{"id":270,"date":"2026-11-01T18:35:11","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T09:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-customs-counterfeit-import-suspension\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T16:32:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:32:26","slug":"japan-customs-counterfeit-import-suspension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-customs-counterfeit-import-suspension\/","title":{"rendered":"Stopping Counterfeits at Japanese Customs: How to File an Import Suspension Application (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">&#8220;Fakes of our products are being shipped to Japanese consumers straight from overseas.&#8221; &#8220;Can Japan Customs stop them before they reach the market?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Yes \u2014 if you have the right tools in place. Japan Customs can stop goods that infringe intellectual property rights at the border, and right holders can ask Customs to watch for infringing goods by filing an <strong>application for suspension of import<\/strong> (<em>yunyu sashitome moshitate<\/em>). Since October 2022, Customs can also confiscate trademark- and design-infringing goods that overseas businesses send to private individuals in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">In this article, Japanese Patent Attorney Toru Kano of BrandAgent explains how the system works, what you need to prepare, and what happens when suspected fakes are found.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">*Based on information published by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customs.go.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan Customs<\/a>, checked in November 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"st-mybox st-mybox-class\" style=\"margin: 18px 0; padding: 16px; border: 2px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius: 10px; background: #fafafa;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>What you will learn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 18px;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Which rights Japan Customs enforces, and who can apply<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Requirements, documents and validity of an import suspension application<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">How to prepare &#8220;identification points&#8221; so officers can spot fakes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The recognition procedure after suspected goods are found<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The October 2022 change for fakes sent to individuals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What Japan Customs can stop: trademarks, designs, patents and more<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Under the Japanese Customs Act, goods that infringe intellectual property rights may not be imported. The rights covered include <strong>patents, utility models, designs, trademarks, copyrights, neighbouring rights and plant breeders&#8217; rights<\/strong>, and for imports also circuit layout rights. Certain goods violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act are also covered, in which case an opinion from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is required.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">In practice, most suspended goods are counterfeits bearing a brand logo (trademark infringement), but products copying a registered design and products using patented technology can also be stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The import suspension application in brief<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">An import suspension application asks Customs to start the recognition procedure whenever goods suspected of infringing your rights are found. Once accepted, it is used by customs offices throughout Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"st-mybox  has-title st-mybox-class\" style=\"background:#f1f8e9;border-color:#a5d6a7;border-width:2px;border-radius:5px;margin: 25px 0 25px 0;\"><p class=\"st-mybox-title\" style=\"color:#4caf50;font-weight:bold;text-shadow: #fff 3px 0px 0px, #fff 2.83487px 0.981584px 0px, #fff 2.35766px 1.85511px 0px, #fff 1.62091px 2.52441px 0px, #fff 0.705713px 2.91581px 0px, #fff -0.287171px 2.98622px 0px, #fff -1.24844px 2.72789px 0px, #fff -2.07227px 2.16926px 0px, #fff -2.66798px 1.37182px 0px, #fff -2.96998px 0.42336px 0px, #fff -2.94502px -0.571704px 0px, #fff -2.59586px -1.50383px 0px, #fff -1.96093px -2.27041px 0px, #fff -1.11013px -2.78704px 0px, #fff -0.137119px -2.99686px 0px, #fff 0.850987px -2.87677px 0px, #fff 1.74541px -2.43999px 0px, #fff 2.44769px -1.73459px 0px, #fff 2.88051px -0.838246px 0px;\"><i class=\"fa fa-check-circle st-css-no\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>Basics of the application<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Who can apply:<\/strong> the right holder, an exclusive licensee (<em>senyo jisshi-ken \/ senyo shiyo-ken<\/em>) and certain others. A lawyer or patent attorney can act as agent with a power of attorney.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Official fee:<\/strong> none \u2014 Customs charges no fee for the application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Validity:<\/strong> up to 4 years, renewable by application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Registered rights only:<\/strong> you cannot apply on the basis of a pending application (copyright, which needs no registration, is an exception).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">This last point is critical for foreign brands. <strong>Your Chinese, Korean or US registration does not count<\/strong> \u2014 you need a trademark or design registered in Japan. If you do not yet have one, filing in Japan is the first step.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Four requirements for acceptance<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The applicant is the right holder (or another eligible person).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The right has a valid basis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Infringement exists, including goods expected to be imported.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The infringement can be verified.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Customs also stresses that it cannot suspend goods if officers cannot tell genuine products from fakes. That is why identification materials matter so much.