What qualifications are required to act as an agent for Japanese imports? Please help me answer!

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I plan to do business as an agent for Japanese imports. I haven't been involved in imports before and am not quite clear about the specific qualifications needed. Can someone explain in detail? For import agencies of products like food and daily necessities, are different qualifications required? I hope experienced friends can share their insights to help me avoid detours.
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Michael Zhang
Michael ZhangYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat

The qualifications required for acting as an agent for Japanese imports vary depending on the product, but some basic qualifications are common. Firstly, you need import and export rights, which is the foundation for conducting import business. Enterprises can obtain this by registering with the commerce department. Secondly, you need to have a customs declaration unit registration certificate for customs declaration and clearance of goods, which is processed at the local customs. For food import agencies, a food business permit is also required, covering the scope of pre-packaged food sales, and is issued by the local market supervision and administration department. If cosmetics are involved, a filing certificate for imported non-special use cosmetics needs to be obtained. The import of daily necessities is relatively simpler, with basic import and export qualifications generally sufficient. However, if it's for daily necessities with special uses, such as disinfectants containing special ingredients, relevant sanitary permits may also be required. In summary, you need to understand and obtain the corresponding qualifications based on the specific imported product.

References: Purchasing Agents Are Dead! 2024 Cosmetics Imports Must Go Through Agencies
Daniel Kim
Daniel KimYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat

If importing medical devices, it's necessary to distinguish between different classes of medical devices, as different classes correspond to different qualification approvals. For example, the approval for Class III medical device imports is relatively stringent.

Olivia Liu
Olivia LiuYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat

If importing animal products, in addition to basic qualifications, a permit for entry of animals and plants quarantine is also required, which must be applied for from the customs department in advance.

Thomas Li
Thomas LiYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat

If importing endangered wild animals and plants and their products, a permit for import and export issued by the National Office for Wildlife Conservation or its branch office must be held.

Sophia Wang
Sophia WangYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat

To act as an agent for imported alcoholic beverages, in addition to general qualifications, a wholesale license for alcoholic beverages is also required, which is processed at the commerce department.

David Chen
David ChenYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

When importing toys, attention should be paid to compliance with domestic toy safety standards. Some toys may require CCC certification.

Kevin Huang
Kevin HuangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat

Acting as an agent for imported pharmaceuticals is more challenging. In addition to basic qualifications, an import drug clearance order is required, and the importing unit must have the corresponding pharmaceutical business qualifications.

Robert Tan
Robert TanYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

For imported automobiles, enterprises need to have an automobile import license, and there are also certain requirements regarding the scale of the enterprise's operations.

Linda Guo
Linda GuoYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat

For imported hazardous chemicals, a hazardous chemicals business license must be obtained by applying to the emergency management department.

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