ACP

Importing Tech Goods to Japanese Data Centers

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, also known as a Customs Procedure Agent or CPA—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 smooth and compliant export and import procedures.
  • Preparation and review of export and 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.
  • Advisory on customs valuation (export and import declaration value) and supporting documentation, HS classification, duty rates, and country of origin (including advance rulings), to ensure compliance with Japanese customs requirements.
  • 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.
  • Export Control / Security Trade Control Support (assistance in preparing non-applicability certificates for items the exporter has determined to be non-controlled, and transaction screening, including catch-all controls, etc.)
  • 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 export or import 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.