Japan

EU – Japan Free Trade Agreement

EU – Japan Free Trade Agreement

EU – Japan Free Trade Agreement

Did you know that you could save money on your international shipments to and from Japan? The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) creates significant opportunities for businesses in both regions by removing duties on almost all products of EU or Japan origin making it easier and cheaper to import and export. All it takes is a simple declaration to be added to the commercial invoice. It has been in force since February 2019 and is expected to save European exporters alone as much as €1 billion in duties every year.1

Learn how you could benefit from the EU-Japan EPA.

What’s in it for my business?

Euro
Euro
Euro

Cost savings

Duties on almost all products are removed and non-tariff barriers reduced. 

International
International
International

Improved access

Easier access to the Japanese market could mean new opportunities for your business in terms of competitiveness and investment.

Document
Document
Document

Simpler regulation

It is now easier for EU and Japanese companies to work together, for example, by aligning product safety standards.

Customs
Customs
Customs

Simplified, modern customs procedures

Modern customs processes allow for quick and easy release of your goods.

NOTE: The trade agreement applies to duties, not taxes. Any applicable Consumption Tax for imports into Japan and VAT for imports into the EU still need to be paid.

How can I benefit?

To benefit from reduced or 0% tariffs, products must be of ‘European Union origin’. All it takes is a declaration. No formal certificate is required. Simply add the following to your commercial invoice (or any other commercial document) along with a detailed description of the goods as you would usually do: 

Sample Statement of Origin:

(Period: from___________ to __________)
 

The exporter of the products covered by this document (Exporter Reference No. ______) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of European Union preferential origin. 

__________________________________
(Origin criteria used)

___________________________________
(Place and date)
 

_________________________________
(Printed name of the exporter)

Important note: it is essential that the declaration is filled out correctly or it may be rejected by customs. Please consult the official text of the origin declaration, which comes with explanatory notes and is available in all applicable languages. 

The Exporter Reference No. is your Registered Exporter (REX) number. It is required for all shipments valued over €6000. 

How to get a REX number

  • Register online with your national customs authority.
     
  • If you are a first-time REX user, you might want to read the REX Guidance document.
     
  • Once you receive it, you can add your Registered Exporter number to commercial invoices of shipments to Japan valued over €6000. 

How can FedEx help?

Fast Intercontinental Shipping

We help your business reach its full potential. With our express parcel service, you can import from Japan in just 1-2 days and export to Japan in 2 days*.

Ship Now

*Service availability and transit times may vary depending on shipment type, origin and destination. FedEx terms and conditions apply. 

Always make sure to check the rules and regulations of the country you’re shipping from and to prior to shipping. Please review the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement for more information.