If you ship products from Japan to the United States, big changes are here that could affect your costs, filings, and overall import strategy. On September 4, 2025, a U.S.–Japan trade agreement sets a default 15% minimum tariff on nearly all imports from Japan.
For some industries—like automotive—this means lower costs compared to before. For others, it means adjusting to higher duties. Either way, if you’re an importer, shipper, or manufacturer sourcing from Japan, it’s time to review classifications, double-check recent entries, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
The Key Tariff Changes You Need to Know
Baseline 15% Tariff
- All Japanese imports now carry a minimum 15% duty.
- If a product’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN)/Column 1 rate was already greater than 15%, you continue to pay that rate—no extra duty.
- If the MFN /Column 1 rate is below 15%, duties are adjusted upward so the total equals 15%.
Sector Carve-Outs
- Automobiles -Auto Parts: Reduced from the previous Section 232 rates (as high as 27.5%) down to the 15% baseline.
- Civil Aircraft and Related Parts: Exempt from these tariffs (excluding unmanned aircraft).
- Zero-Rate Categories: Some natural resources (where U.S. supply is scarce) and generic pharmaceuticals may still qualify for duty-free entry.
Effective Dates and Filing Codes
The changes are retroactive to August 7, 2025
In ACE, the following **HTSUS codes apply starting September 16, 2025:
- 9903.02.72 for goods with an existing duty rate above 15%
- 9903.02.73 for goods with an existing duty rate below 15%
What Importers Should Do Now
Audit Your Imports
Review classifications for Japanese-origin products to ensure they fall under the correct HTSUS code.
Revisit Entries Since August 7
- Correct filings within 10 days of release to avoid overpaying duties
- For unliquidated entries: file "Post Summary Corrections (PSCs)"
- For liquidated entries: file "protests under 19 U.S.C. §1514" within 180 days
Adjust Your Supply Chain Strategy
- For automotive imports, this is a rare tariff reduction opportunity
- For aerospace, exemptions mean continued cost advantages
- For pharmaceuticals and raw materials, check eligibility for zero-rate treatment
Special Note: E-Commerce Imports from Japan
For companies selling directly to U.S. consumers through e-commerce platforms, these changes are especially important:
New alternative De Minimis Import Options from Japan
Goods valued at $800 or less no longer qualify for duty-free entry under Section 321. All shipments are dutiable category. This includes popular Japanese consumer goods like electronics, fashion, hobby items, and specialty foods. Contact our team to develop import processes and low cost last mile delivery via USPS.
Marketplace Sellers from Japan to USA
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is paying closer attention to marketplace imports from Japan. Sellers can work with our team to ensure correct HTS coding and duty application.
Bottom line for e-commerce: Small parcels are no longer be truly duty-free. Online sellers and direct-to-consumer brands need to develop processes to manage the 15% duty. Ensuring that their customers receive their orders without import charges.
Contact our team to build durable - no cost to your American customer - processes
Broader Trade Implications
This tariff shift isn’t happening in isolation. Japan has pledged $550 billion in U.S. investments targeting critical sectors including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals. Japan has committed to purchasing more U.S. agriculture goods and recognize U.S. certified auto safety standards for vehicles imported to Japan.
What This Means for U.S.–Japan Shipping
For companies shipping goods from Japan to the U.S., here’s the bottom line:
- Automotive imports: Capped at 15%
- Aircraft - aerospace: Remain tariff-exempt
- Most other goods: Will see their duty rates “level up to 15%" (if previously lower)
- E-commerce imports: Can import via new import processes and manageable 15% duty
Takeaway for Importers and E-Commerce Sellers
The new U.S.–Japan tariff agreement is both a challenge and an opportunity. If you’re shipping from Japan, you’ll want to:
- Review HS codes and product classifications
- Review valuation and ensure the correct declared value
- Correct recent entries to avoid overpaying or underpaying
- Prepare e-commerce shipments for potential duty costs
