Japan and Netherlands Customs Deepen Cooperation
Overview
On November 5, 2026, the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance and the Customs Administration of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Finance exchanged views and signed a cooperation document to strengthen their coordination. They identified advanced technology and AI, cross-border e-commerce, and risk management and targeting as three priority areas for cooperation. Experts will hold regular meetings to share information and exchange views.
Key points
- The customs authorities of Japan and the Netherlands signed a cooperation document to strengthen coordination.
- The three priority areas for cooperation are advanced technology and AI, cross-border e-commerce, and risk management and targeting.
- Experts from both authorities will hold regular meetings to share information and exchange views.
Overview
On November 5, 2026, the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance and the Customs Administration of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Finance exchanged views.
The meeting covered a broad range of issues common to both customs authorities, including efforts to prevent the smuggling of illicit goods (including the use of advanced technologies such as AI), responses to cross-border e-commerce (including cooperation with platform operators), promotion of public-private partnerships, and use of advanced inspection equipment.
Impact
The two customs authorities said they would steadily advance initiatives under the cooperation document based on the discussions and further strengthen coordination.
Details
The cooperation document designated advanced technology and AI, cross-border e-commerce, and risk management and targeting as priority cooperation areas. Experts from both authorities will hold regular meetings in these areas to share information and exchange views.
The Netherlands Customs Administration delegation visited the Haneda Customs Branch, the Kawasaki International Mail Office, and other sites to deepen its understanding of Japan Customs’ work. It also exchanged views with private airlines and others on public-private partnerships.