JMT Web News

Tokyo Musical Instruments Association held a meeting on February 25 to acquire latest information on new import tax of Japan-U.S. Trade Agreement at a meeting room of Gakki Kaikan (Japan’s music products industry members headquarters), Tokyo. A total of 36 members took part from Tokyo Musical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association and Eastern Japan Musical Instruments Distributors Association.

Ms. Kazuyo Aoki, an expert of Economic Partnership Division, The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (photo) explained the proceedings of the agreement, which an official announcement came on September 25 last year.

As to musical instruments made in Japan, 1.7% import duty levied on upright and grand pianos in the first year will be abolished in the second year. Also, 1.9% import duty applied to brass instruments in the first year will be abolished in the second year.

On the other hand, 2.7% import duty imposed to electronic keyboard in the first year will be kept unchanged in the second year.

2% import duty on other musical instruments in the first year will be abolished in the second year.

Woodwind instruments, accordions and instruments parts & accessories will be imported free of import tax in and after the first year.

The new import tax took effect on January 1, 2020.