Import from Japan

Paperwork Needed for Importing from Japan

When planning to import to the UK from Japan, you’ll need to prepare the following:

• Customs declaration – this is a document that gives the details of the Japanese goods you are importing. It can be lodged either by you or your broker or freight forwarder.
• Commodity code – this is a ten-digit number that classifies imports from outside the EU. It identifies the rates of duty and VAT you’ll pay and any restrictions there are on your items.
• EORI number – this is a registration and identification number for anyone importing goods into the UK.
• Import licences – this is not needed for most goods, but some do require licences. These include military goods, technology, art, plants, animals, medicines, and chemicals.

Import Duties and Taxes - Japan to the UK

The duties and taxes payable on your goods from Japan will depend on their commodity codes, as well as the overall purchase and shipping value of the shipment.

Since there is currently no free trade agreement between Japan and the UK, customs duties will apply to goods worth over £135. The exact rate will depend on the commodity code of the import in question. You can check the duty rates for each code on the Trade Tariff website.

If you don’t pay any required import duties, customs will hold your goods for about three weeks before sending them back. They could even seize your goods, and you may also be fined.

VAT on Imports - Japan to the UK

You will need to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on anything being imported into the UK from Japan. This is calculated on top of import duties, and the rate is the same as if you had bought the items in the UK – 20%.

Importantly, it also includes the door-to-port cost of shipping the items to the UK, so it doesn’t disadvantage companies far from UK ports.

If your EORI number is linked to your UK VAT number, you can claim back the VAT on your normal VAT return by using HMRC form C79.

Avoid Double Taxation
You should make sure you don’t pay Consumption Tax (CT), the Japanese equivalent of VAT, as VAT is paid in the UK and only needs to be paid once. Ensure that your Japanese supplier doesn’t charge you CT, as reclaiming it once paid can be difficult.

Sea or Air Freight from Japan?

This choice depends on how much you’re shipping and how urgently you need it. If your item is large or bulky, Sea freight is usually the best option. However, this option could take around two months to reach the UK from Japan, so sea freight shouldn’t be used for urgent items.

If you want your shipment to arrive quickly, choose air freight. Flight times will be around 12 hours.

If your shipment is small, it may take longer to arrive. This is because it will be part of a consolidated flight and may have to wait until a plane is full before departing.

PACK & SEND Online Self-Service