The framework of laws, ordinances and regulations regulating Government Procurement is one of high complexity, involving dozens of legal texts.  Procurement by national entities is subject to the Accounts Law; on the other hand procurement by local government falls under the Local Autonomy Law. This has resulted in the development of two separate legal structures government procurement.

An overview of the legal framework concerning government procurement of goods and services is provided in English at the Cabinet Office website.

The Ministry of Justice in Japan operates a website, Japanese Law Translations with unofficial Japanese law translations, where some of these laws and ordinances are listed.