【question】
I sometimes hear the term “parallel import goods”. Is it fake? I was too scared to buy one the other day.
Please tell me the actual situation.
【Answer】
I sometimes see parallel imports of branded products.
What you see at the corner store is not fake or anything, it is genuine and legal.
So there’s nothing scary lol
What we mean by this is “importing genuine products through a route other than that of authorized distributors.”
Imported products purchased from authorized distributors are imported and sold by a foreign manufacturer or exporter who owns the trademark and enters into a sole agency agreement with the Japanese importer.
The “alternative route” for parallel imports involves purchasing products overseas by a third party other than the official distributor and exporting them to Japan.
This is an import and sales route recognized by the Japan Patent Office.
The trademark affixed to the parallel imported product must have been legally affixed by the holder of the trademark right in the importing foreign country or by a person who has received permission to use the trademark from the holder of the trademark right.
The trademark of the parallel imported product may not be registered in Japan because the trademark owner in the importing foreign country and the trademark owner in Japan are the same person or have a legal or legal relationship that allows them to be treated as the same person. The trademark indicates the same source as the trademark (in other words, the source indication function of the trademark is not impaired)
It is evaluated that there is no substantial difference in the quality guaranteed by the registered trademark between the parallel-imported product and the product with the registered trademark by the Japanese trademark owner (in other words, the quality assurance function of the trademark is not impaired). (Not done)
If all of these requirements are met, parallel imports can also serve as a trademark.
●Advantages of parallel import products
What are the benefits of purchasing parallel imported products?
Since the seller is not an official distributor, he or she is free to set prices. Therefore, we can sell our products cheaper than authorized dealers, and consumers can purchase them.
You may also be able to purchase products that are not sold domestically.
●Disadvantages of parallel import products
Although it can be purchased cheaply, there are also disadvantages.
Since it is not purchased from an official distributor, there is usually no after-sales follow-up or guarantee.
If you purchase it as an individual or as a small-lot importer, there is a risk that you will receive a counterfeit product. . .
Some items are not Japanese standards.
The Consumer Affairs Agency also urges caution regarding parallel import products. Link: Japan Customer Affairs Agency
Let’s do import business and personal imports while being more careful about parallel imports!
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact ‘World Trade for All’!