(1) Customs and International Trade Advisory Services

Customs duty is a tax levied on imported goods at the time of importation, and it is considered as part of the cost of sales. However, the actual amount of customs duty incurred is often overlooked and not properly understood, as it is included in the cost of sales and cannot be readily identified from financial statements.

Many companies delegate customs duties to their procurement staff without establishing a comprehensive understanding of customs costs throughout the organization. We believe that there is significant room for companies to enhance their competitiveness by effectively managing customs duties. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you in visualizing your customs costs and establishing an appropriate compliance system within your company.

Our services
Customs Consultation Service
  • We provide comprehensive consultation services on all matters related to customs duties.
Import Compliance Support
  • We offer support for overall import compliance, including risk assessment services.
  • We assist in preparing the necessary documentation for customs clearance, ensuring compliance with import regulations, customs valuation, and HS codes.
Visualization of Customs Costs
  • We help you assess the payment status of customs costs, analyze customs laws and regulations from various perspectives (HS, Customs Valuation, Origin, etc.), and propose appropriate measures to achieve cost reduction and ensure compliance.
HS classification
  • Our team supports you in classifying HS codes in accordance with the laws and regulations of each destination country. Proper HS code classification is crucial as it affects tariff rates and rules of origin.
Customs Valuation
  • We assist in accurately calculating the customs value of imported goods, ensuring compliance with customs-related laws and regulations. The invoice price may not always reflect the customs value, and our services help establish the appropriate customs value.
Customs Audit Assistance
  • We provide guidance and develop strategies for Japan Customs audits, facilitating effective communication and negotiation with customs and trade authorities.

Tariff Rate Research Service, Trade Statistics Research Service
  • Our research services cover customs/import duty rates (tariff rates) for Japan and other countries worldwide.
  • Utilizing trade statistics databases, we can provide insights into the volume and value of imports and exports for specific items (HS codes) in target countries.

 

 

(2) FTA Advisory Services

Japan's Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) have expanded considerably with the conclusion of agreements such as RCEP, TPP11, and Japan-EU. However, many companies have yet to fully leverage the benefits of free trade.

To enjoy preferential tariff rates under FTA/EPA agreements, companies need to establish a compliance system that adheres to the rules of each agreement and involves document preparation related to the country of origin. However, due to the time and cost required to understand and manage these rules, many companies have chosen not to utilize FTAs/EPAs.

While it is understandable for companies to make a business decision based on the economic rationale of tariff benefits and the cost of origin control, the reality is that many companies struggle to accurately assess the economic viability of such decisions.

Our team is here to assist you in making informed go/no-go decisions regarding the application of FTAs/EPAs. If you decide to proceed, we will work closely with you to maximize tariff benefits and introduce management systems and methods that minimize administrative costs.

Our services
FTA/EPA Consultation Service
  • We provide comprehensive answers to any questions regarding FTAs/EPAs, even for minor queries.
Impact Study on Customs Cost
  • We analyze your current supply chain, assessing the possibility of utilizing FTAs in existing transactions.
  • We research and propose the potential utilization of new FTAs due to changes in commercial logistics and quantify the impact of cost reductions resulting from such changes.
Support Preparation of Certificate of Origin
  • We assist in the preparation of certificates of origin and related documents required by each FTA.
  • We ensure compliance with the rules set forth in each agreement and provide guidance on documenting product origin.
FTA/EPA Verification Audit Assistance
  • Our team provides assistance, guidance, and strategies for Japan Customs audits, facilitating effective communication and negotiation with customs and trade authorities.
FTA/EPA Origin Compliance Review
  • We review your current practices from an Origin Compliance perspective to prepare for FTA verification audits.
  • Our "Mock audit" service helps ensure readiness for official audits.
Supplier Training
  • We offer training programs for your suppliers, enabling them to accurately submit Certificates of Originating Materials.
FTA/EPA Cost-Saving Review
  • By reviewing your current business model and supply chain, we measure potential cost savings achievable through the utilization of existing FTAs.

 

 

 

FTA/EPA, Customs and International Trade Advisory Services

ACP Service, Attorney for Customs Procedure

Customs Audit Support

Customs Support for Transfer Pricing Adjustments