See Annex 2-A, Part 2 of the EPA for the Liberalisation Schedule

Note the liberalisation treatment and corresponding
duty rate and the year in the EU Liberalisation Schedule•

Tariﬀ treatment may be zero tariﬀ, reduced tariﬀs or tariﬀs eliminated overa number of years•

If your tariﬀ code is not stated in the schedule, your product attracts zero
Customs tariﬀ using the EPA

Example: The Customs duty for footwear will be gradually reduced and then completely eliminated in 2029

Source: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2018/august/tradoc_157229.pdf#page=49

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

96.0 Requirements for imports
to benefit from preferential tariﬀs
using the EPA

Imported product must originate in JapanThe EPA sets out rules which are
known as “Rules of Origin” todetermine whether a product“originates” in Japan.

Product may not be altered during transport

A product that is shipped fromJapan does not mean the productoriginates in Japan
Except for unloading, reloading,splitting of consignments oranother specific operations whileremaining under Customs control
If proof of non-alteration of
the product is requested by EU
Customs, this requirement may
be given by any means includingtransport documents to EU
Customs

Proof of origin must be
provided to EU Customs

In order to claim preferential
tariﬀ treatment, the EU importer
must either have:
1. A Statement on Origin fromthe exporter or producer inJapan
2. EU Importer’s knowledge thatthe product is originating€2.1

AIRCRAFT AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENTBILLION EXPORTHow to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

10

6.1 Meeting the Rules of Origin (RoO)
The Basic RoO
Product wholly obtained or produced•••

Mostly applies to agricultural products, fish, minerals, waste and scrap
Products produced from wholly obtained products
Japan must be the only country involved in the production or manufacture of the productProducts produced exclusively from materials originating in Japan•

Materials are wholly obtained or have fulfilled product specific rules to be deemed originating

Products produced using non-originating materials by satisfying
Product Specific Rules (PSRs) based on:•

A production process • A change in tariﬀ classification•

Value added rule

Common Product Specific Rules in the EPA
These rules are specific to a product or tariﬀ line and are used to qualify the product as originating in Japan,
when non-originating materials are used in manufacturing or production
Change in Tariﬀ Classification

Value Added Rule

Production Process

•

•

•

Manufacturing process resultsin change in tariﬀ classification
between the non-originating
material and the final product•••

CC – change in the first 2
digits of the tariﬀ code
CTH – change in the first 4
digits of the tariﬀ code
CTSH – change in the first
6 digits of the tariﬀ code

The value of all non-originating
materials used in the productionof a product cannot exceed acertain amount, as a percentageof the price of the final product•A specific production process
is required
Examples:• Mixing and blending• Distillation• Purification• Biotechnological processing

Other RoO points to note•

When manufacturing/processing takes place, do not consider the following to determine origin:

Neutral elements such as
fuel, tools or machines used
to produce your product

Accessories, spare parts,
tools and informationmaterials if they are delivered
with your productPackaging materials used
for retail sale

Packing materials andcontainers for the shipments

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

11

6.2 Assessing whether your productmeets the RoO

Is the productwholly obtainedor produced inJapan?

NoYes

Was the productproduced exclusively
using originating
materials in Japan?

No

Was the productproduced inJapan using nonoriginating imported
materials?

Yes

Yes

Eligible to benefit
from the EPA?

Does the productmeet the relevant
Product Specific
Rule (PSR)?

Yes

Tolerance Rule: Allows the use of a small
percentage of non-originating materials
provided it does not exceed the percentage
specified in the PSRs

Yes

No

Can the productapply for theTolerance rule oraccumulation?

Accumulation: Allows materials originatingin the EU and further processed or added
to products originating in Japan, to beconsidered originating in Japan

Where to find the Rules of Origin

u The EU-Japan EPA Text - Annex 3-A and Annex 3-Boru Use the Rules of Origin Self-Assessment Online Tool in
Access2Markets, see https://trade.ec.europa.eu/accessto-markets/en/content/presenting-rosa
To locate the RoO applicable to your import, the tariﬀ code is required

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

12

6.2.1 Case Study Example:
RoO for apple juice from JapanA Japanese exporter of apple juice (2009 71 20 90) uses non-originating sugar(HS Heading 17.02) imported into Japan from a third country. All the remaining
materials used in the production of the apple juice originate in Japan.
To qualify as originating, the apple juice must fulfil one of the following:

