Basic information
Outline of the system
The system of tariff rate quota is stipulated in the Customs Tariff Law, the Temporary Tariff Measures Law, the Cabinet Order on Tariff Rate Quota (hereinafter referred to as "TRQ") System and other related regulations. Specific procedures below are stipulated in the above Cabinet Order.
(1) A list of products and their quantity under the TRQ system are determined and publicized.
(2) Applicants that intend to obtain allocations of quota for certain agricultural products need to apply to the MAFF.
(3) The MAFF allocates the quota to applicants by issuing certificates of quota.
(4) Importers need to submit their certificates to the Directors-General of Customs when they import those products under the TRQ system.
Product coverage
Agricultural products that are subject to the TRQ system are listed below.
ex04.01, ex04.03, ex04.04, ex18.06, ex19.01, ex21.01, ex21.06 Other dairy products for general use;
ex04.02 Skimmed milk powder (For other purposes), Skimmed milk powder (For school lunch), Evaporated milk;
ex04.04 Mineral concentrated whey, Whey and modified whey (For feeding purposes), Prepared whey (For infant formula);
ex04.05 Butter and butteroil;
ex07.13 Dried leguminous vegetables;
ex11.08, ex19.01 Starches, inulin, and their preparations;
ex12.02 Ground-nuts;
ex12.12 Tubers of konnyaku;
ex21.06 Prepared edible fat;
ex50.01, ex50.02 Silk-worm cocoons and Raw silk
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The TRQ system was established as a result of the Uruguay Round Agreements and is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The TRQ system charges a lower duty rate on imports of certain products with certificates up to a certain quantity and allows imports without certificates of TRQ by applying the out-of-quota duty rate.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Please see Answers 6.1-6.11.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The TRQ system applies to products originating in and coming from any country, except for prepared edible fat which has country specific quota for New Zealand.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The TRQ system is a statutory requirement based on the following law and regulation.
- The Customs Tariff Law (Article 9.2).
- The Temporary Tariff Measures Law (Article 8.5).
- The Cabinet Order on Tariff Rate Quota System.
- The Decree-law by the MAFF on TRQ Administration on Various Products such as Maize Products that are subject to the TRQ system are designated by the Cabinet Order. It is not possible for the government to abolish the system without a legislative approval.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible for the government to abolish the system without a legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
There is no system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation under TRQ.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Only qualified importers are able to apply for TRQs. The information regarding the eligibility of importers to whom certificates of quota are issued is published on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Official Bulletin of Economy, Trade and Industry and the International Trade Bulletin.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Applicants that intend to obtain allocations of quota for certain agricultural products need to apply to the MAFF.
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Information concerning application for TRQs has been published on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Information concerning application for TRQs has been published on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There is no other condition attached to the issuance of a certificate of TRQ.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no licensing fee or administrative charge for applying for TRQ.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is required regarding the issuance of certificates of TRQ.