【Question】
I just realized that when I ordered it on an e-commerce site and imported it, I paid a tax called customs duty.
In addition to customs duties, there is also a consumption tax for some reason even though I am buying from a foreign country. To what extent does the government take away taxes? . .
Anyway, what is it? ? This tax! ! !
【Answer】
When you see it for the first time, you wonder why such taxes.
I will explain this tax system in Japan.
History of customs duties and purpose of taxation
Customs duties began in Japan when they were imposed on imported goods during the Edo period.
It was originally introduced as a source of revenue for the national finances.
However, as the tax system has been developed, its role as a means of financing has become smaller, and now that free trade has progressed, its role in protecting the country’s industry has become larger.
The purpose is to reduce domestic competitiveness by increasing the cost of imported goods.
Therefore, the tax rate is determined in detail depending on the material of the product, how it is made, etc.
Another purpose is supporting industry in developing countries.
Products exported from developing countries have the role of making them more competitive by keeping tariffs low.
Consumption tax in import transactions
I’m sure you’re wondering why consumption tax is imposed even if you haven’t even bought it.
Consumption tax is levied on “goods consumed within Japan.”
Importing into Japan, that is, consuming within Japan, means that taxes are also imposed on import transactions.
If import transactions are not taxed, then only domestically produced products are taxed.
Consumption tax is payable when purchasing domestically produced products, but if there is no consumption tax on imported products, the competitiveness of domestically produced products will decline.
Therefore, customs duties and consumption taxes are levied on import transactions.
If you have any questions, please let me know using the contact form. Understanding import taxes is the first step to reducing wasteful spending.
I look forward to sharing my import knowledge and answering your questions.