4049: Outline of the Agreement between Japan and the European Union for an Economic Partnership(FAQ)
（１）Outline（MOFA HP）
https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000013835.pdf
（２）Elimination of Tariff on Imported Goods
Japan is to either eliminate or reduce tariffs (concessions) in line with the schedule described in Annex 2-A of the Japan-EU EPA. Categories of concession such as tariff elimination, tariff reduction and tariff rate quota, etc. are prescribed in the “Notes for the Schedule of Japan” of Section A of Part 3 of Annex 2-A(Reference).
| Category | Description | Examples of products |
|---|---|---|
| A | Tariff elimination as from the date of entry into force of the EPA | Chemical products, Fiber products, Wine |
| Bn | Tariff elimination by gradual tariff reduction on a yearly basis in “n+1” phase from the base rate ｎ＝3,5,7,8,9,10,12,13,15,20 (First reduction: Date of entry into force) (Subsequent reduction: April 1 of each year) | Fishery products, Forestry products |
| R | Tariff reduction under conditions | Beef, Pork |
| TRQ | Tariff rate quota | Malt, Cocoa powder, Soft cheese |
| Xb | Excluded from any commitment and remain at the base rate | Sea algae |
| Xq1 | Excluded from any commitment and tariff rate quotas are set out in Japan’s schedule to the WTO Agreement | Leather, Footwear (Note: Tariffs on these products classified under the tariff lines outside of the tariff rate quotas will be eliminated.) |
| Xq2 | Excluded from any commitment and tariff rate quotas are set out by relevant cabinet orders of Japan | Part of Dairy product |
| X | Excluded from any commitment | Rice |
- Schedule of Japan (Section A of Part 3 of Annex2-A) (Japanese)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/000382059.pdf - Schedule of the EU (Section A of Part 2 of Annex2-A) (English)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000382107.pdf
（３）Overview of the Elimination or Reduction in Tariffs
Based on the Japan-EU EPA, elimination rate of customs duties on Japan side is approximately 94% by tariff lines. On the other hand, elimination rate of customs duties on the EU side is approximately 99% by tariff lines, according to the EU’s published documents.
Ⅰ. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
1. Japan’s key commitments
- Rice: excluded from elimination/reduction of customs duties.
- Wheat, Dairy products, Sugar, Pork: maintain state trading system for wheat and dairy products; sugar price adjustment system; gate price system for pork. Ensure effective measures such as tariff rate quotas and safeguards.
- Soft cheese: tariff rate quota is allocated, and quota volume is limited to the extent which enables expansion of production in Japan.
- Beef: ensure 15-year tariff reduction period and safeguard.
2. EU's key commitments
- Almost all products including Japan’s export priority products, including beef, tea and fishery products, customs duties will be eliminated.
- All customs duties of alcoholic beverages will be eliminated immediately.
Ⅱ. Industrial products
1. Japan’s key commitments
- Chemical products, fiber/fiber products: customs duties will be eliminated immediately.
- Leather, footwear: customs duties will be eliminated in 11 years or 16 years.
2. EU;s key commitments
- 100% elimination of customs duties
- Automobiles (current customs duties: 10%) : customs duties will be eliminated in 8 years.
- Car parts: more than 90% of customs duties (exports by value) will be eliminated immediately.
- General machineries, chemical products and electronics: approximately 90% of customs duties (exports by value) will be eliminated.
For consultations on customs procedures, please contact the nearest Customs Counselor.
Please see No. 9301 for inquiries.