The increasing demand for importing and delivering goods to data centers in Japan is largely driven by the tech and AI boom. Often, clients who are non-resident companies seek to deliver goods—either their own or their end-clients’—to these data centers without making a sale. To facilitate this, the clients need to handle the import process into Japan on their own.

However, there’s a challenge: Japanese Customs generally mandates that only resident entities can act as importers. This is where the ACP – Attorney for Customs Procedures comes into play. It allows non-resident entities to act as the Importer of Record (IOR), bridging the gap in this process.

At ACP Japan, we possess a wealth of experience in supporting the import and delivery of goods to data centers. Typically, products shipped to these data centers are non-regulated items like servers, switches, transceivers, cables, and more. We’re here to assist you with your needs. Please feel free to contact us.  

 
     

   

Our ACP Service: The Best Solution for the Japan Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR)

ACP is an effective solution for addressing Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR) requirements in Japan. Through our ACP service, non-resident entities located outside Japan are able to import and export goods as Non-Resident IOR and EOR.

Below is an overview of our basic scope of work, together with a diagram illustrating the operational structure of the ACP service. Once ACP registration is completed, the non-resident entity can act as the Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR) in Japan.

Scope of Work – How We Can Assist

• Preparation and filing of all required documents for ACP registration with Japan Customs.
• Coordination and communication with relevant stakeholders, including Japan Customs, logistics providers, and customs brokers to ensure the smooth and compliant import and export procedures.
• Preparation and review of import documentation, including commercial invoices and shipping documents.
  *Proper customs clearance requires accurate identification and statement of the shipper, consignee / Exporter of Record (EOR), and Importer of Record (IOR) on B/L, AWB, and Commercial Invoice. We provide practical guidance on correct documentation practices. We also advise on customs valuation (import declaration value) and its supporting documentation, HS classification, and country of origin to ensure compliance with Japanese customs requirements.
• Advisory on customs valuation (import declaration value), HS codes, duty rates, and origin (including advance rulings).
• Import compliance support for regulated products, including Domestic Administrator (sometimes referred to as “Domestic Representative”) Services under the Product Safety Acts (PSE/PSC) and food-related products regulated under the Food Sanitation Act.
• Support for security export control, including list-based classification, catch-all control assessment, and assistance with export license applications to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
• Maintenance and retention of records required under the Japan Customs Law.
• Provision of professional trade and customs advisory services to address and resolve issues that may arise during import or export operations.

**Both import and export activities can benefit from the use of an ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures). This support is applicable in scenarios where a non-resident acts as the Importer of Record (IOR) for imports and as the Exporter of Record (EOR) for exports.  

Three Steps to Initiate Shipments Under the ACP Program:

1. Quotation Review to Contract Conclusion: Upon receiving your contact details, we will promptly provide a quotation for your review.
2. Commencing the Registration of ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures) to Japan Customs: This process is generally completed in about two weeks.
3. Initiation of First Shipment, Import/Export

     

Track Record – Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) Services

We have supported import and export operations in Japan for over 300 clients across more than 40 countries.

  

Examples of International Logistics Partners We Have Worked With

We have a proven track record of working with a wide range of logistics providers. As the Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP), we handle customs-related responsibilities while logistics companies manage transportation and warehousing operations.

AOT Apex International Brink’s CEVA Logistics Coshipper Crane Worldwide Logistics DACHSER DB Schenker DGX DHL Express DHL Global Forwarding Dimerco DSV Expeditors FedEx Express FERCAM GOTO KAISOTEN Ltd. Harumigumi Herport ICL Logistics JAS Forwarding Kintetsu Express Kokusai Express

Kuehne + Nagel Mitsubishi Logistics Mitsui Soko MOL Logistics Nankai Express Nippon Express OIA Global PGS Rhenus Group Röhlig Sankyu Sanyo Logistics Scan Global Logistics Seino Schenker SEKO Logistics Shibusawa Logistics Corporation Shin-Ei gumi Shiproad Speedmark Sumitomo Warehouse UPS UPS Supply Chain Solutions Yamato Transport

…and many other logistics providers in Japan and around the world.