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Documents and identification points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">For a trademark-based application, the Customs application form asks mainly for the following attachments (all in Japanese, so translations of your materials are needed):<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Document<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Purpose<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Certified copy of the trademark register<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Shows the owner and that the right is in force<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Trademark gazette<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Shows the registered mark and designated goods<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Evidence of infringement<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">E.g. photos of the whole infringing product, showing an identical\/similar mark on identical\/similar goods<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Identification points<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">How to distinguish genuine goods from fakes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Other (optional)<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">E.g. warning letters<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Power of attorney<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">If an agent files, with the scope of authority stated<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">A court judgment, provisional injunction, JPO advisory opinion (<em>hantei<\/em>) or expert opinion can replace the evidence of infringement. The requested period must be 4 years or less, and Customs notes that any period for which the registration fee has not been paid will not be accepted \u2014 relevant if you paid only the first 5-year instalment of a trademark registration fee.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">How to prepare good identification points<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Put photos of genuine and fake products side by side and mark the differences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Focus on differences visible from outside: logo shape, tags and labels, stitching, packaging print, serial numbers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Add trade-related clues if you have them, such as where genuine goods are made and your authorised import routes into Japan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Update the materials whenever you change your product or packaging.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">When suspected goods are found: the recognition procedure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">When an inspection finds goods suspected of infringement, Customs starts a <strong>recognition procedure<\/strong> (<em>nintei tetsuzuki<\/em>) to decide whether they are infringing goods.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>1. Notice:<\/strong> both the right holder and the importer are notified. The right holder is told the names and addresses of the importer and the consignor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>2. Evidence and opinions:<\/strong> both sides may submit evidence and opinions by the stated deadline. The right holder can inspect the goods or receive images by email.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>3. Sample examination:<\/strong> for goods covered by a suspension application, the right holder can ask to examine samples if the requirements are met and security is deposited (imports only).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>4. Decision:<\/strong> Customs aims to decide within about one month.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>5. Result:<\/strong> if the goods are not infringing, import is permitted. If they are infringing and the importer does not dispose of them voluntarily, Customs confiscates and destroys them after the 3-month period for appeal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">For goods covered by a suspension application, there is also a <strong>simplified procedure<\/strong> when the importer does not contest. The importer must state in writing within 10 business days of the notice that the goods do not infringe; otherwise Customs decides based on your application and its attachments. Thorough materials at the application stage therefore lead to faster results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Because Customs communicates in Japanese and deadlines are short, foreign right holders usually appoint a Japanese representative to receive notices and respond quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Since October 2022: fakes sent to individuals can be confiscated<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"st-mybox  has-title st-mybox-class\" style=\"background:#ffebee;border-color:#ef9a9a;border-width:2px;border-radius:5px;margin: 25px 0 25px 0;\"><p class=\"st-mybox-title\" style=\"color:#ef5350;font-weight:bold;text-shadow: #fff 3px 0px 0px, #fff 2.83487px 0.981584px 0px, #fff 2.35766px 1.85511px 0px, #fff 1.62091px 2.52441px 0px, #fff 0.705713px 2.91581px 0px, #fff -0.287171px 2.98622px 0px, #fff -1.24844px 2.72789px 0px, #fff -2.07227px 2.16926px 0px, #fff -2.66798px 1.37182px 0px, #fff -2.96998px 0.42336px 0px, #fff -2.94502px -0.571704px 0px, #fff -2.59586px -1.50383px 0px, #fff -1.96093px -2.27041px 0px, #fff -1.11013px -2.78704px 0px, #fff -0.137119px -2.99686px 0px, #fff 0.850987px -2.87677px 0px, #fff 1.74541px -2.43999px 0px, #fff 2.44769px -1.73459px 0px, #fff 2.88051px -0.838246px 0px;\"><i class=\"fa fa-check-circle st-css-no\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>Personal use is no longer a loophole<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">2021 amendments to the Trademark Act and Design Act made clear that an overseas business sending counterfeits into Japan by mail or similar means infringes trademark and design rights. Following a Customs Act amendment, from <strong>1 October 2022<\/strong> goods infringing <strong>trademark or design rights<\/strong> that are sent by overseas businesses cannot be imported even if the individual recipient intends them for personal use, and they are subject to confiscation by Customs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">This matters for brands whose products are faked and sold through overseas online shops that ship directly to Japanese consumers. Small parcels addressed to individuals can now be stopped too. Note that this change covers trademarks and designs only \u2014 not patents or copyright.