Tariff rates directly impact your landed cost and competitive position. A 10% duty difference on a ¥10,000/kg product is ¥1,000/kg — enough to make or break your margin. Here are the current 2026 rates for the most commonly imported Japanese food products.
US Import Duties (2026)
| Product | HS Code | MFN Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tea/matcha | 0902.10 | Free (0%) | No duty on unfermented tea |
| Frozen beef (boneless) | 0202.30 | 4.4¢/kg + 4% | Subject to TRQ quota system |
| Dried seaweed/nori | 1212.21 | Free (0%) | No duty |
| Dried shiitake | 0712.39 | 1.8¢/kg + 2.4% | Minimal impact |
| Soy sauce | 2103.10 | 3% | Flat rate |
| Ceramics (porcelain) | 6911.10 | Free-6% | Varies by decoration |
| Incense sticks | 3307.41 | Free (0%) | No duty |
EU Import Duties Under JEFTA (2026)
| Product | MFN Rate | JEFTA 2026 Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tea/matcha | 3.2% | 0% | 100% eliminated |
| Frozen beef | 12.8% | ~6-8% (phased) | Significant |
| Dried nori | 0% | 0% | Already free |
| Dried shiitake | 12.8% | 0% | 100% eliminated |
| Soy sauce | 7.7% | 0% | 100% eliminated |
Key insight: JEFTA makes the EU the most tariff-friendly major market for Japanese food exports. If you're importing matcha or soy sauce to Europe, you're paying zero duty — provided you have the correct Certificate of Origin.
How to Claim Preferential Tariff Rates
- Verify product eligibility — not all products qualify for preferential rates
- Obtain Certificate of Origin — EUR.1 form or origin declaration on commercial invoice
- Submit at customs declaration — claim the preferential rate with supporting documentation
- Keep records 5+ years — customs authorities can audit retroactively
Optimize Your Import Costs
WAGYU NINJA provides Certificates of Origin and tariff optimization guidance for every shipment.
Get Tariff Analysis →FAQ
Do tariff rates change every year?
JEFTA rates follow a phase-out schedule that adjusts annually until full liberalization. MFN rates are more stable but can change through WTO negotiations or unilateral action.
Does JEFTA apply to the UK post-Brexit?
No. The UK negotiated a separate Japan-UK CEPA that mirrors most JEFTA rates. Check specific product schedules on the UK government trade tariff tool.
Are there quotas on Japanese food imports?
The US has Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) on beef imports. In-quota rates are lower; over-quota rates jump significantly. Matcha, nori, and most other Japanese food products are not subject to quotas.
Can I get a tariff refund if I paid too much duty?
Yes. Most countries allow duty drawback or refund claims within 1-3 years if you can prove preferential tariff eligibility retroactively.
Karen Hashimoto
Curator & Export Compliance Director · WAGYU NINJA
Karen sources directly from Japanese producers and handles export compliance for B2B buyers in 50+ countries. Based in Fukuoka, Japan. @konnichiwa.karen