3 Beddings (Futons)

Transcription

3 Beddings (Futons)
A-3. Beddings (Futons)
3
Beddings (Futons)
1. Market Conditions in Japan
(1) Definition of Category
Japanese bedding “futons” are a kind of extra-thick quilt with a variety of natural and synthetic material (including cotton, flax, wool, down, floss, polyester or acrylics) stuffed inside the fabric cover. This section examines down futons, wool futons and other futons including under-table warmer futons, which fall into the HS
No. 9404 category in trade statistics (articles of bedding and similar furnishing), but does not discuss mattresses or sleeping bags. Classifications and HS numbers in trade statistics are as follows.
HS Numbers
9404.90-010
9404.90-020
9404.90-030
Commodity
Eiderdown futons, stuffed with feather or down
Futons stuffed solely with man-made fibers
Wool and other futons
(2) Market Conditions
Down, wool and other animal hair and feather materials are characterized by their natural capacity to shrink,
expand, and absorb or repel moisture as external conditions change. Down futons are noted for their lightweight and temperature retention, aeration, and natural ability to absorb body moisture and carry it away from
the skin. Because of this trait, down futons can be used even during hot and humid Japanese summer weather
without discomfort. Wool futons also have excellent heat retention and elasticity. Wool also does not burn or
soil easily. Recently some consumers have sought to maximize the benefits from each type of futon by sleeping on top of wool futons and using down futons as blankets. New types of futons have also appeared on the
market, including 50% wool 50% polyester blend stuffing futons and interior cover type down futons.
[Down futons]
All futons containing feather stuffing are commonly referred to as “down futons,” but strictly speaking
down futons are classified as either down feather futons or shuttlecock futons according to established standards criteria. Down feather futons have at least 50% down (the soft feathers on a bird’s breast) content in
the stuffing, while shuttlecock futons have less than 50% down content. The term shuttlecock futon also denotes small feather stuffing. Products with higher down content are lower in weight and the higher in bulk
(thickness and cushioning), and are considered high-performance products.
Most of the down futon imported from Europe is the shuttlecock futon and it is a type of blanket generally
called as “featherket.” In the prosperous times of late 1980s, the mainstream of imported futon was the
high-class down futon from Europe. After the burst of bubble economy, since the leading mass merchandisers imported cheaper down futon from China one after another and decreased the sale price, the down futon
have spread rapidly. However, the demand of such cheaper down futon has settled down in a short period of
time and the fact was that the market has shrunk sharply. In recent years, most of the imported products are
reasonably priced popular down futon made in China and imports of high-class futons from Europe are decreasing.
[Wool futons]
100% wool futons come mainly from Europe (especially Germany), but in very small quantities. Most
wool futons are luxury-grade products made according to traditional methods.
[Under-table warmer futons]
This type of bedding material is unique to Japan, but high wages have made it difficult to manufacture under-table warm futons competitively in Japan. In recent years, imports from China have rapidly increased.
Although bedding is an everyday necessity, in some ways it resembles durable goods, and the turnover rate is
originally low. The domestic futon market as a whole has been on the decrease over the past several years. Industry observers believe that down and wool futons are passing from the high growth phase to the mature
phase of their product life cycle. Declining unit prices of regular futons have been responsible for lower sales
figures due mainly to imports of low-priced good quality futons from China.
Bedding makers have been trying to stimulate replacement demand by developing “21st Century bedding”
with new added-value features based on the themes of health, safety and comfort. A common theme for bedding makers is to apply sleep science and the latest technology to develop bedding that is adaptable to consumers’ personal needs and changing life styles.
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A-3. Beddings (Futons)
New products on the market are made from the latest in materials, including materials that use nanotechnology to make bedding that is gentler on the skin, more water absorbent and quicker to dry, along with
non-allergenic materials that have near zero allergens, and material treated with ultraviolet rays and antibacterial compounds. Sales have been strong for bedding designed around the concept of comfortable sleep, including these new types of bedding and futons and specially shaped pillows.
