Japan has its own packaging producer responsibility system under the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law (CPLR). Obligated businesses contribute to recycling through the Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association (JCPRA). If you sell on Amazon.co.jp, this may apply to you.
How the system works
- Businesses that use specified containers and packaging to sell goods are "specified business operators".
- They calculate their obligated recycling volume and pay a commissioning fee to JCPRA, which arranges the recycling.
- Reporting and payment run on an annual cycle.
The practical hurdle for foreign sellers
Obligations generally attach to a business operating in Japan. Overseas sellers usually need a Japanese entity or an importer of record in Japan to carry the obligation, similar to how EU schemes look to the entity placing goods on the market.
What to do
- Determine who the obligated operator is for your Amazon.co.jp sales.
- Estimate the containers and packaging volume by material.
- Register and report to JCPRA on the annual schedule and pay the commissioning fee.
Track the Japanese reporting window alongside your other markets in the free EPR Deadline Calendar.
Japan's rules and thresholds are set nationally and change over time. Confirm your obligation with a qualified adviser before relying on this overview.