ORIGIN VERIFICATION

*There are links to PDF files below.

(1) Purpose of verification

“Verification” is a process of confirming the originating status of goods which have already been imported under preferential tariff treatment of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Customs conducts verification of origin in accordance with the provision of each EPA and Customs-related laws and regulations.
In order to benefit from the preferential tariff under an EPA or GSP, the imported good must qualify as originating in accordance with the applicable rules of origin of the EPA or GSP. Through verification, Customs ensures the proper application of preferential tariff treatment under EPAs or GSP.

(2) Methods of verification

As for the verification with the importer, Customs sends a written request for information on the originating status of the imported good(s). Customs determines whether the good qualifies as originating on the basis of the information and documents provided by the importer.
If the originating status of the good is not confirmed through the verification with the importer, Customs may carry out verification with the exporter or producer. Customs sends a written request for information to the exporter or producer, or conducts a verification visit to the premises (e.g. factories or offices) of the exporter or producer.
If Customs cannot confirm the originating status of the good through the above process, preferential tariff treatment would be denied. Furthermore, depending on the cases, the good may be subject to an additional tax/penalties for underpayment of Customs duties.

(Download Files)
Form - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON THE ORIGIN OF GOODS
Japan Customs sends this form to request information regarding the originating status of the imported goods. This form may be sent to the exporter, producer or the competent authority of the exporting party of an EPA or a GSP beneficiary country, depending on the preferential duty rate claimed by the importer. The addressee of this form is requested to promptly fill out and send back the form to Japan Customs.

Reference
・Application of Rules of Origin (ROO) of Japan-EU EPA and Japan-UK EPA to the used product

(3) Cases of origin irregularities related to EPA or GSP

The followings are reference cases for importers regarding products that were declared for import under the preferential tariff rates under EPA or GSP, but that were found to be NOT originating and not eligible for the preferential tariff rates, through origin verification process by Japan Customs.

These cases are published for the purpose of ensuring compliance by importers further, who are required to confirm by themselves whether the products satisfy the rules of origin, even if they have obtained a Certification of Origin issued by the exporting country. Please make the most use of this information.

*How to view the cases.

Reference cases

No.	HS code	Product	EPA/GSP
1	HS 03.03	Fish	CPTPP
2	HS 03.06	Frozen shrimps (Head)	RCEP (from China)
3	HS 03.07	Salted jellyfishes	Japan-Thailand EPA
4	HS 06.04	Dried plants for ornamental purposes	Japan-India Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (JICEPA)
5	HS 07.11	Salted vegetables	Japan-EU EPA
6	HS 09.01	Coffee beans	Japan-Australia EPA
7	HS 1604.14	Preparations of tuna	Japan-Thailand EPA
8	HS 1604.15	Preparations of mackerel	Japan-ASEAN EPA (from Thailand)
9	HS 1605.20	Deep-fried shrimp cutlets	Japan-Thailand EPA
10	HS 17.04	Candies	Japan-EU EPA
11	HS 18.05	Cocoa powder	Japan-Indonesia EPA
12	HS 19.02	Pasta	Japan-EU EPA
13	HS 19.05	Cookies	Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
14	HS 19.05	Snacks	Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
15	HS 19.05	Bakers’ wares	Japan-Indonesia EPA
16	HS 2005.20	Preparations of potatoes	Japan-Malaysia EPA
17	HS 20.06	Fruit preserved by sugar	Japan-Thailand EPA
18	HS 2008.92	Preparations of fruit (mixtures)	Japan-Philippines EPA
19	HS 2009.41	Pineapple juice	Japan-EU EPA
20	HS 2009.90	Mixtures of juices	Japan-Thailand EPA
21	HS 22.04	Wine	Japan-EU EPA
22	HS 2710.19	Lubricant	Japan-Thailand EPA
23	HS 2924.29	Pigment intermediate	Japan-India Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (JICEPA)
24	HS 2933.69	Agrichemical product	Japan-India Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (JICEPA)
25	HS 57.02	Floor coverings	Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
26	HS 57.02	Floor coverings	Japan-EU EPA
27	HS 61.10	Articles of apparel, knitted or crocheted	Japan-EU EPA
28	HS 62.01	Articles of apparel, not knitted or crocheted	CPTPP
29	HS 62.11	Articles of apparel, not knitted or crocheted	Japan-ASEAN EPA (from Viet Nam)
30	HS 63.02	Towel	Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
31	HS 63.07	Knitted article	Japan-EU EPA