Surveys indicate that Japanese people of all ages and both genders complain about the quality of their sleep.
About half say they do not sleep well, that their sleep is shallow, that they wake up in the night, or that their
sleep is not restful. Recently companies other than bedding makers have been launching products and services
centered on the concept of comfortable sleep. For instance, housing makers and home fixture makers have
started selling air conditioners, sound dampeners and lighting fixtures that can be appropriately controlled to
improve sleep quality and provide users with high-quality, refreshing sleep. Japanese and foreign brands of
futons, blankets, pillows, pajamas and other sleep accessories have sought to coordinate their product lines
around the theme of “good sleep for a comfortable life.” Some new type of stores now provide consulting services including body pressure measurements and pillow height measurements. City center stores offer combinations of bedding and sleep accessories revolving around the theme of “healing,” including herbs, dietary
supplements, aromatherapy oils and other products that promote relaxation and healing.
(3) Distribution System and Business Practices in Japan
In the past the most common distribution channel for imported futons was from overseas manufacturer to
import trading company to wholesaler to retailer and finally to the consumer. Recently there have been more
moves to bypass the intermediary stages in the process. In the case of down futons in particular, it has become
more common for import trading companies to sell direct to retailers and for foreign manufacturers to sell direct to mass merchandisers. At the retail stage, down futons are often sold through mass merchandisers and
mail order companies. Wool futons are sold through department stores, and under-table warmer futons are sold
through mail order companies, department stores, mass merchandisers, bedding specialty stores and appliance
stores. In mail order businesses, catalogue sales grow at a sluggish pace, while internet shopping and television shopping enjoy strong growth. Until several years ago, there were a number of small-sized retailers specializing in sales of futon and other bedding products. The number of these specialized small-sized retailers
recently has dropped sharply. City center specialty stores offer combinations of bedding and sleep accessories
revolving around the theme of “good sleep.”
Fig. 1
Distribution channels for imported futons
Overseas manufacturers
Import trading companies
Domestic manufacturers*
Wholesalers
* Domestic manufacturers may act
as import agents.
Department stores, mass merchandisers, bedding specialty
stores, mail order companies, door-to-door sales companies
Consumers
2. Trade Trends
(1) Import Trends in Japan
Bedding (futon) imports in 2004 totaled ¥25.2 billion (down 3.4% from the year before) with 33,055 tons
(down 3.5%). On a volume basis the most common type of imported futon is stuffed solely with man-made fibers (18,672 tons, share 56.5%), while on a value basis eiderdown futons (¥11.87 billion, 47.1%) exceeds
man-made fiber futons (¥10.43 billion, 41.4%) (see Fig. 2). Most imports come from China, which has a commanding share of over 97% in import quantities and around 90% of import value in the all of three product
categories (see Figs. 4 - 6). As is the case with other textile products, China has improved its technical capabilities with Japanese companies’ assistance, and it is now able to export futons to Japan in large quantity at
low prices, yet with good quality. In 2004, however, futon imports from China finished lower than the year
before on both a value and volume basis, and this resulted in negative growth in overall imports of futons.
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A-3. Beddings (Futons)
Fig. 2
Trends in Japan’s bedding (futon) imports
[Total import value]
[Import value by category]
(¥ million)
30,000
(¥ million)
15,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
5,000
Eiderdown futons
Man-made fiber futons
Other futons
0
0
2001
2002
2003
2000
(Year)
2004
2001
Value
Eiderdown futons
Stuffed solely with
man-made fibers
Other futons
TOTAL
2002
2003
2004
(Year)
Volume
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2001
2002
2003
2004
10,459
13,301
12,596
12,629
11,874
2000
9,732
10,217
10,019
11,342
10,125
-
8,967
11,377
10,732
10,425
-
13,812
17,647
19,071
18,672
-
2,532
2,705
2,728
2,908
-
3,130
3,180
3,846
4,258
10,459
24,800
26,678
26,089
25,208
9,732
27,159
30,846
34,258
33,055
<Reference>
Other articles of
46,193
48,506
49,082
54,324
54,534
71,460
72,458
77,106
90,217
89,810
bedding
Units: value=¥ million, volume=tons
Source: Trade Statistics (Ministry of Finance)
(Note) Until 2000 beddings other than eiderdown were included in the category of “other articles of bedding” (9409.90-090).
