No Customs Clearance in Japan During Extended April 29-May 6 Holiday, Forwarder Says

Japan’s upcoming imperial succession will bring customs clearance to a halt, and the arrival of any cargo during the period should be avoided, according to a client alert from the Arpin International Group. The “Golden Week” will be held April 29-May 6, marking the abdication of Japanese Emperor Akihito and the accession to the throne of Crown Prince Naruhito. “Most public authorities, customs offices, harbor companies, and many general companies will be closed during this time,” Arpin said.

Arpin recommends that any sea shipments arrive in Japan by April 15, and any air shipments arrive by April 22. No shipments should be arranged to arrive by sea April 19 through May 7, or by air April 24 through May 7, the alert said. “Even if a shipment arrives in Japan during the above dates, the release request to the air forwarder/sea forwarder will not be processed and will not receive import clearance with Japanese customs,” it said.

Arpin expects “long backlogs” at airports after the holidays are over. “We are advising customers with import or export shipments in Japan to prepare for delays as well as additional port storage, demurrage, and various other charges which may be assessed,” the alert said.