Other Activities
Hozei (Bond) System
Hozei (Bond) is the system of suspending the collection of Customs duties and excise taxes on import goods provided that those goods are kept under Customs control in the Hozei area.
In the Hozei area, goods can be kept for up to two years. During this time, items might be processed, manufactured or displayed.
The Hozei system is useful for business in that it promotes foreign trade, cultural exchange with foreign countries, and regional development.
Seizures of illegal Exports
Smuggling of illegal goods such as drugs, guns, counterfeits, as well as illegal exportation of goods such as stolen cars and hazardous waste have become serious problems in Japan.
Customs officials are working in cooperation with other organizations including the Ministry of Economy trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to stop illegal trade.
Customs Technical Cooperation Program
Capacity building programs support the efforts toward reform and modernization of Customs administrations of developing countries. This contributes to facilitation of international trade through simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures, and helps to improve enforcement against smuggling and strengthens the fight against terrorism. The Program includes the acceptance of trainees and dispatch of experts of Japan Customs, who provide knowledge and skills to further enhance cooperative relations with Customs administrations of developing countries.
Open seminar about Customs matters
Japan Customs opens seminar for people in related trades to help Japanese enterprises.
Reinforcement of the Collection and Analysis of Information on Smuggling
The post of Customs Manager Intelligence (to handle smuggling intelligence) was established in each Customs office. The officers comprehensively manage and analyze smuggling-related information received from domestic law enforcement authorities (such as police and coast guard), foreign customs and other sources, making every effort to conduct effective intelligence analysis.
Trade Statistics
One of the important economic indexes in Japan is the report on trade statistics compiled by Customs. Because of their accuracy and quickness, these trade statistics reports are widely utilized not only by the public sector but also by the private sector in developing economic policies or business plans.