Fig. 3
Trends in futon imports by category in 2004
Value
Value
Share
Volume
Yearly
Volume
change
94.0
10,125
Average unit price
Yearly
Share
change
30.6%
89.3
2003
2004
Eiderdown futons
11,874
47.1%
1,113
1,173
Stuffed solely with man-made fibers
10,425
41.4%
97.9
18,672
56.5%
97.9
563
558
2,908
11.5%
106.6
4,258
12.9%
110.7
709
683
Other futons
TOTAL
25,208
100.0%
96.6
33,055
100.0%
96.5
762
763
Units: ¥ million, tons, yearly change=%, average unit price=¥ per kilogram
Source: Trade Statistics (Ministry of Finance)
(2) Principal Exporters to Japan and ASEAN’s Position
China dominates and controls the imported bedding market. On a value basis, China has an overwhelmingly
lead as an exporter of beddings to Japan, by accounting for 90.5% (¥10.75 billion) of eiderdown futons, 86.1%
(¥8.98 billion) of man-made fiber futons, and 92.0% (¥2.68 billion) of other futons (see Figs. 4 - 6). Chinese
share of total import volume reached 98.2% (32,455 tons) in 2004. In most cases, these beddings were produced with technical assistance from Japanese companies. Recently, China’s productive capability has increased markedly through improved stitching technology. In 2004, however, imports of all of three product
categories from China finished below the previous year’s level on both a value and a volume basis. It suggests
that Chinese products, which had been prominent in the market mainly due to its overwhelming price competitiveness, may hit the ceiling.
Japan imports very small quantities of upscale down futons from Germany, Hungary, Vietnam and Denmark,
and man-made fiber futons from Vietnam and Thailand.
ASEAN holds a just 5.7% share (¥1.44 billion) of total futon imports in 2004 on a value basis, and 1.0%
(340 tons) on a volume basis (see Fig. 7). Nevertheless, while China finished the year with negative growth,
imports from ASEAN secured positive growth compared with the previous year (¥1.37 billion). As far as
man-made fiber futons, the leading product for ASEAN, are concerned, Vietnam positioned second place
(¥781 million, share 7.5%) and Thailand positioned third place (¥531 million, share 5.1%), then ASEAN as a
total acquired 12.6% share of total (see Fig. 5). Their products are accepted in Japan as one rank above the
Chinese products and the growth of Vietnam is especially remarkable in recent years.
