Streamlining Imports to Japan:

Leveraging an IOR for Simplified

Customs
For companies importing goods into Japan across sectors like information technology, medical
equipment, automotive supplies, and more, navigating complex customs and regulations can be
daunting. Enter the Importer of Record (IOR) in Japan, an invaluable partner for smoothing the
path through Japanese trade policies.

As an official import agent, the IOR absorbs all documentary and logistical complexities on
behalf of the client. This alleviates the client from having to establish its own local subsidiary in
Japan. The IOR classification essentially acts as a conduit for meeting Japanese compliance
without the client directly serving as the importer.

The role handled by the IOR includes:

● Obtaining necessary permits, licenses, or certifications
● Paying associated duties and taxes
● Filing customs entries and clearances
● Arranging final delivery logistics in Japan
In other words, the IOR deals with all import intricacies related to paperwork, clearances, taxes
and duties so the client can simply manage procurement of the goods from their origin source.

Why Japan Imports Can Be So Complex

Japan has a deeply layered web of import regulations overseen by multiple government bodies
and agencies. Rules differ considerably based on product type, with particular controls in certain
industries. Even within a sector like medical equipment, statutes vary depending on device
purpose, materials, electronics integration and other factors.
Just understanding certification needs alone takes extensive effort. Japan manages medical
device approvals through the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). Within
PMDA, two main certification paths exist:
● Standard certification for more commonplace equipment
● Special certification for cutting edge or niche products
The approval process differs for each path and requires exacting submissions to prove safety
and efficacy. That doesn’t even factor additional potential hurdles like patents or GPS
traceability needs. This is where an IOR earns its keep by piecing together all compliance
elements for a turnkey import experience.
 Adding to complexity is Japan’s dense bureaucratic structure, with a multitude of agencies and
ministries monitoring trade for economic, health and security priorities. An IOR must integrate
protocols meeting mandates imposed by entities like:
● Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW)
● Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
● Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT)

Why One Union Solutions Excels as an IOR in

Japan
Founded in 2018, One Union Solutions specializes in tailoring flexible solutions based on each
client’s precise IOR needs in Japan. The experts at One Union Solutions become well-versed in
every client’s business landscape and import objectives. Solutions are configured not just for
import compliance but for optimal workflow and efficiency gains.
Leaning on a global footprint spanning over 170 countries, One Union Solutions leverages
widespread logistics networks to enable rapid delivery without border bottlenecks. Robust
visibility and tracking capabilities ensure transparency from origin to final destination. Real-time
status updates also help preempt potential delays for time-sensitive shipments.
As the Importer of Record, One Union Solutions absorbs all compliance requirements, duties
calculations, documentation filings, quality checks, and more on the client’s behalf. The heavy
lifting of Japanese import policies becomes a non-factor, freeing clients to focus on core
business growth.

Specific Japanese Industry Expertise

While providing overall import compliance services, One Union Solutions also offers targeted
IOR solutions based on the client’s industry vertical and associated regulations. Major sectors
served include:

Information Technology & Telecommunications

For the fast-changing electronics and telecom spheres, One Union Solutions tracks policies
from Japan’s Ministry of Communications along with the National Communications
Commission. Guidance is provided on certification procedures, documentary needs,
classification codes, valuation methods, and eligible duty exemption programs.
Medical Equipment & Devices
One Union Solutions has extensive knowledge around MHLW and PMDA quality mandates,
safety testing, clinical trial rules, recall procedures and more. This ensures medical device
imports achieve quick access to the Japanese marketplace.

Automotive Components
The team at One Union Solutions helps carmakers and parts suppliers decipher controls
enacted under the Automotive Industry Development Plan. Compliance assistance is given for
policies governing local content thresholds, model type testing, emissions audits, CBU/CKD
requirements and other automotive sector regulations.

Aviation Technologies
Avionics equipment and airline parts imports must meet rigorous standards set by Japan’s
aviation authority and air transportation bureau. One Union Solutions makes sure goods
properly meet technical appraisal and operational criteria before equipment ultimately reaches
cockpits or hangars.

Looking Beyond Imports...the Bigger Picture with

One Union Solutions
While imports constitute a major service area for One Union Solutions, the company’s offerings
extend to supporting holistic supply chain needs for businesses importing or exporting goods in
the Japanese marketplace:
● Localized Warehousing – One Union Solutions provides bonded and non-bonded storage
options in Japan for better inventory management supporting future export potential.
● Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Optimization - Proper FTA usage gives duty-free or
reduced duty eligibility on Japanese trade. One Union Solutions expertise maximizes
these savings.
● Exporter of Record (EOR) Services – As an EOR, One Union Solutions empowers
domestic producers in Japan to reach export markets faster through turnkey compliance
solutions.
● US Customs Brokerage – One Union Solutions leverages an American subsidiary to
facilitate customs clearances and deliveries into the US.

The expansive trade reach enables One Union Solutions to deliver end-to-end visibility and
support, helping clients reduce supply chain blind spots and unlock efficiencies globally.