Importing Indian Handicrafts into Japan Under the India–Japan CEPA (2026 Guide)

Oct 10

6 min read

Japan has had a free trade agreement with India since 2011. Many Indian home textiles and ceramics now enter Japan with no customs duty, but only if the paperwork is right. Products also have to meet Japan's own rules on labelling and food safety.

This guide covers what a Japanese importer, wholesaler or retailer needs to know in 2026.

The India–Japan CEPA in brief

Japan and India signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2011. It entered into force on 1 August 2011 (MOFA announcement). Japan Customs describes its aim as broadly eliminating or reducing tariffs on mining, industrial and agricultural goods traded between the two countries (Japan Customs).

The agreement is still active. The 7th meeting of the CEPA Joint Committee was held in Tokyo on 2 March 2026 and reviewed how the agreement has worked after nearly 15 years in force (MOFA press release).

Duty rates: what the 2026 tariff schedule shows

Japan applies several tariff rates: a General rate, a WTO rate and separate EPA rates for each partner country. Under the CEPA, goods of Indian origin can use the "India" EPA column. The table below is based on Japan Customs' current schedule (version dated 8 August 2026).

Product	HS subheading	WTO rate	India EPA rate
Printed cotton bed linen	6302.21	4.5%	Free
Cotton table linen	6302.51	7.4%	Free
Cotton curtains	6303.91	7.4%	Free
Other cotton furnishings (e.g., cushion covers)	6304.92	7.4%	Free
Ceramic tableware (non-porcelain)	6912.00	2.3%	Free
Ornamental ceramic articles	6913.90	2.3%	Free

Sources: Japan Customs tariff schedule, Chapter 63 and Chapter 69.

Wooden articles and bags: Rates for wooden tableware and ornaments are in Chapter 44, and rates for handbags and similar items are in Chapter 42. Ask your customs broker to read the India EPA column for your exact statistical code before you cost the order. Not every line is duty-free under every agreement.

For a side-by-side view of other markets, see our import duty comparison for Indian handicrafts.

Certificate of Origin: the key document

The CEPA rate is not automatic. Under the agreement's operational certification procedures:

the importer submits a certificate of origin to Japan Customs to claim preferential treatment,
the certificate is issued by the competent governmental authority of the exporting country,
it is valid for 12 months from the date of issue (CEPA Annex 3, via Japan Customs).

The implementing procedures add some practical rules (MOFA implementing procedures):

The certificate must be in English, on A4 paper, in the agreed format.
It should normally be issued no later than three days from the date of shipment.
In exceptional cases, it can be issued retroactively within 12 months of shipment, marked "ISSUED RETROACTIVELY".

Who issues it in India? India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade lists three agencies for the India–Japan CEPA (DGFT Appendix 2B%20as%20on%2006.01.2023.pdf)):

the Export Inspection Council (EIC), for all goods,
the Marine Products Export Development Authority, for marine products,
the Textiles Committee, for textiles and made-ups.

The Textiles Committee confirms that it issues certificates under the CEPA, and says exporters must complete pre-export verification for each HS code before their first certificate (Textiles Committee). EPCH is not on the DGFT list for this agreement.

As your exporter, we handle this certificate. As the importer, check that the HS code, invoice details and origin criterion on the certificate match your import declaration.

Textile labelling: Household Goods Quality Labeling Act

Many household textiles sold in Japan have to be labelled under the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act. The Consumer Affairs Agency's textile list includes (CAA textile goods list):

bed sheets (敷布),
table covers,
curtains,
bedspreads and pillow covers.

According to the CAA's handbook, labels must show (CAA handbook):

Fibre composition: the specified fibre names with percentages.
Care labelling: care symbols following JIS L 0001.
Labeler details: the labeler's name and address or phone number.

Who is the labeler? For imports, the handbook says a Japanese business (the importer, seller or a labelling contractor in Japan) needs to become the labeler. Fabric bags are not on the textile list. The CAA handbook only covers certain leather bags, under miscellaneous goods.

We can sew or print labels to your artwork at source, so goods arrive shelf-ready. See our Sanganeri block print textiles guide for the range.

Food-contact tableware: Food Sanitation Act

Blue pottery plates, bowls and resin serving trays that will touch food are treated as "apparatus" or "containers and packaging" under Japan's Food Sanitation Act. Three points matter:

Import notification: Anyone importing these items for sale or business use must notify the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare for each import. Products can't be sold without it (MHLW imported food safety). Every notification is checked on paper, and goods may also be inspected (CAA food safety pamphlet).
Ceramics: Japan's specifications for glass, ceramic and enamelled apparatus set lead and cadmium limits, checked with an acetic acid leaching test (MHLW specifications, Chapter III). The Japan Customs tariff line for ceramic tableware is flagged for the Food Sanitation Act (Chapter 69).
Synthetic resin (including epoxy): Food-contact items made of synthetic resin may only use substances on Japan's positive list. The current list took effect on 1 June 2025, after the transitional period ended on 31 May 2025 (CAA positive list system).

Practical advice: decide early whether a piece is decorative or food-safe. For food-contact lines, plan for lab testing against Japanese standards before shipment. Our blue pottery buying guide and epoxy resin homeware checklist cover this in more depth.

Consumption tax at import

Japan charges consumption tax at import even when customs duty is zero. The standard rate is 10%: 7.8% national consumption tax plus 2.2% local consumption tax. In Japan Customs' worked example, the tax base is the CIF value plus customs duty (Japan Customs FAQ 1111; worked example). For CEPA-qualifying goods with a "Free" rate, the tax is therefore 10% of the CIF value.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Please confirm the requirements for your shipment with your customs broker or the relevant Japanese authority.

FAQ

Are Indian block-print bedsheets duty-free in Japan?

Japan's 2026 tariff schedule shows "Free" in the India EPA column for printed cotton bed linen (6302.21), provided you present a valid CEPA certificate of origin.

How long is a CEPA certificate of origin valid?

12 months from the date of issue, under Annex 3 of the agreement.

Who issues the certificate for textiles?

The DGFT lists the Textiles Committee for textiles and made-ups, and the Export Inspection Council for all goods.

Do decorative ceramics need a food sanitation notification?

The notification applies to apparatus and containers for food. If an item is sold purely as decor, discuss its classification and marketing with your broker before import.

Working with Kraft Bharat

Kraft Bharat, the export brand of Giftofy Corporation, supplies:

Jaipur blue pottery
Saharanpur wood carving
Sanganeri hand block print textiles
Epoxy resin and wood homeware
Quilted, patchwork and Banjara embroidery bags

We work for global buyers, including importers, wholesalers, retailers and online sellers, and we provide full export documentation, including preferential certificates of origin where the product qualifies. Custom labels and private label are available. MOQs start around 500 pieces depending on the product, samples are paid, and production lead time is about 30–45 days. Contact us through kraftbharat.com.