New Year Message – 2023

Happy New Year!

Thanks to the collaboration with all of you, 2022 was a very meaningful year for us.

We started our company in 2020, and the start-up period went by very quickly. As a result, we are now fortunate to work with clients from five continents around the world.

Looking at our company internally, we have been able to formulate a solid organization while hiring some staff. We are excited to increase the size of our company to contribute to more clients!

We observe that the business environment is steady. The customs and trade field is a niche, but the needs are robust and we're ready to serve with our state-of-art consulting services.

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

 

Sawada Keisuke

CEO, SK Advisory Inc

 

SK Advisory is one of the reliable ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures) service providers.

We have supported many non-resident companies to become IOR (Importer of Record) and successfully imported all of their goods into Japan.

 

 

 

Why choose us?

We specialize in navigating complex issues at the intersection of customs procedures and taxation—an area where our ability to offer practical, comprehensive support from both perspectives sets us apart. Understanding the close relationship between customs duties and national taxes (especially, Japan Consumption Tax - JCT), and addressing both in an integrated manner, is crucial in the context of international trade.

• Customs and International Trade Professionals - Led by our CEO, Mr. Sawada—Certified Customs Specialist and former KPMG professional—SK Advisory provides expert-level support in Customs and international trade.
• Full Compliance with Japanese Customs Law - We ensure full adherence to Japanese Customs Law, including Importer of Record (IOR) structure, HS code classification, and customs valuation. We assist in preparing all essential shipping documents for non-resident entities.
• One-Stop Support for ACP and JCT Tax Representative Services - In collaboration with trusted partner tax accountants, we provide comprehensive support for both customs procedures through the Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) and Japan Consumption Tax (JCT) filings through the JCT Tax Representative.
• Multilingual Communication - Our team communicates fluently in English, Japanese, and Chinese, offering smooth coordination with global clients and authorities in Japan.
• Support for Regulated Products - Our ACP/IOR partnership system can manage regulated items, including cosmetics, PSE-products, foodstuffs, and tableware.
• Trusted by Global Clients - Serving around 100 ACP clients annually, including many Amazon sellers, we’re a certified provider on Amazon SPN (Service Provider Network) under Trade Compliance.

Track Record – Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) Services

We have supported import and export operations in Japan for over 200 clients across more than 40 countries.

Examples of International Logistics Partners We Have Worked With

We have a proven track record of working with a wide range of logistics providers. As the Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP), we handle customs-related responsibilities while logistics companies manage transportation and warehousing operations.

...and many other logistics providers in Japan and around the world.

 

 

 

FAQ for ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures)

What is the role of ACP (SK Advisory)?

• Representation: ACP (SK Advisory) represents the foreign importer and liaises with Japan Customs and the Forwarding Company/Customs Broker.
• Documentation and Compliance: ACP assists in preparing essential import documents (e.g., Invoices) in compliance with Japan Customs Law and formally requests the Customs Broker to proceed with customs clearance.
• Expert Consultation and Troubleshooting: We are a team of legal experts in Customs Laws, providing direct consultations with Japan Customs to ensure compliance and address issues, including troubleshooting unique challenges in non-resident imports.

How long does it take to obtain ACP registration?

It will take approximately 2 weeks until getting an approval from Japan Customs Office.
The breakdown of the task is as follows.

• Prepare the necessary documentation with the client
• Start pre-consultation with Japan Customs Office and proceed initial review
• Submit paper-based set of application documents to Japan Customs Office for final review

What kind of documents to be necessary for ACP application?

Not limited, but for instance - Power of Attorney, Company Registry, The calculation method of Customs Valuation, Catalog of the import goods, business/logistic flow

ACP can handle all kinds of goods?

ACP is not capable to handle all kinds of goods. If the goods are subject to specific regulations requires importer to be resident in Japan, such goods can not be handled under the ACP.

Which regions in Japan are we covering?

Any region in Japan, we can handle.

What is difference between ACP and IOR?

ACP is not the Importer. ACP enables non-resident entities to become IOR (Importer of Record).