On 23 April 2026, the Ministry of Finance Japan and the Korea Customs Service held a high-level customs meeting to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
A central outcome of the meeting was the shared commitment to enhance cooperation on RCEP implementation, particularly in areas such as rules of origin, certificate of origin verification, and the consistent application of preferential tariff treatment. Both sides exchanged views on practical challenges faced by businesses and agreed to improve coordination to facilitate smoother utilisation of RCEP benefits.
In addition, the two customs authorities agreed to strengthen information sharing and enforcement cooperation, including efforts to combat smuggling and address the cross-border movement of counterfeit goods. Intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement was highlighted as a priority area requiring closer collaboration.
Digitalisation was another key topic, with both sides agreeing to advance cooperation on electronic data exchange, risk management systems, and customs modernisation initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency in clearance processes.
The meeting also reaffirmed commitment to trade facilitation, aiming to streamline procedures while maintaining effective regulatory oversight. Both administrations agreed to continue regular dialogue and institutional engagement to support evolving trade and compliance needs.
For trade compliance professionals, this development underscores the growing importance of RCEP operational alignment, particularly in origin compliance and documentation. Companies should ensure readiness for verification requirements, strengthen internal controls on preferential claims, and stay aligned with evolving customs practices across the Japan–Korea trade corridor.
Kindly refer to the following announcement issued by the Ministry of Finance of Japan:
https://www.mof.go.jp/english/policy/customs_tariff/information/ka20260424.html