As the worlds largest toy producer and exporter, Chinas toy industry has developed rapidly in recent years. In 2023, the market size has exceeded 150 billion yuan, and the trendy toy industry has also exceeded 60 billion yuan. Japan, as an important export market for Chinese toys, with its huge demand and mature market system, provides us with great opportunities. In the first half of 2024, the total export value of Chinese toys to Japan reached 982 million US dollars, a year - on - year increase of 5.26%. However, there are still some key points to note to successfully transport toys from China to Japan and achieve success in the market.

I. Adequate Preparation before Export

Market Research and Understanding of Regulations

Before entering the Japanese market, it is necessary to conduct in - depth research on the consumption habits, popular trends of the Japanese toy market, as well as relevant regulations on safety, environmental protection, and quality. For example, Japans toy safety standards (ST certification) and the Food Sanitation Law are the requirements that toy exports must meet. To ensure that products meet these regulations can they smoothly enter the Japanese market.

Enterprise Qualifications and Certifications

Manufacturing enterprises need to have legal production qualifications, such as business licenses. If toys involve special functions, additional certifications are required. For example, electrical toys need to obtain PSE certification. In addition, exported toys also need to obtain relevant certifications such as quality licenses.

Product Quality Control

Japanese consumers have very high requirements for the quality of toys. Strictly controlling product quality is the key to success. From raw material procurement to the production process, and then to the quality inspection of finished products, enterprises need to establish a complete quality control system to ensure that toys meet Japanese safety standards, such as having no sharp edges and using non - toxic materials.

Preparation of Documents

Prepare all necessary documents, including product manuals, quality inspection reports, production licenses, etc., and translate and notarize them according to Japanese requirements. The accuracy and completeness of these documents are crucial for smooth exports.

II. Commodity Inspection and Customs Clearance Process

Selection of Commodity Inspection Institutions

To export to Japan, it is first necessary to submit an application to a qualified commodity inspection institution. You can choose a professional domestic commodity inspection institution or entrust an agency company to handle it.

Submission of Materials and Testing

Provide relevant materials and product samples to the commodity inspection institution. The commodity inspection institution will conduct tests according to Japanese standards, including aspects such as safety and quality.

Obtaining the Commodity Inspection Certificate

After passing the inspection, the commodity inspection institution will issue an inspection report and a commodity inspection certificate, which is one of the important vouchers for exporting toys to Japan.

III. Export Transportation Arrangement

Selection of Freight Forwarder and Transportation Method

Determine the transportation method according to the quantity, weight, volume of the goods and the delivery date, such as?Ocean shipping?,?air freight?or land transportation, etc. At the same time, choosing a reliable freight forwarder company can ensure a smoother entire transportation process.

Booking Space and Loading

The freight forwarder company will book space with the shipping company or airline according to the exporters requirements and arrange the transportation of the goods. The exporter needs to deliver the goods to the designated warehouse or port for loading within the specified time and confirm transportation documents such as the bill of lading with the freight forwarder company.

Handling?Customs Declaration?procedures

The exporter or the freight forwarder company needs to submit export declarations, commodity inspection certificates, invoices, packing lists and other documents to the Chinese customs. The customs will inspect the goods and release them after confirmation.

IV. Japan Customs Clearance and Goods Delivery

Submission of Customs Clearance Documents

After the goods arrive in Japan, the importer or its agent needs to submit documents such as commodity inspection certificates, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading to the Japanese customs for customs clearance procedures.

Customs Inspection and Tax Collection

The Japanese customs will inspect the goods and levy corresponding tariffs and consumption taxes according to Japans tariff policy. The importer needs to pay the taxes as required by the customs before the goods can be released.

Goods Delivery

After completing customs clearance, the goods will be delivered to the importer or its designated consignee, and the entire export process ends at this point.

V. Requirements for Market Access in Japan

Japanese Toy Safety Standards

• ST Mark (Safety Toy Mark): The ST mark is a safety mark formulated by the Japan Toy Association, applicable to toys for children under 14 years old, ensuring that they meet requirements such as physical safety, chemical safety, and control of material flammability.
• Food Sanitation Law: If the toy may come into contact with the mouth, it needs to meet the requirements of Japans Food Sanitation Law, restricting the migration amount of harmful chemical substances.

Chemical Substance Management

• Japanese Chemical Substance Management Regulations: Such as the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) and the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Law (PRTR Law), which require the control of the emission and migration of harmful substances.
• Restrictions on Harmful Substances: The use of heavy metals and plasticizers, for example, needs to comply with Japanese standards.

Labeling and Marking Requirements

• Product Labels: Japanese must be used, and necessary information such as product name, applicable age, and usage method should be provided.
• Conformity Mark: Products that have passed the ST certification should be marked with the ST mark.

Packaging and Instruction Manual

Ensure that the packaging is sturdy and provide a Japanese - language instruction manual listing detailed usage instructions and safety precautions.

Import Procedures and Documents

The importer needs to provide documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists,?Certificate of Origin?books, product test reports, etc., and declare to the Japanese customs, understand and pay tariffs and consumption taxes.

Precautions

• Intellectual property rights: Ensure that the product does not infringe on the trademarks or copyrights of others.
• Cultural differences: Avoid using symbols that may be considered inappropriate in design and content, and understand Japanese cultural taboos.

Conclusion

To successfully export Chinese toys to the Japanese market, it is necessary to comply with Japans strict laws, regulations and standards to ensure that products meet various safety, quality and consumer protection requirements. In addition to fully understanding market demands and legal requirements, choosing reliable partners is equally crucial. It is hoped that through this article, you can better understand the entire export process and enable Chinese - made toys to achieve greater success in the Japanese market.