How to Export to Japan from India: Complete 2026 Guide
Japan-India CEPA duty rates, JCG quarantine rules, METI compliance, and PMDA registration everything Indian exporters need to enter the Japanese market.
1. Executive Overview & India-Japan Bilateral Trade Statistics
Direct Answer: Exporting from India to Japan in 2026 is anchored by the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), granting preferential 0% customs duty access across 94% of tariff lines. Bilateral trade stands at $27.48 Billion USD, with Indian exports reaching $6.04 Billion. Top exports include Organic Chemicals ($1.15B), Industrial Machinery & Electronics ($1.10B), Marine Products ($480M), and Refined Naphtha ($1.20B). Mandatory compliance involves METI PSE Mark for electricals, MHLW Food Sanitation Act, and PMDA Foreign Manufacturer Registration.
Japan represents one of East Asia’s most lucrative and stable markets for Indian exporters. Governed by the landmark India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA), operational since August 1, 2011, trade between the two nations offers unmatched tariff advantages. Official trade statistics released by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (TradeStat FY 2025-26) record bilateral merchandise trade at US$ 27.48 Billion, with Indian exports climbing to US$ 6.04 Billion.
Top Export Commodities from India to Japan (HS Chapter Breakdown)
Official trade statistics highlight Indian export strength across petrochemicals, organic chemistry, engineering, marine products, and textiles:
| HS Chapter | Commodity Sector | Annual Value (USD) | Key Products & Sub-categories | CEPA Duty Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HS Chapter 27 | Petroleum & Naphtha | $1.20 Billion | Naphtha feedstock, refined petroleum fractions | 0% Concessional |
HS Chapter 29 | Organic Chemicals & APIs | $1.15 Billion | Heterocyclic compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, active drug ingredients | 0% Preferential Duty |
HS Ch. 84 & 85 | Machinery & Electronics | $1.10 Billion | Industrial pumps, auto components, power shafts, PCBs | 0% Preferential Duty |
HS Ch. 72 & 73 | Iron & Steel Products | $520 Million | Ferro-alloys, hot-rolled coils, forged steel components | 0% Preferential Duty |
HS Chapter 03 | Marine Products & Shrimp | $480 Million | Frozen Black Tiger shrimp, Vannamei shrimp, cuttlefish | 0% Preferential Duty |
HS Chapter 71 | Gems & Cut Diamonds | $420 Million | Cut and polished diamonds, precious gemstone jewelry | 0% MFN / CEPA |
HS Ch. 61 & 62 | Apparel & Readymade Garments | $360 Million | Cotton woven apparel, knitted garments, home textiles | 0% Preferential Duty |
Maritime & Air Shipping Logistics Corridors to Japan
- Ocean Freight (Nhava Sheva / Chennai / Mundra to Tokyo / Yokohama / Kobe): Fast ocean transit time of 14 to 18 days via direct East Asian container services.
- Air Cargo Corridors: Direct air freight from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or Chennai (MAA) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) in 12 to 16 hours transit.
2. Mandatory Indian Compliance & Pre-Export Setup
To qualify for CEPA tariff concessions and clear Indian customs smoothly, exporters must complete standard registration steps:
1. Import Export Code (IEC)
10-digit PAN-based registration issued by DGFT. Annual re-validation mandatory on dgft.gov.in.
2. RCMC Certificate
RCMC from relevant Export Promotion Council (MPEDA for marine, Pharmexcil for drugs, CHEMEXCIL for chemicals, TEXPROCIL for garments).
3. GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT)
Annual Form GST RFD-11 filing on gst.gov.in to export goods without paying 18% IGST upfront.
4. AD Code ICEGATE Linkage
Bank AD Code registered at port of clearance on ICEGATE to generate automated e-BRC / IRM for foreign exchange realization.
3. India-Japan CEPA Tariffs & Rules of Origin (RoO)
Direct Answer: Under the India-Japan CEPA, over 94% of tariff lines enter Japan at 0% basic customs duty. To claim 0% preferential duties, Indian exporters must apply for an IJCEPA Certificate of Origin on the DGFT portal (coo.dgft.gov.in) proving origin compliance via CTSH (Change in Tariff Subheading) plus minimum 35% regional value addition on FOB price, or Wholly Obtained status. Japan levies a 10% Japanese Consumption Tax (JCT) on imports.
Rules of Origin (RoO) Criteria for IJCEPA
To claim 0% preferential duty treatment under the India-Japan CEPA, the export goods must fulfill one of the following origin rules:
- Wholly Obtained (WO): Goods harvested, mined, or caught entirely in India (agricultural produce, wild seafood, raw minerals).