Satisfy the ProductSpecific Rule
Be wholly obtainedin JapanBe produced exclusively
from materials wholly
obtained in Japanor the EU

RoO
forApple Juice

Product Specific Rule of Origin

Source: EU-Japan EPA Text, Annex 3-B. http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2018/august/tradoc_157231.pdf#page=65

Applying the RoO
The PSR rule related to the HS Classification 20.09 applies since the apple juice is classified in 2009 71 20 90 and also
because non-originating sugar was used to produce the product.
CTH means “Change in Tariﬀ Heading”. The Tariﬀ Heading is the first 4 digits of the tariﬀ code, which in this case is 20.09.
The rule requires all non-originating materials used to produce the apple juice to be classified in another 4-digit codeother than 20.09, provided the apples are wholly obtained. This rule is met because the sugar sourced overseas isclassified in the 4-digit code 17.02
The apple juice made with sugar sourced from overseas qualifies as originating in Japan.

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

13

6.3 The Claim of Preferential Tariﬀ Treatment
Preferential tariﬀ treatment may be claimed in the EU based on the Japanese origin of a
product, by using a Statement on Origin by the Japanese exporter or the (EU) importer’s(own) knowledge that the product is originating in Japan.

Statement on Origin•

Text by which the exporteror producer states the origin
status of a product•

The text is printed on an invoiceor any commercial document(packing list, proforma invoice)•Applies to single shipmentsof one or more products or
multiple shipments of identicalproducts

Importer's Knowledge•

Knowledge is based on
supporting documents orrecords to be obtained fromthe exporter that are in theimporter’s possession

Record Keeping

Statement on Origin••

Exporter or producer to keepfor 4 years
Importer to keep for 3 years
minimum

Importer's Knowledge•

Importer to keep records for aminimum period of 3 years
from the time the preferenceis claimed

Statement on Origin
u The exporter may or may not decide to share information
with the importer regarding the originating status of a product.
However, this will not cause denial of preference by EU Customs,
unless the importer is not able to provide a statement on origin
for the products in question.
Importer’s Knowledgeu This option may be more suited for related parties, where
the exporter has no issues disclosing sensitive commercial
information to the importer.

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

14

Statement on Origin Sample Text

Validity is 12 months from the date madeout for multiple shipments

A – Wholly obtained or produced
B – Use of exclusive originating materials
C – Substantial Transformation Rule
- 1 Change in Tariﬀ Classification- 2 Value added rule
- 3 Production process rule
- 4 Specific rule related to vehicles and parts
D – Use of Accumulation
E – Use of Tolerances

Period: from ............. to .................. The exporter* of the products covered by this document(Exporter Reference No .............. declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, theseproducts are of ............ preferential origin. Origin criteria used ........................
(Place and date ...................... (Printed name of the exporter) ..............................

13 digits Corporate Number
for Japanese exporters

May be omitted if the information iscontained on the document itself.

No need for signature*Exporter may also be the producer or trading company involved in the export of the productVerification of the Proof of Origin
EU Customs may conduct verification of origin either at the time of the Customs
declaration, before or after release of the shipment. The results may lead to denialor granting of the preferential treatment of the product.
The denial of preferential treatment is subject to specified time periods after the dateof request and depends on the type of proof submitted to Customs.

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

15

Verification based on Statement on Origin

EU Customs
requests
verification

Importer receives
requestEU
Customssatisfiedwithresponse?

EU Customs
grants preferential
treatment

YES

EU Customs
denies preferential
treatment

NO

Requestadditional info fromJapan Customs
Exporter receives
requestJapan Customs
receives request

Info provided to EU
Customs by importer
or by exporter

Japan Customs
reply?

YES

EU Customs
satisfied?

NO

EU Customs
denies preferential
treatment

Verification based on the Importer’s Knowledge

EU Customs
requests
verification

EU Customs
satisfied?

EU Customs
grants preferential
treatment

YES

NO
YES

Importer provides
info to EU Customs

Requests more
info from importer

YES

Importer reply?

YES

EU Customs
satisfied withadditional info?

