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Rules of Origin > ORIGIN CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE

ORIGIN CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE

A preferential tariff rate is applicable to a good that qualifies as originating under the applicable preferential rules of origin. In order to make a claim for preferential tariff treatment to the Customs of the importing country, the following documentary evidence of origin is generally required as the basis of the claim:

  • Certificate of origin issued by the competent authority of the exporting country (third-party certification system)
  • Origin Certification Document completed by the importer, exporter or producer stating that the imported good is an originating good (self-certification system)

Importers are responsible for ensuring the originating status of the goods for which they claim preferential tariff treatment. The following are some questions for importers to be considered for greater certainty on the originating status of goods.

(1) Have you confirmed with the exporter that the good for which you claim preferential tariff treatment is an originating good?
(2) (When possible) Have you considered to request and obtain an advance ruling from Customs regarding the originating status of the good?
(3) Have you consulted with Customs office regarding the originating status of the good? Note that the requirements to obtain originating status of a good may vary depending on the applicable preferential rules of origin under GSP/EPA.
(4) Do you have a good understanding or knowledge on the production and/or materials of the good you import? (e.g. Where/in which country, by whom, and/or from what/which materials is the good produced?)
(5) Have you established procedures and obtained the relevant supporting documents for responding to the inquiries from Customs during or after the clearance of goods claiming preferential tariff treatment? Importers are supposed to maintain and present the supporting documents when required to demonstrate the originating status of the good.

Third-party certification system

[EPA]
Importers may make a claim for preferential tariff treatment by submitting a certificate of origin issued by the competent authority of the exporting party. For specific requirements, please refer to the text of each EPA.

Applicable EPA: Japan-Singapore EPA, Japan-Mexico EPA, Japan-Malaysia EPA, Japan- Chile EPA, Japan-Thailand EPA, Japan-Indonesia EPA, Japan-Brunei EPA, Japan-ASEAN CEPA, Japan-Philippines EPA, Japan-Switzerland EPA, Japan-Viet Nam EPA, Japan-India CEPA, Japan-Peru EPA, Japan-Australia EPA, Japan-Mongolia EPA

[GSP]
In order to make a claim for preferential tariff treatment under GSP, importers must submit a valid certificate of origin issued by the Customs authority or other competent authorities of the beneficiary country.

 

Self-certification system

Importers may make a claim for preferential tariff treatment on the basis of an origin certification document completed by the importer, exporter or producer (self-certification system). For specific requirements, please refer to the text of each EPA.
Applicable EPA: Japan- Australia EPA, Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Japan-EU EPA,Trade Agreement between Japan and the United States of America, Japan-UK CEPA

Reference

 

In addition to the above, under the Japan-Switzerland EPA, Japan-Peru EPA and Japan-Mexico EPA, importers may make a claim for preferential tariff treatment on the basis of an origin declaration by the exporters approved by the competent authority of the exporting party (approved exporter certification system). These EPAs also allow to use the third party certification system.

Minor errors of a certificate of origin and other documentary evidence of origin

In principle, a certificate of origin and other documentary evidence of origin must be complete and accurate. However, even if there are some incomplete elements or omissions in the document, Customs may consider them a minor error and accept the document as valid, provided that the originating status of the good is confirmed and there is no doubt as to the authenticity of the document.