1. How to Choose Reliable Japanese Ready-to-Wear ClothingImport agent?

When selecting a proxy, focus on three core metrics:①Japan textile import qualification(Requires METI registration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)② Industry operational experience(It is recommended to choose an agent with experience in handling customs clearance for over 1,000 batches of daily textiles.)③ Local storage resources(Constant temperature and humidity warehouses are required for Tokyo/Osaka). It is recommended to request the agent to provide customs clearance records for similar products over the past three years, with a focus on verifying their ability to handle special cases.

2. What mandatory certifications are required for importing ready-made garments into Japan?

• JIS L Series Textile Certification (New Formaldehyde Testing Standard for Infant and Children's Clothing Added in 2025)
• Japanese Industrial Standard JAS Organic Cotton Certification (applicable to products with a cotton content ≥70%)
• REACH Regulation Annex XVII Restricted Substances List (6 additional azo dye restrictions to be added in 2025)

III. What items are included in the agency service fees?

The standard agency fee structure is as follows:Basic service fee (1.2%-2.5% of cargo value) + Risk surcharge. Among them, basic services include:

• Document Preparation (Commercial Invoice/Packing List/Certificate of Origin)
• Customs clearance procedures (Duty prepaid/Consumption tax declaration)
• Logistics Tracking (Real-time Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Available for Full Container Load by Sea)

Starting from 2025, an additional carbon emission surcharge will be imposed (calculated based on container transportation distance).

IV. What are the special requirements of Japanese customs for the classification of garments?

Special attention is neededSubdivision rules for HS Codes Chapters 61-62:

• Garments containing more than 5% elastic fibers must be declared separately.
• Pajamas/sportswear sold in sets must be declared separately.
• The packaging method affects classification (retail packaging requires physical photos).

It is recommended to apply for pre-classification in advance (AEO enterprises can enjoy the expedited channel).

V. How to Optimize Logistics Costs for Importing Japanese Ready-to-Wear Garments?

Recommended to adoptSea-Air Intermodal Solution:

• Main material shipping: The freight cost for a 40HQ container from Shanghai/Qingdao to Tokyo Port is approximately $1800 (Q2 2025 quote).
• Auxiliary materials air freight: For urgent replenishment, choose Haneda Airport priority channel (48-hour customs clearance guaranteed)
• Seasonal products are recommended to be transshipped through bonded warehouses (goods can be stored in the Kansai Airport Bonded Zone in Osaka for up to 90 days).

6. What are the new changes in the quality inspection standards for Japanese supermarkets?

Major retailers to implement new regulations in 2025:

• Aeon Group: Color Fastness Testing Adds Two Scenarios—Perspiration and Saliva.
• Ito Yokado: The length restriction for drawstrings on children's clothing has been reduced to 7.5cm.
• MUJI: pH value detection accurate to ±0.3 range

It is recommended to submit the samples to the Japan Quality Textile Inspection Center (QTEC) three months in advance.

7. How to handle return issues in the Japanese market?

It must be clearly stated in the agency agreement:

• Defective product handling: JCN (Japan Commodity Number) cancellation can be applied for within 30 days.
• Disposal of slow-moving inventory: Opt for the Osaka South Port re-export zone for refurbishment.
• Reverse logistics: Utilizing bonded warehousing agents for secondary sorting.

Please note the new implementation in Japan in 2025.Textile Recycling ActThe required recovery rate shall not be less than 15%.

8. How to choose the payment method for importing Japanese ready-made garments?

Recommended combination plan:

• It is recommended to adopt for the first order30% deposit + 70% payment upon receipt of bill of lading copy
• After establishing stable cooperation, it can be transitioned to90-day usance letter of credit(Requires the agent to provide credit guarantee)
• Large orders are eligible for application.Japan Finance Corporation for Trade Insurance

Please note that the Bank of Japan's review period for textile import letters of credit will be extended to 7 working days in 2025.

IX. How to hedge against exchange rate risks in the Japanese market?

It is recommended to adopt a triple hedge:

• As stipulated in the contractThe fluctuation of the Japanese Yen against the Chinese Yuan is ±3%.Automatic price adjustment
• Purchase through an agent3-month forward foreign exchange contract
• Utilizing JapanForeign exchange Nostro accountMaintain a partial yen position.

The Bank of Japan forecasts an annual exchange rate fluctuation range of 1:18.5-21.3 (JPY to CNY) for 2025.