REX registered 0% duty into the EU, UK, Canada & Japan — see current status

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Trishakti Apparel · Nepal

Buying from Nepal into Japan

Duty-free knitwear for Japanese buyers

Duty-free GSP – special preferential treatment for LDCs From Nepal: 0% Standard cotton tee: 7.4% Japan Customs (source: Japan’s Tariff Schedule as of 8 August 2026 – Chapter 61, opens in a new tab)

Does imported fabric still qualify?

Japan simplified its GSP rule of origin for knitted apparel (HS Chapter 61) from 1 April 2015: goods qualify when "manufactured from fabrics" (knitted, woven or non-woven fabric of Chapters 50–56 or 58–60). The fabric itself need not originate in Nepal, so cut-and-sew knitwear from imported fabric qualifies. Woven garments (Chapter 62) follow different rules; confirm per HS line. Japan Customs (source: Simplification of preferential rules of origin under GSP for knitted apparel (HS Chapter 61), from 1 April 2015, opens in a new tab) Japan Customs (source: Outline of Japan’s GSP (FAQ 1501) – duty-free, quota-free treatment for LDCs, opens in a new tab)

What you receive and use at import

Why Japan buyers work with us

Detail-focused small runs

MOQ of 1,000 pieces per style per colour, pre-production samples in 7–14 days and in-line QC suit Japanese quality expectations.

Margin calculator

What does 0% duty put back in your margin?

Example FOB prices are illustrative, not our quote. Duty is charged on customs value (usually CIF in the EU/UK, FOB in Canada and the US), so real savings are often slightly higher. Rates verified 2026-09-24; confirm your HS line with your customs broker.

Standard duty into Japan: 7.4% · from Nepal: 0%

You keep, per year

$4,736

Per piece
$0.24
Per order
$1,184
How importing into Japan works →
Minimum order
1,000
Per style / colour · flexible per programme
Sampling
7–14
After tech-pack review
Bulk lead time
40–50
After sample approval
Monthly capacity
26–30k
Knit basics · confirmed per programme

Questions from Japan buyers

Straight answers.

Is Nepali knitwear duty-free in Japan?
Yes. As an LDC, Nepal receives Japan’s special preferential treatment, and cotton knit T-shirts, polos and sweatshirts are listed as Free for LDCs. Japanese consumption tax still applies.
Our fabric is from China. Is that a problem?
Not for knitted apparel. Since 1 April 2015 Japan’s rule for Chapter 61 is manufacture from fabrics, so cut-and-sew in Nepal from imported fabric qualifies.
What proof of origin does Japan need?
Usually a GSP Certificate of Origin Form A issued in Nepal for each shipment, except very small consignments. We arrange it with the shipping documents.
How long will LDC treatment last?
Japan has said it will extend LDC treatment for up to three years after graduation. Nepal’s graduation is scheduled for 24 November 2026 (deferral requested). We will confirm the exact end date once Japan publishes it.

Guides for Japan importers

Sources & last verified

Page facts checked

We link every trade claim to the body that publishes it — official sources first. Rules change; if you spot something out of date, tell us.

  1. 01 Canada’s unilateral tariff preference programs for imports from developing countries (LDCT renewed to 2034; three-year post-graduation transition) Department of Finance Canada · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  2. 02 The EU’s renewed GSP scheme: key updates for 2027 (Regulation (EU) 2026/1395; EBA for 2026 graduates at least until end-2029) European Commission – Access2Markets · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  3. 03 Preference tier graduation: Bhutan (three-year DCTS transition after UN LDC graduation) GOV.UK – Department for Business and Trade · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  4. 04 Japan’s Tariff Schedule as of 8 August 2026 – Chapter 61 Japan Customs · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  5. 05 Simplification of preferential rules of origin under GSP for knitted apparel (HS Chapter 61), from 1 April 2015 Japan Customs · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  6. 06 Outline of Japan’s GSP (FAQ 1501) – duty-free, quota-free treatment for LDCs Japan Customs · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  7. 07 Trade Policy Review of Japan 2026 – opening statement by Japan (GSP: LDC treatment extended to up to three years after graduation) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  8. 08 India, Nepal ink deal to boost rail trade connectivity (Kolkata and Visakhapatnam cargo access) Press Information Bureau, Government of India · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  9. 09 EU REX registration for Nepali exporters Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Government of Nepal · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  10. 10 Treaty of Trade, Treaty of Transit and related agreements (Kolkata/Haldia transit arrangements) Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Government of Nepal · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  11. 11 Nepal Foreign Trade Statistics 2083 (readymade garment exports FY 2082/83: Rs 9.30 billion) Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Government of Nepal · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  12. 12 Trade preferences for Asia-Pacific LDCs and developing economies: 2026 updates (22 May 2026) UN ESCAP · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  13. 13 Nepal – graduation status (scheduled 24 November 2026; 2026 extension request, CDP and ECOSOC) United Nations – LDC Portal · official · checked 24 Sept 2026
  14. 14 Nepal will seek delayed LDC graduation citing economic constraints (16 May 2026) The Kathmandu Post · checked 24 Sept 2026
  15. 15 LDC graduation extension: ECOSOC recommends UNGA to take decision on Bangladesh, Nepal (July 2026) UNB (United News of Bangladesh) · checked 24 Sept 2026

Namaste — let’s talk

Sourcing for Japan? Let’s cost it properly.

Send a tech pack, a photo or just an idea. You’ll hear back from the people who run the floor — usually within 24 hours, Nepal time.

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