Yes. You can sell goods you imported from overseas basically. However, be attention that some items are prohibited to import and some are required to get permission or analytical tests for import procedures. In deciding what goods to import, the first step is to check what you can not import , the laws and regulations.

Goods are banned under Japan Customs Law

Please refer to following information from Japan Customs:

1. Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis, stimulants, psychotropic substances, and other narcotic drugs (excluding those designated by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Ordinance);
2. Firearms (pistols, etc.), ammunition (bullets) thereof, and pistol parts;
3. Explosives (dynamite, gunpowder, etc.) ;
4. Precursor materials for chemical weapons;
5. Germs which are likely to be used for bio-terrorism;
6. Counterfeit, altered, or imitation coins, paper money, bank notes, or securities, and forged credit cards;
7. Books, drawings, carvings, and any other article which may harm public safety or morals (obscene or immoral materials, e.g., pornography);
8. Child pornography; and
9. Articles which infringe upon intellectual property rights.

Goods with control and restrictions

A customer asked me whether he can import nuclear power related items. These are not belong to prohibited items. However, some items are restricited by trade policies. I always suggest my customer to contact the Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry in advance. Some items you need to apply for an import quota and for approval from government agency.

Here is another real case. Our customer imported BBQ grill products from abroad in Japan. He did not now the items requires analytic test beofre clearing customs untill cargo arrival at port.

Please see below example, some items requires permission , approval or test before clearning customs. If you did not know which government agency to check with, I suggest customer to check with import agency/import trading company/import freight forwarders in Japan.

Food Sanitation Law: foods, toys , food container , any items intended to or possibly contact with mouth or infants.

Plant Protection Law: fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds.

Pharmaceutical Affairs Law: medicine, cosmetics, soap.

Liquor Tax Law: wine, sake, liquors.

Animal infectious Diseas Control Law:pet food, processed meat products.

We hope you find this article is helpful!