Marketing Guide for ASEAN Exporters to Japan
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A-3. Beddings (Futons)
Fig. 4
Principal exporters of eiderdown futons to Japan
[Trends in import value by leading exporters]
[Shares of eiderdown futon imports in 2004 (value basis)]
(¥ million)
15,000
China
Others
0.2%
10,000
ASEAN
EU
0.6%
8.7%
China
90.5%
5,000
Germany
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2000
2001
2002
Value
Value
Value
China
(Year)
2004
2003
Value
2004
Volume
Value
Volume
Average
unit price
98.7%
1,076
9,380
11,852
11,155
11,457
11,210
10,747
90.5%
9,992
Germany
613
984
921
733
53
720
6.1%
63
0.6%
11,475
Hungary
218
174
221
188
30
169
1.4%
22
0.2%
7,655
Vietnam
5
51
52
73
18
63
0.5%
13
0.1%
4,780
Denmark
0
4
47
40
6
43
0.4%
12
0.1%
3,457
5,679
Others
243
237
200
137
25
132
1.1%
23
0.2%
TOTAL
10,459
13,301
12,596
12,629
11,342
11,874
100.0%
10,125
100.0%
1,173
(E U)
893
1,243
1,287
1,085
109
1,034
8.7%
113
1.1%
9,171
(ASEAN)
54
55
75
67
19
67
0.6%
18
0.2%
3,708
Units: ¥ million, tons, average unit price=¥ per kilogram
Fig. 5
Source: Trade Statistics (Ministry of Finance)
Principal exporters of man-made fiber futons to Japan
[Trends in import value by leading exporters]
[Shares of man-made fiber futon imports in 2004]
(¥ million)
12,000
China
10,000
Others
0.3%
ASEAN
12.6%
8,000
6,000
China
86.1%
4,000
Vietnam
2,000
Thailand
0
2000
China
2001
2002
2003
2001
2002
Value
Value
2004
(Year)
2003
Value
2004
Volume
Value
Volume
8,251
9,728
9,205
18,641
8,981
86.1%
174
455
688
150
781
7.5%
160
0.9%
4,888
Thailand
520
889
564
103
531
5.1%
103
0.6%
5,130
Denmark
2
12
47
21
75
0.7%
33
0.2%
2,305
R. Korea
6
3
27
45
22
0.2%
38
0.2%
573
15
289
201
111
36
0.3%
19
0.1%
1,878
TOTAL
8,967
11,377
10,732
19,071
10,425
100.0%
18,672
100.0%
558
(E U)
10
25
76
34
104
1.0%
48
0.3%
2,163
(ASEAN)
694
1,344
1,252
253
Units: ¥ million, tons, average unit price=¥ per kilogram
Marketing Guide for ASEAN Exporters to Japan
18,318
Average
unit price
98.1%
490
Vietnam
Others
36
EU
1.0%
1,312
12.6%
263
1.4%
4,979
Source: Trade Statistics (Ministry of Finance)
A-3. Beddings (Futons)
Fig. 6
China
Principal exporters of other futons to Japan
2001
2002
2003
Value
Value
Value
2004
Volume
Value
Volume
Average
unit price
97.4%
645
2,381
2,407
2,500
3,741
2,675
92.0%
4,147
Germany
52
53
101
31
61
2.1%
17
0.4%
New Zealand
66
175
35
11
60
2.1%
18
0.4%
3,353
Thailand
1
30
45
39
59
2.0%
49
1.2%
1,197
Denmark
-
15
1
1
21
0.7%
6
0.1%
3,489
1,553
Others
3,644
31
26
45
24
33
1.1%
21
0.5%
TOTAL
2,532
2,705
2,728
3,846
2,908
100.0%
4,258
100.0%
683
(E U)
57
72
130
41
102
3.5%
31
0.7%
3,358
(ASEAN)
14
31
47
Units: ¥ million, tons, average unit price=¥ per kilogram
Fig. 7
40
Trends in imports from ASEAN by country/category
[Value]
(¥ million)
65
2.2%
59
1.4%
1,095
Source: Trade Statistics (Ministry of Finance)
[Volume]
(tons)
600
2,000
1,431
1,500
1,374
1,443
413
400
1,000
340
312
276
762
200
500
0
0
2001
2002
2003
2001
(Year)
2004
Value
Eiderdown futons
Man-made fiber futons
ASEAN
Other futons
TOTAL
TOTAL
Share of total
2001
54
694
14
762
3.1%
2002
55
1,344
31
1,431
5.4%
Eiderdown futons
51
52
Man-made fiber futons
174
455
Vietnam Other futons
TOTAL
224
507
Share of total
0.9%
1.9%
Eiderdown futons
1
Man-made fiber futons
520
889
Thailand Other futons
1
30
TOTAL
522
918
Share of total
2.1%
3.4%
Myanmar
Malaysia
2
Indonesia
12
2
Singapore
3
Philippines
2
0
Laos
Cambodia
Brunei
Units: ¥ million, tons, average unit price=¥ per kilogram
2002
2003
2004
Volume
2003
75
1,252
47
1,374
5.3%
2004
67
1,312
65
1,443
5.7%
73
688
761
2.9%
564
45
610
2.3%
0
1
2
-
63
781
5
849
3.4%
531
59
589
2.3%
4
1
0
-
2001
27
232
17
276
1.0%
2002
19
368
26
413
1.3%
2003
19
253
40
312
0.9%
2004
18
263
59
340
1.0%
(Year)
Average
unit price
2004
3,708
4,979
1,095
4,240
25
17
18
13
4,780
57
137
150
160
4,888
9
585
82
154
168
182
4,661
0.3%
0.5%
0.5%
0.6%
2
173
231
103
103
5,130
3
24
39
49
1,197
178
255
142
152
3,865
0.7%
0.8%
0.4%
0.5%
5
830
1
0
0
1,918
14
2
1
1
690
2
1
1
0
Source: Trade Statistics (Ministry of Finance)
Marketing Guide for ASEAN Exporters to Japan
