Making an established business run smoother

BASF both exports to and produces in Japan, and its chemicals are important inputs for a wide range of industries there. BASF in Japan operates six production sites throughout the country and is involved in various partnerships. 

BASF was founded in 1865 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The company has longstanding trade relations with Japan, and clearly noted the significant benefits brought about by the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) when it entered into force in 2019. 

EPA provides clarity and savings

With its portfolio of specialty chemicals which come from the company’s European production sites, BASF benefits from the tariff reductions of the EPA. The agreement reduced customs duties for many products and eliminated them entirely for some. 

Even more important for a company like BASF are the practical facilitation and cost savings that come with better, streamlined procedures. 

BASF credits the EPA with improved procedures. One example is the self-declaration of origin, which has accelerated and simplified the export of EU products to Japan. This makes it much easier and more practical to take advantage of EPA tariff benefits.

The financial benefit of the tariff reductions is very good. At the same time, we feel that the EPA provides real benefits in terms of simplification of import procedures.

Narumi Fukuda, 
Representative Director & Vice-President, BASF Japan Ltd.

BASF also notes that the EPA has generally helped to provide greater clarity regarding technical specifications, test reports, and environmental conditions. The expanded public procurement market has facilitated access to bid for contracts with additional government entities, which may foster increased potential opportunities for the company in the future.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1865
• Exporting to Japan since 1898
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
• Employees: 112,000