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Bangladesh has made significant strides in its export market by aligning its high-quality ready-made garments, textiles, and frozen seafood with the preferences of Japanese consumers. According to OEC World, Bangladesh exported US$1.69 billion worth of products to Japan in 2022, marking a notable growth in trade relations. Over the past five years, exports from Bangladesh to Japan have grown at an impressive annualized rate of 7.97%, rising from US$1.15 billion in 2017 to US$1.69 billion in 20221.
However, despite the significant growth in exports, Bangladesh has yet to fully tap into its trade potential with Japan2. Many items show a gap between actual and potential export values, highlighting opportunities to increase their supply to the Japanese market.
This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap on how Bangladeshi businesses can export products to Japan and capitalize on these opportunities.
Entering the Japanese market hinges on selecting the right import items that align with consumer demand and consumer behavior.
Here are some of the leading products for exporting to Japan and why you should ship them:
Japanese consumers are known for their discerning tastes and emphasis on quality, making it vital for exporters to understand their unique preferences and cultural nuances. Here are the factors to consider before exporting:
Entering the Japanese market requires a thorough understanding of export regulations and compliance standards to ensure a seamless process. Take a look at the following guidelines on how to ship to Japan in terms of the documents required for export, regulations, and tariffs.
Accurate documentation is the foundation of successful exporting. Some of the required documents to take note of include:
Compliance with Bangladeshi and Japanese customs regulations is essential to ensure a smooth export customs clearance process. Adhering to the legal requirements of each country not only prevents costly delays and penalties and builds trust with importers and authorities.
Japan’s Generalized System of Preferences9 (GSP) offers reduced tariffs on select imported items from developing countries to promote industrialization and economic growth. Established in 1971, the GSP designates eligible countries, products, and duty rates under the Temporary Tariff Measures Law.
Products under Japan’s GSP are categorized into agricultural/fishery and industrial goods. Agricultural products have specific items with preferential rates, while most industrial goods are duty-free, except for sensitive items such as leather clothing and footwear. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) benefit from duty-free, quota-free (DFQF) access.
Bangladesh, which gained significant DFQF access to Japan in 2007, currently enjoys duty-free status10. Key exports benefiting from this treatment include raw hides, skins, leather, and textile products.
Packaging and labeling serve a dual purpose: protecting goods during transit and meeting stringent Japanese market requirements. Below are some guidelines on packaging for export best practices:
Ensuring proper packaging for shipping is critical to protecting goods during transit. As such, it’s crucial to take note of the following best practices when exporting to Japan:
Labeling in the Japanese market is strictly regulated and must comply with the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Labels are required to provide clear and accurate information in Japanese, including the product name, origin, composition, and usage instructions. Additional details such as nutritional content, allergens, and expiration dates are mandatory for food items.
Carefully reviewing and adhering to the latest JIS requirements when preparing Bangladesh export products for the Japanese market is also crucial. In August 2024, the JIS L 0001: 2024 for Textiles – Care Labelling Code Using Symbols was introduced to align with the ISO 3758: 2023 standards. This update prompted revisions to the Japan Household Goods Quality Labeling Act and the Textile Goods Labeling Regulation to ensure consistency across labeling requirements11.
Selecting the optimal international shipping solution is crucial for timely and cost-effective delivery to Japan. Here are ways you can send imported items to Japan:
As the global leader in logistics and overseas shipping, we at DHL Express provide reliable shipping solutions tailored to the needs of exporters from Bangladesh to Japan. Our extensive global network ensures seamless connectivity and timely deliveries, supported by comprehensive tracking capabilities.
With our expertise in navigating complex procedures when exporting to Japan, we help minimize delays and ensure efficient clearance. We also offer customized shipping solutions for various industries and product types, ensuring your goods are delivered securely to their destination.
The Japan and Bangladesh trade relations provide significant opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters, supported by duty-free access under the GSP and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). By understanding consumer preferences, ensuring compliance, and partnering with reliable international logistics service providers, businesses can easily navigate the shipping process to Japan.
Start your journey confidently by signing up for a DHL Express Business Account today.
2. The untapped potential of Bangladesh-Japan trade
3. The untapped potential of Bangladesh-Japan trade
4. Can India’s garments industry benefit from Bangladesh’s turmoil?
5. Look back at 2023 for understanding Bangladesh’s leather sector performance
6. Bangladesh International Aquaculture & Seafood Show 2004
8. Japan External Trade Organization
10. Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Bangkok
11. Japan – Revision of JIS L 0001 : 2024