Japan has been Australia's largest export market for the past 40 years. Two-way merchandise trade between Australia and Japan was valued at approximately $ 70,8 billion. Merchandise exports to Japan rose by 58 per cent to $ 50,6 billion, which represents over one fifth of Australia's total exports. Japan remained Australia's largest export market for coal, LNG, beef, dairy products and seafood. Beef exports increased by 8 per cent to $ 2,1 billion. Rural exports increased by 10 per cent to $ 4,4 billion. Iron ore exports also increased by 64,4 per cent to $ 7,4 billion. In terms of Australia's major export sectors, coal exports grew by 125,6 per cent in 2008 to $ 20,3 billion. Australian products enter Japan at the lowest rate notified (preferential rates excepted).
However, imports from Australia of most fresh fruits (excluding certain oranges, mangoes, blueberries, Fuji apples, pineapples and green bananas) are subject to restrictions.
Product certification, labelling and packaging
Meat for human consumption require an additional certificate, issued by an approved authority in Australia. Imports of food require a food import permit issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Spirituous beverages may require a certificate of age.
Foodstuffs must have a sticker attached to each package after importation showing a detailed description of contents, date of import or manufacture and name and address of importer in Japanese. Special labelling regulations apply to certain furniture, electrical appliances, aluminium foil, some kitchen utensils, cleaning materials, toilet and bath fittings, soap, cosmetics, plastic film and hot water bottles.
Goods should be marked according to normal commercial practice. Proposed packaging should be cleared with importers as they have definite preferences. Use of straw packing materials is prohibited.
Methods of quoting and payment depend on type of product, quantity and relationship established between exporter and importer.
Documentary requirements
There are no special requirements to pro-forma invoice. A minimum of three copies of commercial invoice are required. They must be signed by the supplier and should contain the following information:
• description and quantity of goods;
• marks and serial numbers of packages;
• import licence number;
• CIF value (Incoterms 1990);
• destination and consignee;
• place and date of preparation;
• conditions of contract relating to determination of the value;
• name of vessel.
As for bill of lading, minimum of three signed originals and two unsigned its copies are required for goods dispatched by sea. For goods sent by air, standard sets of 10 are available (original plus nine copies).
Two copies of packing list indicating details of goods are recommended.
Certificate of origin must show origin, marks and/or numbers of commodities, description and number of packages and must certify that commodities were produced in Australia. | 
