Japanīs GSP scheme has been effective since 1 August 1971 and has been extended to 31 March 2011. The scheme grants preferential treatment to 164 developing countries and territories. It covers selected agricultural and fishery products as well as all industrialized products, with some exceptions.

The Handbook covers (1) beneficiary eligibility; (2) product coverage; (3) tariff reduction; (4) ceilings; (5) safeguard mechanisms; (6) the graduation program; (7) special treatment for least developed countries (LDCs); and (8) rules of origin. It also contains a list of products covered by Japanīs GSP scheme. On 1 April 2000 a new list of products (enjoying duty-quota-free treatment) was added for the exclusive benefit of LDC beneficiaries. In April 2003 these lists are expected to cover additional products for LDC beneficiaries.

While every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this handbook is correct, no liability or claim may be made against the publisher. This document has no legal value. Only the Regulations published by the Government of Japan, which were the major sources used in preparing this handbook, have legal value. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this handbook do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.