NO
NO
EU Customs
requests more info
from importer

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)NO
EU Customs
denies preferential
treatment

16

6.4
Transport from Japan to the EU
When transporting originating products from Japan to the EU, you will need to consider the
incoterm, the best means of transport and the rules for transporting the products throughthird countries (if applicable).

ChooseIncoterm

Choose the besttransport option• Determine whether you or
your supplier will share delivery,transport and insurance costs• Sea Transport• Determine who will be
responsible for Japan Customs
export formalities andEU formalities• Air Transport

Arrange to ship to the EU• If the products are shipped
through another country, whilein transit, further processing is
not allowed except operations topreserve the products in goodcondition; storage and splittingof consignments, provided the
products are kept under Customs
supervision

You can check https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/glossary/incoterms for more information on incoterms

Transport options from Japan to EU

Pros• Ideal for urgent, small & high value goods= Faster than sea transportationCons• Higher cost than sea transportation

Pros• Ideal for large volumes• Lower cost than air transportationCons• Slower than air transportation

To get a quote and obtain further guidance on transport, you can employ the services of a Freight Forwarder

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

17

7.0
Other Import Requirements
Your eligibility to benefit from the Preferential tariﬀs is subject to other import requirements.

uRegister for
an EORI number

Get the righttariﬀ code for yourproductu

7.1
GeneralRequirements
to import
goods into
Pay relevant
duty/VAT/Excise
the EUuGeneral Import
Process
Check importlicence and other EU
product rules

Declare your goods
to CustomsuPrepare thesale & arrange
transport
to the EUu
EORI – Economic Operator Registration Identification
number required to conduct business with EU Customs.
It can be obtained by applying through your EU Customs
Authority
Tariﬀ Code – You can ask your Customs Broker, Freight
Forwarder or contact your Customs Authority forassistance; Consider obtaining a tariﬀ ruling from Customs
to ensure code will not be rejected upon entry of goods
Import License and EU Product rules (See Section 7.2)

Transport – Consider using a freight forwarder to organise
logistics
Declaring your goods to Customs – You can use theservices of a Customs broker or Freight Forwarder if you
require assistance
Paying for your shipment – Calculation is based on thevalue of your goods, Customs tariﬀ applied and origin ofyour goods

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

18

7.1.1
Import duties, VAT and Taxes
The EPA provides for the reduction and elimination of Customs duty. Other taxes apply
and vary based on the EU Member State.
Customs Duty for goods imported from Japan using the EPA
Calculation is dependent upon the Customs value, Customs tariﬀ and origin of your goods

Customs value

X=

Customs duty

Customs duty payable

Customs value is the price paid for the goods, the shipping cost and the insurance cost

Internal Taxes

Excise Tax

Import Value Added Tax (VAT)

Imposed on selected
goods such as:
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Energy products
Mineral oil

Imposed on commercial
imports and can beclaimed back as input
tax if your company is a
VAT-registered business

Calculation
Rate is based on quantityand varies based on the
EU country

Calculation
Ad valorem rate charged
on the Customs value,
duty and excise (if any)

Total Customs duties, taxes and payableu Customs duty payable + Excise duty payable + VAT Payable = Total duties and taxes payable

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

19

7.1.2 Import Documentation for
Customs Clearance
Documents

Description/Requirements

Commercial invoice

Original along with at least one copy

Customs Value
Declaration

Applies to commercial shipments where the value of the imported goods
exceeds EUR 20 000

Transport Documents

Depends on the means of transport: Bill of Lading; FIATA Bill of Lading;Road Waybill (CMR); Air Waybill (AWB); Rail Waybill (CIM); ATA Carnet;
TIR Carnet

Freight Insurance

The insurance invoice is required for Customs clearance only when therelevant data do not appear in the commercial invoice indicating thepremium paid to insure the merchandise.

Packing List

Commercial document that provides information on the imported items
and the packaging details of each shipment (weight, dimensions, handlingissues, etc.)

