Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Scott Scofield to discuss the keys to success when importing into Japan. Kim and Scott break down the ways in which Japanese import compliance is opaque, not digitized, and how it relies heavily on the import partner.
Why are import partners so critical to success? They hold many of the rights and responsibilities, so changing partners later on can result in problems. Selling into Japan can be complex for companies new to the process. There are multiple steps for import compliance, including selecting the importer of record, meeting product and labeling standards, as well as applying and being approved for other regulatory compliance (medical, food, electronics, etc).
The import application itself is complex, almost like a patent application. Filling it out requires the company to disclose information about the product, the materials, and how it’s made. In addition to the import application the product may need to be registered with various regulatory agencies, such as the PSE and PMDA. These agencies provide ambiguous instructions, so someone with "tribal knowledge" is often needed to fully understand the process.
Finally, Kim and Scott discuss best practices for companies selling into Japan. It’s not all compliance! .
Learn all this and more in this information-packed episode!
Things you’ll learn
Episode Sponsors:
Acclime China:
Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for China.
Website: www.intltraderesources.com
Email: intltradepodcast@gmail.com
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