The following is an analysis of the current status of my countrys automatic data processing equipment parts exports to Japan and South Korea and a guide to the entire export process:

Export status and market analysis to Japan and South Korea

1. Export scale and competition landscape

Japanese Market: In 2023, Chinas exports of automatic data processing equipment parts (HS code: 8473.30) to Japan reached US$3.86 billion, accounting for 32% of Japans imports. The main products include server cooling modules, storage device connectors, and PCB substrates. The core competitors are Taiwan (25%) and Vietnam (15%).

Korean Market: In 2023, exports to South Korea amounted to US$2.24 billion, a year-on-year increase of 14%. The main categories were semiconductor packaging materials and 5G communication modules. Chinese products had a 26% market share in South Korea, second only to South Korean local companies (45%).

2. Growth drivers

Data center construction boom：Japan and South Koreas cloud computing investment has surged, and Japans data center market size will exceed US$12 billion in 2023.

Supply chain complementarity：Chinas costs in precision metal processing and electronic components are 30-50% lower than those in Japan and South Korea.

RCEP dividends: After the agreement comes into effect, Chinas tariffs on server components exported to Japan will be reduced from 3% to 0%, and tariffs on semiconductor materials exported to South Korea will be phased out from 5%.

Export Process and Core Documents

1. Standard export process

Order Confirmation: Sign a contract with Incoterms 2020 terms (FOB or CIF is recommended).

Production and stocking: Quality inspection is carried out according to JIS (Japan) / KS (Korea) standards.

Export declaration: Submit the customs declaration to Chinese customs (must specify the equipment usage code, such as Japan's usage code 'OA-3').

Logistics and Transportation:

• Japan: From Shanghai/Qingdao Port to Tokyo/Osaka Port, 3-5 days by sea;
• South Korea: Weihai/Lianyungang to Incheon Port, 1-2 days by sea.

Customs clearance in the destination country: Electronic declaration through Japans NACCS system or South Koreas UNI-PASS system.

2. Required documents

Basic files：Commercial invoice (bilingual in Chinese and Japanese/Chinese and Korean), packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (RCEP or CO).

Special files:

• Japan: PSE certification (live parts), statement of non-use of radioactive substances (lead-containing solder is required).
• South Korea: KC certification (wireless communication module), import customs clearance number (need to be applied for in advance by Korean buyers).

Technical regulations and certification systems in Japan and South Korea

1. Key points of compliance in Japan

certified by PSE:

• Applicable products: power modules, motor heat sinks and other live components.
• Certification mark: circular PSE (non-designated products) or diamond PSE (100V AC products).

J-MOSS Instructions：Restrict 6 types of hazardous substances such as cadmium and lead, and provide a third-party test report (such as UL Japan).

Metrology certification：Sensors for precision measuring instruments must be calibrated by the National Institute of Metrology of Japan (NMIJ).

2. Key points of compliance in South Korea

KC Certification:

• Applicable products: 5G RF modules, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) sensitive components.
• Certification process: Korean laboratory test (KTL/KTR) → factory inspection → certification (cycle 4-8 months).

K-REACH：Implement a pre-registration system for chemical substances in server coolants and solder pastes.

Information Security Certification: The storage device controller must comply with the encryption standards of the Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA).

Packaging and labeling specifications

1. General requirements

Anti-static packaging：Precision chip components must use silver anti-static bags, and the surface resistance value must be ≤10^12Ω.

Earthquake-resistant design: Using EPE pearl cotton for layered isolation, single box load-bearing ≤20kg (in line with Japanese and Korean manual handling regulations).

Environmental protection label: A recycling mark must be printed on the outer box (Japanese: Recycle Mark / Korean: Recycling Mark).

2. Differentiation requirements

Japan:

• It is mandatory to mark the voltage and frequency (100V/50-60Hz).
• Parts containing lithium batteries must be labeled with a Lithium battery contained warning label.

South Korea:

• The manufacturers address and customer service phone number (+82 area code required) should be marked in Korean.
• Electromagnetic sensitive parts must be labeled with ?????.

Speed ????up cheats

1. Application of the pre-declaration system

Japan：By sending electronic manifests 72 hours in advance through the NACCS system, Tokyo Customs can achieve ultra-fast release within 4 hours.

South Korea：Using the UNI-PASS pre-clearance function, the average customs clearance time at Incheon Port has been shortened to 2 hours.

2. Tariff Optimization Program

RCEP rules utilization:

• Apply for RCEP Certificate of Origin (Customs Number: RCEP5), Japan’s tariff will be reduced to zero, and South Korea’s tariff will be reduced by 50%.
• When calculating the regional value content (RVC), processing operations in Japan and South Korea can be included in the accumulation rules.

Bonded Logistics Network:

• Japan: Simple assembly is carried out in the Fukuoka bonded warehouse to avoid high tariffs on finished product imports.
• South Korea: Using the Busan Free Economic Zone (FEZ) for testing distribution to save VAT.

3. Optimal logistics channel selection

Japan Express:

• Shanghai→Osaka “China-Japan E-Commerce Express”, 3 flights per week, full 5 days.
• Shenzhen Yantian → Tokyo Precision Equipment Special Line, providing constant temperature container services.

South Korea Land and Sea Transport:

• Weihai→Incheon departs in the evening and arrives in the morning ro-ro ship, departs in the evening and arrives in the morning.
• China-Europe Express + Korean Railway: Chongqing → Alashankou → Busan, the whole journey takes 12 days (7 days faster than pure sea transportation).

Future trends and suggestions

1. Technology Upgrade：Japan and South Korea have seen a surge in demand for liquid-cooled servers and AI chip substrates, and it is recommended to strengthen the research and development of high value-added products.
2. Compliance Pre-condition: In response to the Special Law on the Semiconductor Industry to be implemented in South Korea in 2024, a material traceability system should be laid out in advance.
3. Digital empowerment: Use blockchain technology to realize the “one-click access” of customs declaration, certificate of origin and quality inspection report.

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