Single Administrative
Document (SAD)

Common Import Declaration to declare goods to Customs.
The SAD should be submitted by the importer or his/her representative(Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder) by:
1. Using an approved computerised system linked to Customs authorities
2. Or lodging it with the designated Customs Oﬃce premises

Proof of Origin for
EPA Imports

Importer Knowledge/Statement on origin to be included in the SAD

Import Licence

Varies according to the product

Claiming Preferential Tariﬀ using the Customs declaration (SAD)300

Use the appropriate code if the claim for preference is based on:
A ‘statement on origin’ for a single shipment – U110
A ‘statement on origin’ for multiple shipments of identical products to cover a
12-month – U111
Importers knowledge (this must be declared with status code JP) – U112

SAD source: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/resources/documents/sad_text_en.xls

Preferential duty will be applied based on information given in boxes 36 and 44 on the SAD

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

20

7.2
Specific Import Requirements
Certain products are restricted or prohibited from entering the EU. Measures have been
implemented to protect human and animal health, the environment and consumer rights.
Import Restrictions
Main products: agricultural products, medicinal products, chemicals,
iron and steel products, cultural assets, textile products and clothing,weapons, counterfeit or pirated goods, indecent articles/publications/video recordings, endangered species, waste, some live animals andproducts containing animal substances, plants and products containing
vegetable substances.
You will be required to obtain the requisite permits (see below), licences or oﬃcial
approved notifications by applying to the competent authority in the EU country of import
before the arrival of such goods in the EU. Upon arrival in the EU, such products may
also be subject to inspections at the Border Control Inspection Posts.
You can check the EU TARIC Database to see if your product requires an import licenceas well as the relevant authority in the EU Member State.
Technical, Health and Safety Rules

Technical
Requirements

Health, animaland plant healthrequirements•

Technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment
procedures e.g design, labelling, packaging, functionality or
performance requirements•

To obtain requirements for your product, you can use EC My Trade
Assistant using the tariﬀ code•

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures are to protect humans,
animals and plants from diseases and pests•

Live animals and products of animal origin, certain food of nonanimal origin and plants and plant products (e.g. fruits, vegetables)
are subject to inspections in the EU and must be accompanied bycertain oﬃcial documents from Japan such as a phytosanitary or
health certificates•

To obtain the SPS requirements for your product from Japan,
please see https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-controls/safety-health-environment-customs-controls/sanitary-phytosanitary-requirements_en

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

21

7.2.1 Case Study Example –Product requirements for vacuum
cleaners from JapanAn SME in Finland is planning to import vacuum cleaners made in Japan. The vacuum
cleaners have a self-contained electric motor of a power of 500 watts and a dust bag.
The EU SME importer has noted that zero tariﬀs are applicable using the EPA and that the
product meets the RoO but discovers that various import requirements need to be met
in the EU. The tariﬀ code for the product is 8508 11 0000.

Source: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/results?product=850811&origin=JP&destination=FI

Technical requirements explained:
Importers should ensure the manufacturers in Japan comply with rules for entry in the EU such as:••••

Technical documentation for the product which should conform with various requirements such as voltage etc
EU Declaration of Conformity
Aﬃx CE Marking to product
Provide traceability information to identify the manufacturer and productHow to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)228.0 Intellectual Property Rights
The EPA promotes the production and trade of innovative and creative products between
the EU and Japan. To increase the benefits and trade of these products, the EU and Japan
will ensure that the protection of IPR is adequate, eﬀective and not discriminatory, as wellas providing enforcement measures against infringements such as counterfeiting andpiracy. EU SME importers can therefore have confidence that they will be importing highquality and genuine products from Japan.
Examples of Types of IPR covered by the EPA

Patents

Trademarks• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
states that "a patent is an exclusive right granted for an
invention, which is a product or a process that provides,
in general, a new way of doing something, or oﬀers a
new technical solution to a problem. To get a patent,
technical information about the invention must be
disclosed to the public in a patent application".

• The WIPO states that "a trademark is a sign
capable of distinguishing the goods or servicesof one enterprise from those of otherenterprises. Trademarks are protected byintellectual property rights."• The EPA provides common rules for patents, including
an extension of the period of protection conferred by apatent on pharmaceutical products and agriculturalchemical products.

• The EPA provides common rules for trademarks,
including prohibition of preparatory acts such as
manufacturing or importing labels and packages
indicating registered trademark without theconsent of the trademark owner.

Geographical Indications (GI)
• A GI is a name that identifies that a product wasmade in a specific geographical location and possess
the qualities and characteristics linked to that location.
• The EPA provides protection for 72 agricultural
products and 11 seishu/wine/spirits from Japan.

