This paper was published in Issue 160 of the Financial Review by the Policy Research Institute, Ministry of Finance. The research team led by Shintaro Negishi empirically analyzes the usage status and effects of the "Liberalization of Import/Export Declaration Customs Offices" system introduced in October 2017.
Key Points
1. Research Overview
- Authors: Shintaro Negishi, Akira Sasahara, Takanori Otsuka, Fumiharu Ito (Guest Researchers at Policy Research Institute, etc.)
- Research Subject: Liberalization of Import/Export Declaration Customs Offices System (introduced October 2017)
- Analytical Method: Analysis of changes in corporate behavior before and after system introduction using import/export declaration data
- Research Significance: Empirical example of measuring deregulation effects
2. About the "Liberalization of Import/Export Declaration Customs Offices" System
- Content of System Reform:
- Previously: Declarations only possible at customs offices with jurisdiction over cargo location
- After reform: Declarations possible at any customs office nationwide
- Expected Effects:
- Improved corporate convenience
- Streamlined administrative processing
- Reduced logistics costs
- Relationship with AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) System: Preferential measures for highly reliable operators
3. Usage Status of the Liberalization System
- Characteristics of User Companies:
- High usage rate among large corporations
- Active utilization by companies with multiple locations
- Higher trade volume companies show greater usage tendency
- Usage by Industry:
- Notable usage in manufacturing
- Trading companies and logistics companies also actively utilize
- Regional Patterns: Concentration of declarations at customs offices in major metropolitan areas
4. Analysis of Utilization Factors for the Liberalization System
- Company Size Factors:
- Economies of scale at work
- Possibility of recovering system investments
- Transaction Characteristic Factors:
- High frequency of imports/exports
- Diversity of handled items
- Degree of dispersion of destinations/origins
- Organizational Factors:
- Centralized management system at headquarters
- Degree of in-house customs operations
5. Implementation Effects of the Liberalization System
- Cost Reduction Effects:
- Efficiency through consolidation of customs operations
- Reduction in travel time and transportation costs
- Optimization of personnel allocation
- Time Reduction Effects:
- Shortened lead times
- Expedited customs procedures
- Indirect Effects:
- Supply chain reorganization
- Consolidation of logistics bases
6. Econometric Analysis Results
- DID (Difference-in-Differences) Analysis:
- Significant cost reduction for system-using companies
- Confirmed reduction in customs clearance time
- Impact on Corporate Performance:
- Tendency for increased import/export values
- Promotion of entry into new markets
- Spillover Effects: Spread of system usage to competing companies
7. Policy Implications and Recommendations
- Success Factors in System Design:
- Deregulation matching corporate needs
- Smooth transition through phased introduction
- Room for Further Improvement:
- Measures to promote usage by SMEs
- Strengthening linkage with digitalization
- Implications for Other Deregulations:
- Importance of advance effect prediction
- Construction of monitoring systems
8. Research Contributions and Future Challenges
- Academic Contribution: Empirical research precisely measuring deregulation effects
- Policy Evaluation Contribution: Evidence-based verification of policy effects
- Future Research Topics:
- Long-term effect tracking
- Comparison with similar systems in other countries
- Extension to digital trade
This research is a pioneering study that quantitatively evaluates the effects of deregulation using import/export declaration data, providing important implications for future trade facilitation policy formulation.