Import from Japan to the UK
In 2024, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and Japan was valued at £27.2 billion, with imports alone amounting to £13.4 billion! As the UK’s 14th largest trading partner, Japan provides consumers with a wide range of goods.
What products are commonly imported from Japan to the UK?
Some of the most popular imports from Japan to the UK include:
Some of the most popular imports from Japan to the UK include:
- Electronics and gadgets: Japan exports miscellaneous electronic equipment to the UK, and in 2024, its imports were valued at approximately £528.7 million.
- Automotive parts and vehicles: Automotive parts (e.g., brake parts, shock absorbers) and vehicle exports to the UK valued at £696.8 million.
- Machinery and industrial equipment: Japan exported $109.1 million worth of machinery and equipment to countries worldwide.
- Fashion and textiles: Clothing, fabrics, accessories
- Food and beverages: Popular food exports from Japan include noodles, soy sauce and Wasabi
- Traditional Japanese goods (e.g., ceramics, art, etc.): Sake vessels, teacups, vases
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What import duties and taxes do you have to pay on imports from Japan?
Importing goods from Japan to the UK requires in-depth knowledge of UK compliance procedures and regulations.
Importers engaged in Japan to UK shipping will be contacted by their courier and told how to pay the relevant duties. They will then need to pay any charges within three weeks, otherwise, the parcel will be returned to the sender.
To find out how much you owe, you must have access to the correct tariff or HS code.
As shipping from Japan means your goods come from outside the EU, you could also be charged excise duty or VAT. Customs duty will also be charged on gifts or goods over a certain value. Here’s a breakdown:
To find out how much you owe, you must have access to the correct tariff or HS code.
As shipping from Japan means your goods come from outside the EU, you could also be charged excise duty or VAT. Customs duty will also be charged on gifts or goods over a certain value. Here’s a breakdown:
| Type and value of goods | Import duty |
|---|---|
Any goods under £135 | No charge |
| Gifts worth £135-£630 | 2.5% (lower for some goods) |
| Gifts above £630 and any other goods above £135 | Exact rate may vary according to the country of export and HS code. |
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What are the necessary customs procedures and paperwork for Japanese imports?
To import from Japan to the UK, you must be prepared with accurate documentation.
Failure to provide the correct paperwork could result in shipping delays or your goods being held at customs. Those importing goods from Japan will need to complete/have access to the following:
Failure to provide the correct paperwork could result in shipping delays or your goods being held at customs. Those importing goods from Japan will need to complete/have access to the following:
| Type of document | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | The primary document detailing the transaction, including the value, quantity, and description of the goods. |
| Packing list | Offers information about the contents of each package, including dimensions, weight, and packaging type. |
| Certificate of origin | Certifies the country where the goods were manufactured. |
| Import licence (if required) | Required for certain goods. Importers should check the UK government's guidance on import licences and certificates. |
| Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB) | Serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier detailing the terms of transportation. |
| Customs Declaration (C88/Single Administrative Document) | Necessary for declaring the goods being imported. |
| Insurance Certificate | Provides proof of the import VAT paid, which VAT-registered businesses can reclaim. |
Are there any Japan-UK trade agreements?
Yes, the UK and Japan established the Japan–UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2020 (it came into effect in 2021).
It commits to providing lower tariffs for importers for certain goods (industrial goods and electrical control units) with some goods to become duty-free in 2026 (certain leathers and hides).
It also includes provisions for digital trade by prohibiting the application of customs duties to electronic transmissions. Other agreements include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between the UK, Japan and other Pacific nations. Import from Japan to the UK, and you may benefit from these preferential trade agreements.
It commits to providing lower tariffs for importers for certain goods (industrial goods and electrical control units) with some goods to become duty-free in 2026 (certain leathers and hides).
It also includes provisions for digital trade by prohibiting the application of customs duties to electronic transmissions. Other agreements include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between the UK, Japan and other Pacific nations. Import from Japan to the UK, and you may benefit from these preferential trade agreements.
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What safety and quality standards are there when importing from Japan?
When procuring goods for Japan to UK shipping, importers must adhere to strict regulatory import requirements. These include:
Product marking standards
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is the UK's product marking requirement for goods placed on the market in Great Britain.
It covers most goods that previously required the CE marking. Importers must make sure that all imported products are correctly marked with the UKCA symbol.
Marketing standards
Specific products, such as wine, poultry, meat, and beef, must conform to marketing standards.
Labelling standards
Importing goods from Japan to the UK means you must comply with the five labelling standards, which include:
- Food labelling
- Food standards
- Food packaging
- Organic food labelling
- Textile labelling
You can learn more about labelling standards on the UK government website.
Sanitary and phytosanitary measures
Shipping food and beverages from Japan requires importers to meet the necessary food safety and biosecurity standards.
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