Due diligence on a Japanese supplier
Before you wire money to a new Japanese supplier or partner, here is what you can verify in minutes using only official government data - free, and mostly available in English.
1. Verify the invoice registration number (T-number)
Every legitimate Japanese business that issues qualified invoices has a T + 13-digit registration number. Check it here. A revoked or unregistered number is an immediate red flag - and for Japan-based buyers it can invalidate the consumption-tax deduction. Confirm the registered name and address match the invoice.
2. Confirm the company exists in the corporate registry
For companies, the 13 digits of the T-number are the corporate number (法人番号). The NTA Corporate Number Publication Site shows the registered name, head-office address and a change history. Watch for companies incorporated weeks ago, or that relocate their head office repeatedly.
3. Look at the business profile in gBizINFO
gBizINFO (run by METI) aggregates employee counts, capital, certifications, subsidies received and government contracts won. A "trading company" with 2 employees offering you container-loads of goods deserves extra questions.
4. Check licenses and product certifications
Depending on the product: radio/wireless devices need Giteki certification (MIC), electrical products need PSE. Note that PSE notifications are not published in any public database - the correct practice is to ask the supplier for a copy of their 事業届出書 (business notification). A supplier who cannot produce it should worry you.
5. Look for a government procurement track record
Companies that win national government tenders have passed qualification screening and delivered under inspection. Award data will be searchable on Japan Tenders.
6. Red flags
- T-number revoked, expired or not found
- Invoice name does not match the registered corporate name
- Company incorporated very recently, pushing large first orders
- Virtual-office head office with no explanation of actual operations
- Prepayment only, or payment routed to an overseas or personal account
Importing from Japan?
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