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A-3. Beddings (Futons)
(3) Imports’ Market Share in Japan
As bedding production has largely shifted to China, domestic production has shrunk dramatically, and overall market also shrunk due to decline of product unit prices. Imports command a larger share of the market,
accounting for 21.7% of the market in eiderdown futons, and 19.3% in regular futons (other than down futons)
in 2003. In addition, Japan relies almost totally on imports for down and feather comforters. Makers have to
cut prices due to deflationary pressures, and it is impossible to compete on price with futons made in Japan.
The low end of the market is likely to become still more dependent on China and ASEAN in the future.
Fig. 8 Imports’ share in the Japanese market
Eiderdown futons
2000
Domestic shipments
Imports
Market total
Imports’ share
2002
2001
60,303
10,459
70,762
14.8%
55,626
13,301
68,927
19.3%
49,491
12,596
62,087
20.3%
Other futons
2003
45,485
12,629
58,114
21.7%
Yearly
change
91.9
100.3
93.6
2002
68,149
14,082
82,231
17.1%
2003
56,231
13,460
69,691
19.3%
Yearly
change
85.0
95.6
84.8
Unit: ¥ million (factory shipment basis), yearly change=%
Source: Census of Manufactures
Domestic shipments are limited to those with 4 or more employees and those designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade
and Industry.
3. Key Considerations related to Exporting to Japan
(1) Regulations and Procedural Requirements at the Time of Importation in Japan
Bedding imports are not subject to any restrictions or regulations.
(2) Regulations and Procedural Requirements at the Time of Sale in Japan
The sale of bedding is subject to the Household Goods Quality Labeling Law, the Law for Control of
Household Products Containing Harmful Substances, and the Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations. Down futons, depending on species of feathers, may be subject to provisions of the
Law for Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. In addition, prospective exporters to
Japan need to be aware that advocating the effect or efficacy such as “make the blood circulation smooth,”
“fix the back bone distortion,” or “effective for the backache” can be a violation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs
Law.
1) Household Goods Quality Labeling Law
The Law stipulates the format and content of quality labeling for products designed for everyday household use. The purpose is to protect the benefit to consumers by providing information that helps them choose
products and informs them about how to use the products correctly. Bedding must bear labeling as specified
by the Law. Products may not be sold without labels. (see (3) Labeling Regulations)
2) Law for Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances
Bedding is subject to content standards for insecticides and fire-retardant compounds based on provisions
of the Law for Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances. Importers and distributors
may not sell, give away, or display futons for commercial purposes unless the merchandise complies with
those standards.
Harmful substances regulated by the Law
Harmful substance
Abbr.: DTTB
Abbr.: APO
Abbr.: TDBPP
Bis (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate
Dieldrin
Formaldehyde
(For infants 24 months or younger)
Standards
Less than 30 ppm
Prohibited
Prohibited
Prohibited
Less than 30 ppm
Less than 0.05 of absorbance
difference or less than 16 ppm
Usage
Insecticide compounds
Fire-retardant compounds
Fire-retardant compounds
Fire-retardant compounds
Insecticide compounds
Resin compounds
3) Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
The Act prohibits a form of improper labeling exaggerated or false labeling that misleads consumers about
the nature or quality of products. In case of futon, the unclear indications without objective basis such as “the
best-class quality,” “using a great quantity of high-class down,” “increased down” deem to be a form of improper labeling to lead to the misunderstanding by consumers that the products are much better than the actual.