- Substantial Transformation (CTSH + 35% VA): Non-originating raw material inputs must undergo a Change in Tariff Subheading (CTSH) at the 6-digit HS level, AND the finished product must achieve a minimum 35% Regional Value Addition (RVA) based on FOB price.
Applying for IJCEPA Preferential Certificate of Origin (e-CoO)
Exporters must apply online via the official DGFT e-CoO portal (coo.dgft.gov.in) using a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The issued IJCEPA Certificate of Origin must be presented to Japan Customs at the port of entry to grant 0% duty release.
Japanese Consumption Tax (JCT)
All commercial imports entering Japan are subject to the 10% Japanese Consumption Tax (JCT) (a reduced rate of 8% applies to qualifying food products). JCT is calculated on the total CIF Value + Customs Duty.
4. Non-Tariff Barriers & Japan Regulatory Compliance
While Japan offers generous tariff reductions, non-tariff compliance (NTBs) is exceptionally stringent. Products failing Japanese technical standards are rejected without compromise.
1. METI PSE Mark Electrical Appliance & Material Safety Law (DENAN Law)
Enforced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Electrical appliances and electronics exported to Japan must display the appropriate PSE Mark:
- Diamond PSE Mark (Specified Electrical Products – High Risk): Applies to AC adapters, power cords, transformers, and electric tools (~116 items). Requires testing by a METI-registered Conformity Assessment Body (RCAB), factory audits, and a 3-to-7 year certificate of conformity.
- Circle PSE Mark (Non-Specified Products – Lower Risk): Applies to household electronics, LED lamps, audio gear (~341 items). Requires self-declaration supported by compliant laboratory test reports.
2. MHLW Food Sanitation Act & Positive List System
Governed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW):
- Import Notification: Importers file a Notification Form for Importation of Foods with the MHLW Quarantine Station prior to cargo arrival.
- Positive List System & Zero Antibiotic Tolerance: Japan enforces strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides. For marine exports (shrimp, prawns), Japan maintains a strict 0% tolerance policy for antibiotic residues (Chloramphenicol, Nitrofurans). Consignments require MPEDA Catch Certificates and EIC Health Certificates.
3. PMD Act Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Accreditation
Governed by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) under MHLW:
- Foreign Manufacturer Registration (FMR / Toroku): Indian pharma manufacturing plants must register with PMDA prior to exporting APIs or generic formulations to Japan.
- Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH): Indian pharma exporters must partner with a licensed Japanese MAH resident in Japan to hold product registration and manage post-market surveillance.
5. Indian Export Incentives & Financial Claims (FTP 2023-28)
Direct Answer: Exporters shipping to Japan can claim RoDTEP tax rebates (0.5% to 4.3% of FOB value under Appendix 4R), Duty Drawback (DBK) refunds (1.5% to 8.0%), interest subvention under the RBI Interest Equalization Scheme (3% for MSMEs), and 100% upfront IGST exemption via GST LUT.
| Incentive Scheme | Administering Body | Benefit Quantum for Japan Exports | Claim Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoDTEP Scheme | DGFT / CBIC Customs | 0.5% to 4.3% of FOB Value (Apparel ~2.5%, Pharma ~1.0%, Engineering ~1.5%-2.2%) | Declared on ICEGATE Shipping Bill; issued as electronic transferable duty credit scrips on DGFT portal. |
| Duty Drawback (DBK) | CBIC Customs (Sec 75) | 1.5% to 8.0% of FOB Value (All Industry Rates schedule) | Automated deposit into bank account via ICEGATE RMS. |
| Interest Equalization (IES) | RBI / DGFT | 3% Interest Subvention for MSME manufacturer exporters (2% for designated non-MSME tariff lines) | Pre-shipment & post-shipment credit discount applied directly by commercial bank. |
| GST LUT Facility | GSTN Portal | 100% Tax Exemption (Zero-rated export supply without upfront IGST) | Annual Form GST RFD-11 filing on gst.gov.in. |
6. Step-by-Step Export Execution Checklist
Follow this 6-step operational sequence to execute export consignments bound for Japanese ports:
- Step 1: Regulatory Compliance Verification: Complete METI PSE Mark testing (electronics), PMDA Foreign Manufacturer Registration (pharma), or MHLW antibiotic testing (shrimp).
- Step 2: Apply for IJCEPA Preferential CoO: Submit application on DGFT e-CoO portal (
coo.dgft.gov.in) demonstrating CTSH + 35% Value Addition to claim 0% preferential duty. - Step 3: Document Preparation: Issue Commercial Invoice, Packing List, MPEDA/EIC certificates, and ensure ISPM-15 compliant palletization.
