When starting Amazon export as a business, are the only things you should pay attention to in terms of profit calculation and language (English)?
Amazon exports require you to take your products "out of the country" and sell them on a platform based outside your country.
In other words, there are many things that cannot be planned using Japanese common sense.
Here, I would like to think about how to hedge risks, with a particular focus on regulatory matters related to the product itself.
Export prohibited due to “aircraft dangerous goods” designation
If you are exporting a product designated as ``Aviation Dangerous Goods'' overseas, you will definitely be refused acceptance.
If it is addressed domestically, delivery may be delayed in some cases, but if it is delivered overseas, export is prohibited without any questions asked.
If you buy the corresponding products, it will be a complete waste, so let's look at each one one by one.
- explosives
fireworks
crackers - High-pressure gas
spray can
Refill gas for lighter Gas
cylinder
for diving cassette Gas extinguisher for stove Gas
extinguisher
Oxygen cylinder
Gas lighter
Gas cylinder - Flammable Liquid
Perfume
Oil Lighter
Fuel Paints
Chemical Products
Adhesive Alcohol
Gasoline
Nail
Polish
Aromatherapy Oil - flammable material
charcoal
match - Hazardous Property
Engine
Dry Ice
Magnet
Seatbelt Pretensioner
Airbag Module
Stove - Oxidizing Substances
Small Oxygen Generator
Peroxide
Bleach
Hair Color - Toxic substances
Insecticides
Pesticides
Mercury compounds
Infectious pathogens
Bacteria
Viruses
Medical waste
Diagnostic specimens - Radioactive material
- Corrosive substances
liquid battery
mercury hydrochloric
acid
Application required for “customs clearance”
Even if you are able to export goods that do not fall under the category of aviation dangerous goods by air, whether or not they can be cleared through customs is a different matter.
Please be aware that if a product that requires a customs clearance application is cleared through customs without making the appropriate application, it ``smuggling.''
Application regarding “electronic equipment”
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates products that emit harmful frequencies, so it is mandatory to submit an "FCC form"
"Applicable electronic devices"
- audio equipment
- video game console
- telephone
- mobile phone
- facsimile
- Computer
- computer peripherals
- radio clock
- microwave oven
- tv set
- radio
Application regarding “lithium battery”
From January 1, 2014, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strengthened transport regulations for single-packaged lithium batteries, requiring submission of a ``Lithium Battery Handling Label'' and ``Lithium Battery Document.'' You can
Submission of lithium battery related documents
Application regarding “chemical products”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposes regulations on chemicals that affect the human body, so a TSCA form must be submitted at customs clearance.
"Applicable chemicals"
- cosmetics
- paint
- ink
- wax
- soap
- shampoo
- powder
"FBA listing" will be prohibited
- Animals or plants
that appear to have been alive before being delivered or shipped - Foods, etc. (Expiration date controlled products)
Products that include foods such as foods and toys.
Or products with an expiration date printed on them.
*If you have a large-scale listing contract, you will be able to list your item once you pass the test after taking training on time-limited products.
Permission to list deadline-controlled products
- Goods and Chemicals
Class 1 to Class 6 Explosives Control Law stipulated
Fire Protection Act, regulated products in the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law
Prohibited based on the Japan Aviation Hazardous Materials Transport Association (JACIS) ProductsLithium
batteries (detailed conditions apply)
Products with warnings that arouse danger on the productProducts
with markings such as prohibition of open flames and Class X hazardous materialsAerosol
products
Medical devices
that require notification and permission from relevant ministries and agencies for sale *Only "household managed medical devices" and "general medical devices" can be handled
Pharmaceuticals
Alcoholic beverage
coupons, prepaid cards,
various gift certificates, etc. (stamps, revenue stamps)- Neodymium magnets and strong magnets whose magnetism may affect other products
- Bars, ingots, and bullion of precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver
- Gold coins, silver coins, copper coins, commemorative coins
- Old coins/old bills
- Products prohibited by program policy
Stolen products
Reproduction media
Illegal products
Reproduction of trademarked products
Promotional media
Adult products - Products subject to recall
"Weight limit" when shipping to Amazon FBA
Many people who use Amazon FBA ship several boxes of cardboard at once, but there is a weight limit for each cardboard box.
The weight limit for one box 50lbs .
*lbs = pound 50lbs = approximately 22kg (679.6167g)
In other words, when shipping from Japan via a courier or agency , you should decide on a rule of around 20 kg in advance.
If you repeat this behavior, your account may be suspended.
“Category application” is required when listing items.
There are categories that require application when selling products through Amazon export.
If you pass the application, you will gain competitiveness with other sellers, and even if you fail, repeat applications will be accepted, so it is better to pass the application.
The categories that require application are as follows.
- Automotive & Powersports
- Beauty
- Clothing & Accessories
- Collectible Books
- Collectible Coins
- Entertainment Collectibles
- Fine Art
- Gift Cards
- Grocery & Gourmet Foods
- Health & Personal Care
- Independent Design
- Jewelry
- Luggage & Travel Accessories
- Major Appliances
- Services
- Sexual Wellness
- Shoes, Handbags & Sunglasses
- Sports Collectibles
- Video, DVD, & Blu-ray
- Watches
- Wine
The above application process can be done from the link below.
Category application
After applying, it takes about 1-2 days for the review results to be returned from Amazon, but the review conditions are not disclosed, so if the review is unsuccessful, you will have no choice but to eliminate the cause yourself. .
Sales are regulated by specific “manufacturers”
Even if the various conditions explained so far have been cleared and sales have started, a specific manufacturer files a complaint directly with Amazon, restrictions will be imposed on the product's listing.
"Sorry, this item is restricted for sale"
In order to lift this restriction, it would be wise to give up on the product, as only
authorized distributors (The probability that the regulation will be overturned is equal to 0)
These types of products tend to have one thing in common: a large number of pirated copies are on the market.
lastly
We have summarized the points that beginners who have just started exporting to Amazon should be aware of.
As you can see, there are so many regulations regarding products that it may be difficult to understand them all.
Let's organize the flow so far
- passing aircraft
- Pass through customs
- Passed the FBA listing
- (Passes “weight” regulations for FBA listings)
- Pass category application
- Passes regulations from manufacturer
Generally speaking, I think it will look like this, with the flow passing from Japan to overseas in order.
Once you experience the entire process yourself, you will be able to get the general idea at once, so let's carefully understand each step.
Among these, passing the category application will be your strength when exporting to Amazon, so you should try repeatedly.