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)23

9.0 Information Sources
General information and support for EU-Japan trade
EU-Japan trade overview:https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/
countries-and-regions/countries/japan/

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial
Cooperation:
https://www.eu-japan.eu/summaryactivities
Cooperation between the European
Commission’s DG GROW and METI
of Japan:https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/
international-aspects/cooperationgovernments/eu-japan_en“EU Business in Japan” portal for EU
SMEs – wide range of resources on all
aspects of business with Japan:
https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/
List of Japan-related brokerage(business speed-dating) events, trade
missions & conferences:https://een.ec.europa.eu/events?f%5B0%5D=field_eventstartdate%3Anext_year&f%5B1%5D=field_country%3A764
EU-Japan EPA information and support
Introduction to the EPA:
https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/
in-focus/eu-japan-economic-partnershipagreement/
Explanation of key EPA terminology:
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-tomarkets/en/content/eu-japan-economicpartnership-agreement
The EPA in detail:https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1684

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

SMEs & the EPA:
https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/infocus/eu-japan-economic-partnershipagreement/smes-and-eu-japan/

EU-Japan Centre EPA Helpdesk –webinars, factsheets & answers:
https://www.eu-japan.eu/epa-helpdesk

Meetings & documents from the EPA
committees:
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/
index.cfm?id=2042

EU tariﬀ changes under the EPA:
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/
2018/august/tradoc_157229.pdf#page=10

EPA Guidance – importer’s knowledge:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/eu_japan_epa_guidance_importers_knowledge_en.pdf

EPA Guidance – statement on origin
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/eu-japan-epa-guidance-statements-on-origin.pdf

EPA Guidance – statement on origin
for multiple shipments of identicalproducts:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/eu_japan_epa_guidance_statement_on_origin_for_multiple_
shipments_of_identical_products_en.pdf
EPA Guidance – claim, verification anddenial of preference:https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/eu_japan_epa_
guidance_claim_verification_denial_en.pdf

24

9.0 Information Sources
EU Access2Markets portal
Tariﬀ, rules of origin, member-state taxes, importprocedures & product requirement information

EU-Japan customs relations
EU-Japan customs relations &cooperation:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/
business/international-aﬀairs/international-customs-cooperation-mutual-administrative-assistance-agreements/japan_en

For all products, countries of origin
and destination:
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-tomarkets/en/content
For all products originating in Japan,
and imported into Germany:https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-tomarkets/en/search?product=&origin=JP&destination=DE change last two lettersof the link for another country

Other sources of information or support
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) –support network for SMEs withinternational ambitions:
https://een.ec.europa.eu/

Rules of Origin Self-Assessment (ROSA):
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-tomarkets/en/content/presenting-rosa

Database of trade fairs and exhibitions:
https://www.auma.de/en/exhibit/findyour-exhibitions

Importing into the EU
Japanese database of trade fairs in
Europe:https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/database/j-messe/country/europe/

Tips for first time importers:
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-tomarkets/en/content/guide-import-goods

EU market and information by country:
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-tomarkets/en/content/eu-market-0

EU prohibitions and restrictions:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/prohibition_restriction_list_customs_en.pdf

Useful email addresses / webforms
TAXUD-E5_EU_JAPAN_EPA@ec.europa.eu
for customs-related questions
https://www.eu-japan.eu/eu-japan-epa-helpdeskinformation for EPA-related questions and issue-specificwebinars and factsheets

TARIC database of all measuresrelating to EU customs tariﬀ,
commercial & agricultural legislation:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/
business/calculation-customs-duties/
what-is-common-customs-tariﬀ/taric_en
Weblinks and QR codes were operational as of December 2020. Please notify any problems to oﬃce@eu-japan.eu

How to Import using the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

25

The information contained in this report reflects the views of the authors, and not necessarily the views of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. The
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation believes that the information is correct and accurate as of the date of publication, but declines any responsibility
for it or its use. This report is not intended to provide legal or other advice. You use the information provided in this document at your discretion andresponsibility.
Reproduction is authorised for non-commercial purposes, provided that the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is acknowledged as the source.
Edited by: S. Craig Gray, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, 52 rue Marie de Bourgogne, 1000 Brussels, oﬃce@eu-japan.eu© 2021 EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Oﬃce in Europe
Rue Marie de Bourgogne 52, B-1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 (0)2 282 00 40
Website: https://www.eu-japan.eu/