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A-3. Beddings (Futons)
Vague or confusing labeling that makes it difficult to discern the actual country of origin is also prohibited
as a form of improper labeling. The country of origin is defined as “a country in which a treatment or process
effecting substantial change to the substance of the goods made.”
(3) Labeling Regulations at the Time of Sale in Japan
1) Legally Required Labeling
[1] Household Goods Quality Labeling Law
The Textile Product Quality Labeling Standards based on the Household
Goods Quality Labeling Law specify both the label content and format.
The label must list fabric covering and filling materials of futons and the
name and place of contact of the labeler (address or telephone number).
When non-fibrous material other than cotton, wool or down (such as urethane foam) is used as stuffing material for futons, the name of that material must appear in product labeling. In addition, down futon labeling must
include the proportion of down or other feather material in the stuffing.
2) Voluntary Labeling based on Provisions of Law
[1] Fire Service Law
Example label of futon
Covering
Cotton 100%
Filling
Cotton 100%
(Urethane-foam use)
XYZ Co., Ltd.
TEL: 01-2345-6789
Example label for
fire-retardant mark
Futon cover fabrics and futon stuffing materials that comply with fire-retardant
may bear fire-retardant label in the stipulated format. This labeling is not obligatory,
but some localities have ordinances or administrative advisories recommending the
use of such products in hotels, inns and other public buildings as well as in health
care and social welfare facilities. To qualify for this labeling, bedding must be tested
not only for fire retardant but also for toxicity.
For more details, please contact:
• Japan Fire Retardant Association
TEL: 03-3246-1661
http://www.jfra.or.jp
3) Voluntary Industry Labeling
[1] The Wool Mark
Wool futons that meet quality standards established by The Woolmark Company,
Wool Mark Label
Japan may display the 100% Wool Mark. Only 100% wool futons made at production facilities that have received permission may attach the Wool Mark to their
products. The 100% Wool Mark quality standards include standards for wool type
and mass, oil content and quilting technique, as well as guidelines for shrinkage
and insecticide content.
Contact:
• The Woolmark Company, Japan
TEL: 03-5950-9371
http://www.wool.co.jp
[2] Unified Mark for Ticks Prevention Processed Products
Interior Fabrics Performance Evaluation Conference composed of affiliated five
Unified Mark for Ticks
Prevention Processed
organizations, including the Japan Interior Furnishing Material Association and the
Products
All Japan Bedding Goods Association, provides the “voluntary standards for ticks
prevention processed products” (enacted in 1999) which intended for futons and
other beddings (and carpet) and indicates the unified marks on the products which
passed these standards. With regard to the standards for ticks prevention, there are
established standard values for “avoidance effect” not to let ticks come close and
“propagation repression effect” not to increase ticks, and the durability of ticks
prevention effect and the safety of processed chemical are to be confirmed. The
subject of this certification system is limited to corporate members of affiliated
five organizations.
Contact: Interior Fabrics Performance Evaluation Conference
TEL:03-3433-4521 (c/o Japan Interior Furnishing Material Association)
http://www.interior-seino.gr.jp
(4) Key Considerations for entering the Japanese Market
Futons are not subject to stringent regulatory requirements, which mean that prospective exporters to Japan
have a broad range of opportunities. One problem with all futons is that it is difficult to assess the quality of
the stuffing material, since it is packed entirely inside the covering. In addition, down and wool stuffing can
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A-3. Beddings (Futons)
develop problems with insect pests and with odor resulting from their natural characteristic scent. Unless the
quality check such as the protection against these problems is performed before exporting to Japan, it will
cause the troubles of inferior products or the risks of returning the products.