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Combine border measures with other actions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Customs is powerful, but it cannot stop fakes that are already inside Japan or shipped from Japanese warehouses. Combine the import suspension application with marketplace infringement reports, warning letters to identifiable sellers, and additional registrations \u2014 for example a word mark as well as your logo, or a design registration for a distinctive product shape \u2014 depending on how your products are being copied.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Checklist before you apply<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Japanese registration:<\/strong> your trademark or design must be registered in Japan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Scope:<\/strong> the fakes must fall within your designated goods (or, for designs, the registered article).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Samples:<\/strong> test-purchased fakes help a lot in preparing identification points.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Quick response:<\/strong> make sure someone can provide evidence and opinions within the short deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Licensees:<\/strong> if a Japanese distributor will be involved, decide whether the owner or a registered exclusive licensee will be the applicant.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">If you need a Japanese trademark first: official JPO fees are JPY 3,400 + JPY 8,600 per class at filing and JPY 32,900 per class at registration (10 years); BrandAgent&#8217;s fees are JPY 25,000 per class at filing and JPY 25,000 per class at registration (excluding Japanese consumption tax), with a free prior search when you instruct us to file. For the customs application itself, the work depends on the case \u2014 ask us for a free quote.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Does Japan Customs charge a fee for the application?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. No. Attorney fees, translations and any security for sample examination may be needed separately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can we apply with our Chinese trademark or a pending Japanese application?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. No. You need a right registered in Japan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can our Japanese distributor apply?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. Only if it is an eligible person such as a registered exclusive licensee. Otherwise the brand owner applies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. How long does the application stay in force?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. Up to 4 years, and it can be renewed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can you handle the Japanese communication with Customs?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. Yes. We have handled more than 4,000 applications, and every case is handled personally by a licensed Japanese patent attorney, in English or Chinese.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"st-mybox  has-title st-mybox-class\" style=\"background:#f1f8e9;border-color:#a5d6a7;border-width:2px;border-radius:5px;margin: 25px 0 25px 0;\"><p class=\"st-mybox-title\" style=\"color:#4caf50;font-weight:bold;text-shadow: #fff 3px 0px 0px, #fff 2.83487px 0.981584px 0px, #fff 2.35766px 1.85511px 0px, #fff 1.62091px 2.52441px 0px, #fff 0.705713px 2.91581px 0px, #fff -0.287171px 2.98622px 0px, #fff -1.24844px 2.72789px 0px, #fff -2.07227px 2.16926px 0px, #fff -2.66798px 1.37182px 0px, #fff -2.96998px 0.42336px 0px, #fff -2.94502px -0.571704px 0px, #fff -2.59586px -1.50383px 0px, #fff -1.96093px -2.27041px 0px, #fff -1.11013px -2.78704px 0px, #fff -0.137119px -2.99686px 0px, #fff 0.850987px -2.87677px 0px, #fff 1.74541px -2.43999px 0px, #fff 2.44769px -1.73459px 0px, #fff 2.88051px -0.838246px 0px;\"><i class=\"fa fa-check-circle st-css-no\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>Key points<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Japan Customs can stop goods infringing trademarks, designs, patents and other rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">An import suspension application has no official fee and lasts up to 4 years (renewable).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">You need a right registered in Japan, evidence and clear identification points.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Deadlines in the recognition procedure are short \u2014 have a Japanese representative ready.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Since 1 October 2022, trademark\/design fakes sent by overseas businesses to individuals can be confiscated.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"related-articles\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Related articles<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-rakuten-yahoo-qoo10\/\">Selling on Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping or Qoo10 Japan? Why You Need a Japanese Trademark (2026)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan_trademark_infringement\/\">Accused of Trademark Infringement in Japan? How to Respond to a Warning Letter or an Amazon\/Rakuten Complaint<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-infringement-warning-letter\/\">Accused of Trademark Infringement in Japan? What Overseas Sellers Should Check and Do<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/amazon-japan-design-right-takedown\/\">How to Remove Copycat Listings on Amazon Japan with a Japanese Design Right<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f0f7ff; border: 2px solid #0066cc; padding: 20px; margin: 24px 0; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Want to stop counterfeits at the Japanese border?<\/strong><br \/>\nTell us your brand and where the fakes come from \u2014 we will check your Japanese rights and reply with the next steps and a quote, free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">BrandAgent Patent Office (Kyoto, Japan)<br \/>\nToru Kano, Japanese Patent Attorney<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color: #0066cc; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Get a free quote for your Japanese trademark<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How foreign brand owners can stop counterfeit imports at Japan Customs: who can apply, documents and identification points, the recognition procedure, and the October 2022 rule on fakes sent to individuals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trademark"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/270","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=270"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":280,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/270\/revisions\/280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}