What is the EU-Japan EPA? What is its impact on EU trade?

Despite the geographical distance, doing business with Japan is not overly complicated and it is not restricted to just the big companies. In fact, many European Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) are successful in Japan.

Understanding the customs regulations of another country can be a daunting task; however, this section brings together all the information that European enterprises need to know.

If you want to sell your product in Japan, you need to be familiar with all the available distribution channels.

Third largest economy in the world, Japan had a GDP worth 539,071.6 billion JPY in 2020.

Tariffs currently applied to hard cheeses will gradually be phased out to become zero for unlimited quantities as from 1 April 2033.

The EU-Japan EPA represents new opportunities to EU companies seeking to export fisheries to Japan. Under the Agreement, all the fish products have been, or will be liberalised over time. 

Information about how the footwear sector can benefit from the EPA preferential tariffs.

Information about the EPA's impact on forestry products.

All fresh fruit and vegetables have been liberalised at the entry into force of the Agreement.

This page offers more information on geographical indications.

The EPA covers many different aspects of intellectual property protection, from patents to copyright, trade secrets, and common measures built on the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. Discover more on this page.

Information on the complex effects of the EPA on Malt, Starches, Wheat Gluten and Albuminoidal Substances.

The EU-Japan EPA creates new opportunities to EU companies seeking to ship goods to Japan through Maritime transport. 

Japan will phase out under the EPA its ad valorem duties for fresh, chilled and frozen pork cuts, and significantly reduce the level of the gate price.

Impact of the EPA on Processed Agricultural Products.

The EU-Japan EPA offers opportunities to EU businesses in the Japanese Government procurement market.