EPA Helpdesk

You would like to know if your goods may benefit from the existing free trade agreement between the EU and Japan?

Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals of the EU are allowed to supply services and engage in business activities in Japan. Engineer or Specialist in international services and humanities previously recognised. The EPA specifies 38 sectors for CSS. Contractual Service Suppliers generally depend on EU-based employers.

The EPA’s schedule of Japan lists 38 sectors where specific commitments apply. There are no quotas for those professionals entering Japan. Professionals of the EU covered by Annex 8-B (Annex III) depend on EU-based employers, whereas professionals of the EU covered by Annex 8-B (Annex IV) do not depend on EU-based employers.

The EU-Japan EPA grants professionals from EU countries access to Japan beyond what is secured by GATS. Access for short term business visitors (STBV) is outlined in the treaty for those employed by firms doing business in the host country. There are no quotas for STBV.STBV are tied to EU-based employers.