The certificate specifies the quantity of goods and other special conditions under which the licence is to be issued. Japan's tariff quota system covers 24 product categories. Products under the tariff quota system include leather, leather footwear and certain agricultural products. Japan has a multi-column tariff system, with columns for general, WTO, preferential and temporary tariffs. In most cases, the preferential tariff rate is the lowest.
Imports require a number of documents for clearance.
Standards on products and services are highly regulated in Japan. Most Japanese standards have been translated into English and are outlined in the JIS Yearbook updated each July. Japan is the 3rd largest export market of Hong Kong. Japan is the 2nd largest source of imports for Hong Kong. Since offshore trade has not been captured by ordinary trade figures, these numbers do not necessarily reflect the export business managed by Hong Kong companies.