Customs Notification for EU Selling Partners selling in Japan

If you’re an Amazon seller operating in Japan or planning to expand your business to the Japanese market, there’s an important update you need to be aware of. Amazon has recently announced a significant change to the customs clearance procedure for out-of-country selling partners in Japan, which will take effect on October 1, 2023. This change is aimed at addressing issues related to the false designation of importers and aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the importing process.

What’s Changing?

Starting from October 1, 2023, foreign entities can no longer designate a Japanese company as their Importer of Record (IOR). Instead, sellers themselves are now required to act as the IOR, taking on the responsibility of ensuring their products clear customs smoothly and comply with all Japanese import regulations.

To fulfill this new requirement, sellers must use the ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures) service, which is now mandatory for out-of-country selling partners operating in Japan. This change in the customs clearance procedure is a significant step toward ensuring the legitimacy and compliance of the import process, preventing potential misuse of third-party entities as importers.

How Does the ACP Service Work?

The ACP service is designed to simplify the customs clearance process for foreign entities and help sellers navigate the intricacies of Japanese customs regulations. Here’s how it works:

1. Appointment of an Attorney for Customs Procedures: As an Amazon seller, you will need to appoint an ACP to represent you during customs clearance. This individual or entity will be responsible for managing the import process, submitting the required documentation, and ensuring compliance with all customs and import regulations.
2. Required Documentation: The ACP will assist you in preparing and submitting all the necessary documentation to customs authorities. This may include invoices, shipping information, and other relevant paperwork.
3. Communication with Customs Authorities: Your chosen ACP will be the primary point of contact between your business and Japanese customs authorities, ensuring that any inquiries or issues are addressed promptly and professionally.

Where to Find ACP Service Providers

To help you find reputable and reliable ACP service providers, Amazon has created a dedicated resource within Seller Central. Here are the steps to locate ACP service providers:

1. Log in to your Seller Central account.
2. Navigate to “Apps & Services” in the top menu.
3. Click on “Explore Services.”
4. From the Explore Services page, select “International Shipping.”
5. You will find a list of ACP service providers who can assist you with the new customs clearance procedure in Japan.

Additionally, you can also find ACP providers by following these steps:

1. Log in to your Seller Central account.
2. Navigate to “Apps & Services” in the top menu.
3. Click on “Explore Services.”
4. From the Explore Services page, select “Compliance.”

This will lead you to a list of service providers who specialize in compliance-related services, including ACP service.

The upcoming change in the customs clearance procedure for out-of-country selling partners in Japan is an important development that Amazon sellers should be aware of. As of October 1, 2023, foreign entities can no longer use a Japanese company as their IOR, and the use of the ACP service is now mandatory. This change is aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the import process, ensuring that sellers are directly responsible for customs clearance.

To make this transition as smooth as possible, be sure to explore the available ACP service providers through your Seller Central account. By selecting a reputable ACP, you can navigate the new customs clearance process with confidence, ensuring that your products reach the Japanese market in compliance with all regulations. Adapt to this change proactively and maintain a successful presence on Amazon Japan.

Here you can view a screenshot of the announcement from Amazon:

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