Japan Tariff Code Lookup & Duty Calculator

The Japan Customs Tariff (関税定率法, Tariff Act) is the statutory schedule that classifies imported goods and sets customs duty rates. It is administered by the Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance and Japan Customs. The classification is based on the WCO Harmonized System, which Japan extends to 9-digit statistical codes that carry the applicable general, WTO, and preferential duty rates.

Japan's Customs Tariff is revised annually, effective April 1, to reflect WCO Harmonized System amendments and statutory rate changes. Preferential rates under EPAs (such as Japan-EU EPA, RCEP, and CPTPP) are also phased down on scheduled dates, sometimes mid-year. Always verify the current rate with Japan Customs before filing an import declaration.

The 6-digit HS code is the international WCO standard shared by all customs administrations worldwide — it identifies the product but does not by itself carry a Japan-specific rate. Japan's 9-digit code adds three national digits that further subdivide products for statistical purposes and link to the applicable general, WTO, and preferential duty rates. This tool currently provides the 6-digit base layer; the 9-digit codes and rates are being integrated for Q3 2026.

Japan calculates customs duty on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) of the imported goods. The applicable rate may be ad valorem (a percentage), specific (a fixed amount per unit), or compound (both). On top of customs duty, consumption tax (standard 10%, or reduced 8% for food & beverages) is levied on (CIF + customs duty). Our calculator estimates the customs duty portion using a manually entered rate; automatic rate lookup will follow once the Japan Customs rate database is imported.

The official source is Japan Customs (Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance). The English-language tariff schedule, search tools, and legal texts are published at www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff. For binding classification decisions and the most current rates, consult Japan Customs directly or a licensed customs broker (ACI / CFA).