In Japan, the Product Liability (PL) Law has been enacted in order to stipulate the liability for compensation
of manufacturers etc. and to protect the victim in case that it is verified that the damages to human life, body
or properties have been caused due to defects in manufactured goods. For the imported products, since the
importers shall be liable to compensation for damages, the importers need to be careful about the handling
manuals and warning indications, not to mention the quality control. The retail outlet deals with defective
merchandise and requests for exchanges. Some retailers provide fee-based repair services for holes or rips in
the fabric.
(5) Considerations for Related Products
Related product categories include cotton, wool and synthetic fiber blankets, bedspreads and bed pads. These
products are subject to virtually the same legal and regulatory requirements as futons.
(6) Regulatory Agency Contact
• Household Goods Quality Labeling Law
Product Safety Division, Consumer Affairs Department, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau,
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
TEL: 03-3501-1511
http://www.meti.go.jp
• Law for Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances
Office of Chemical Safety, Evaluation and Licensing Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
TEL: 03-5253-1111
FAX: 03-3593-8913 (Direct)
http://www.mhlw.go.jp
• Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations
Consumer Related Trade Division, Trade Practice Department, Fair Trade Commission of Japan
TEL: 03-3581-5471
FAX: 03-3581-1754 (Direct)
http://www.jftc.go.jp
4. Tariff Duties and Consumption Tax in Japan
(1) Tariff Duties
Fig. 9 presents tariff duties on futons. In case of confirming the tariff classification or applicable tariff rate in
advance, it is convenient to use the “advance counseling program.” By making an inquiry to the customs orally,
or through document or e-mail, the customs will reply to such inquiry.
Contact: Customs website
http://www.customs.go.jp
[Preferential Tariff System]
In order to apply for preferential tariff rates on futons imported from preferential treatment countries, the
importer should submit a certificate of preferential country of origin (Form A) issued by the customs or other
issuing agency in the exporting country (not required if the total taxable value of the shipment is no greater
than ¥200,000). For more details, please contact the Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance. Application of tariff rates on ASEAN countries is as follows.
Applicable Rates
LDC Preferential Rate
Preferential Rate
JSEPA Rate
WTO Rate
Marketing Guide for ASEAN Exporters to Japan
40
ASEAN Countries
Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos
Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam
Singapore
Brunei
A-3. Beddings (Futons)
Fig. 9
Tariff duties on futons
Rate of Duty
Prefer- TemJSEPA
ential porary
9404.90
Futons
A
-100 Eiderdowns, stuffed with feather or down
4.6%
3.8%
Free
-020 Stuffed solely with man-made fibers
4.6%
3.8%
Free
-030 Other
4.6%
3.8%
Free
Note 1: “A” in JSEPA rate means that based on the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA), articles originated
in Singapore were approved as duty free from the effective date of Agreement (November 30, 2002).
Note 2: Normally the order of precedence for application of tariff rates is JSEPA, Preferential, WTO, Temporary, and General, in that
order. However, Preferential rates are only eligible when conditions stipulated by law or regulations are met. Also, WTO
rates apply when those rates are lower than Temporary or General rates. Refer to “Customs Tariff Schedules of Japan” (published by Japan Tariff Association) etc. for more complete interpretation of tariff table.
HS No.
Description
General
WTO
(2) Consumption Tax
(CIF + Tariff Duty) x 5%
5. Related Industry Organizations
• All Japan Bedding Goods Association (JBA)
TEL: 03-3281-2679
FAX: 03-3281-1720
http://www.jba210.jp
• All Japan Cotton Wadding and Bedding Goods Manufacturers Co-Operative Association
TEL: 03-3281-2714
FAX: 03-3281-1720
http://www.zennichimen.or.jp
• Japan Down Products Corporative Association
TEL: 03-5649-2285
http://www.nichiukyo.org
• Japan Down Association
TEL: 03-3294-0108
FAX: 03-3294-0129
http://www.jda.gr.jp
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