As of February 1, 2019, the trade agreement between the EU and Japan, which was signed in 2018, will come into effect. A large number of products can be imported into Japan and the EU at a reduced import duty rate from that date. The goods concerned are listed in the trade agreement. For most goods, the import duty percentage in Japan and the EU will be reduced to zero over several years (for the specific goods: see pages 174 to 607).
In order to be able to use the reduced import duty percentage, the origin of the goods must be proven by means of a certificate of origin on the commercial invoice. In order to obtain preference in JP, the Dutch exporter must place a certificate of origin with the following text on the invoice:
2) The NL exporter must request a REX number if the value of the shipment is higher than € 6000. If the value is lower than it is sufficient to sign the certificate of origin. The Japanese exporter must state its Japan Corporate Number if the value is higher than € 6000.
3) JP or EU.
4) Enter a code here: A, B, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E. The code refers to the criteria used to determine the origin of the goods.
5) Place and date can be omitted if these are already stated on the invoice itself.
Zakendoen in Japan (Guide To Japan - Engels)
Meer informatie - tekst handelsovereenkomst EU - Japan
Voorbeeld Attest van oorsprong (p. 115)
As of 17 July 2018 - Japan - EU Trade Agreement
On July 17, 2018, the EU and Japan signed a trade agreement. In this agreement, agreements have been made about the reduction and cancellation of import duties between the EU and Japan. This is the most important bilateral trade agreement ever for the EU, said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. It means significant savings on trade tariffs and offers important opportunities for European companies doing business with Japan or seeking new markets there.
Over a period of several years, the import duties percentages will be phased out or, in certain cases, abolished. Goods that qualify for this must be provided with a certificate of origin proving the origin of the goods. This certificate must be attached to the invoice. Two of the most important sectors are Japanese cars and, for Europe, agricultural imports into Japan.
After being signed on July 17, the agreement only needs to be approved by the parliaments of the EU and Japan. If that happens this year, the trade agreement could become active in early 2019.
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