- Step 4: ICEGATE Customs Clearance: File Electronic Shipping Bill on ICEGATE under RoDTEP/DBK claim and complete container loading at JNPT, Mundra, or Chennai.
- Step 5: MHLW Import Notification & Port Release: Ensure Japanese buyer submits MHLW Import Notification Form prior to vessel arrival at Yokohama or Tokyo.
- Step 6: e-BRC Realization & Incentive Scrip Claim: Secure foreign exchange remittance via bank, confirm e-BRC generation on EDPMS, and redeem RoDTEP duty scrips.
7. Rasp International Expert Insights & Case Scenarios
“The India-Japan CEPA provides an incredible 0% tariff advantage, but Japanese buyers will reject a shipment over micro-compliance issues. For seafood, pre-testing for zero antibiotic residues at NABL labs prior to loading at Vizag or Chennai is non-negotiable.”
Real-World Export Scenario A: Frozen Shrimp Export from Vizag to Yokohama
Challenge: A seafood exporter in Visakhapatnam faced potential quarantine rejection at Yokohama Port due to an MHLW audit query regarding antibiotic residue testing certificates.
Rasp International Solution: Rasp International verified pre-shipment MPEDA Catch Certificates, transmitted accredited NABL lab test results to the MHLW Quarantine Station, and secured 0% duty release under IJCEPA within 48 hours.
Real-World Export Scenario B: Industrial Pump Export to Nagoya
Challenge: A Coimbatore engineering firm wanted to export industrial pumps to Nagoya but was uncertain about CEPA Rules of Origin calculations.
Rasp International Solution: Our advisory team structured the bill of materials to prove CTSH at the 6-digit HS level and calculated a regional value addition of 38.5% (exceeding the 35% threshold), obtaining an official IJCEPA e-CoO for 0% duty entry.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Exporting to Japan
What is the minimum documentation required to export from India to Japan?
Mandatory documentation includes an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, ICEGATE Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, GST LUT acknowledgement, and an IJCEPA Certificate of Origin for 0% preferential duty claims.
How do Indian exporters claim 0% customs duty under the India-Japan CEPA?
To claim 0% preferential duty, exporters must apply for an IJCEPA Certificate of Origin (e-CoO) on the DGFT portal (coo.dgft.gov.in). The goods must fulfill origin rules, either Wholly Obtained or Change in Tariff Subheading (CTSH) plus a minimum 35% Regional Value Addition on FOB price.
What is the METI PSE Mark requirement for electrical exports?
Under Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN Law), high-risk electrical items require a Diamond PSE Mark based on testing by a METI-registered lab and factory audits. Lower-risk items require a Circle PSE Mark backed by compliant self-declaration test records.
How can Indian exporters claim RoDTEP benefits on exports to Japan?
RoDTEP benefits are claimed by declaring intention on the Electronic Shipping Bill filed on ICEGATE. Upon inward remittance receipt and bank issuance of e-BRC, DGFT credits electronic scrips into the exporter’s portal ledger.
What are ocean shipping transit times from Indian ports to Japan?
Direct ocean transit from Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, or Chennai to major Japanese ports (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe) averages 14 to 18 days.
Rasp International Can Help
Whether you are preparing for your first shipment or scaling an existing export channel, our team provides end-to-end EXIM compliance and growth support.
📄 Sources & Official References
All data, tariff rates, and regulatory requirements cited in this guide are sourced from official government and intergovernmental bodies. Last reviewed: August 2026.
| [1] | Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Full CEPA text, tariff schedule, and Form JIEPA Certificate of Origin requirements |
| [2] | Japan Customs Tariff Schedule (METI) Japan customs tariff database MFN and CEPA preferential rates by HS code |
| [3] | MHLW Food Sanitation Act (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) Import procedure for foods, additives, and packaging under the Food Sanitation Act |
| [4] | MAFF Plant Protection Division Phytosanitary certificate requirements for agricultural produce exports to Japan |
| [5] | PMDA Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency Japan pharmaceutical and medical device import approval and GMP compliance |
| [6] | DGFT India-Japan CEPA Certificate of Origin DGFT COO portal for issuing JIEPA Form of Origin for CEPA duty preference |
| [7] | ICEGATE e-Shipping Bill ICEGATE portal for electronic Shipping Bill and LEO generation |
| [8] | DGFT RoDTEP Rates Notified RoDTEP benefit rates for Japan-bound export categories |
| [9] | Japan Customs Automated System (NACCS) Japan NACCS electronic customs clearance for all import declarations |
| [10] | UN Comtrade India-Japan Trade Data HS code-level bilateral trade data between India and Japan |
This guide is published by Rasp International | EXIM Compliance & Export Growth Advisory | All Country Guides | Book a Consultation