Parallel Imported Products
This page provides explanations regarding the definition of parallel imported products, display methods, certain display restrictions, and other matters for your consideration.
Definition of Parallel Imported Products
Parallel Imported Products refers to products imported into the country via a route other than a regular import agency approved by the manufacturer.
In order to avoid any buyer misunderstandings due to restrictions on Parallel Imported Products as listed below, sellers need to list them separately from other conventional products.
- Not eligible to receive domestic warranty and repair services provided by the regular import agency or manufacturer
- The product specifications are different to those of the product handled by the regular import agency, there are restrictions on the product's use within Japan
- Misunderstandings regarding the product box, decoration, etc., arising due to the difference in the purchase route
When listing an item, it is assumed that you have agreed to comply with Amazon guidelines. In the event that the product is not listed correctly, Amazon reserves the right to remove said item (including the listing).
Adding Parallel Imported Products
When listing Parallel Imported Products on the Amazon site, these listings must be distinguished from listings for other conventional items. Parallel Imported Products are indicated as [Parallel Imported Product] in the item name, and have a separate Product Detail Page (ASIN) to conventional items.
If there is already a Product Detail Page (ASIN) for the Parallel Imported Product on the Amazon site, please place your listing on that Product Detail Page.
Please abide by the following rules when registering.
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Required attributes
Please specify the appropriate "JP Parallel Import" value in the [Distribution Designation] item, and enter the JAN/UPC code of the item. If you specify this item, [Parallel Imported Product] will automatically be stated in the item name and a separate Product Detail Page (ASIN) to that of the regular item will be created.
Example: Manufacturer Name SD Card 10GB TS10GSXDC [Parallel Imported Product]
Using Category Specific Inventory File:
distribution_designation
Indicates if parallel import item: JP Parallel Import
Note: Enter for both parent and child if variation items.Using Add-a-Product:
Distribution Designation
You can find Distribution_designation field in the "Vital Info" or "More Detail" tab. If you are unable to find it, click on "Advanced View".
Note: Indicate only for parent if variation items. (Need to indicate for both parent and child if Category Specific Inventory File.)Note: Listing Loader does not support Distribution Designation attribute. Items having same JAN/UPC code for both Parallel Import products and conventional products will be shown as duplicated items. Please use Category Specific Inventory File for listing Parallel Import products. -
Product Description and Key Product Features: For the product description enter only details regarding the item, please enter your own personal content (warranty, etc.) in the Condition Note. Please be sure to state why the item is a Parallel Imported Product in the Condition Note.
- Although product quality guarantees made by the manufacturer do not apply within Japan, quality assurance and after-sales service for Parallel Imported Products will be performed by the seller (in addition to specifying contact information)
- Presence or absence of accessories and their differences
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Listings for Parallel Imported Products must also comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act and the Electronic Appliance Safety Act.
Consumer Affairs Agency Homepage > Household Goods Quality Labeling Act: http://www.caa.go.jp/hinpyo/
Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry > Consumer Policy > Product Safety Guides > Electronic Appliance Safety Act pages: http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/consumer/seian/denan/
- When listing a Parallel Imported Product, it is prohibited to display the regular (normal) item price as a reference price. As this is permitted in certain cases, with regard to fashion categories (Clothing & Accessories/Shoes & Bags/Jewelry, Watches) please refer to the respective listing guidelines.
- Items that include an inventory file "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price" (MSRP) or a value in the "Manufacturer's Suggested Price" on the item registration screen will not be displayed in the Parallel Imported Products store.
Restrictions on Parallel Imported Product listings in certain categories
In certain product categories there are listing conditions or restrictions for Parallel Imported Products. Please refer to the following table for details.
| Beauty | Some listings of Parallel Imported Products or personal import agencies and similar such entities are prohibited. See here for a list of prohibitions. |
| Baby & Maternity | A prior examination will be required for listings which are partly made up of Parallel Imported Products. See here for details. |
| Sporting Goods | Some listings of Parallel Imported Products or personal import agencies and similar such entities are prohibited. See here for a list of prohibitions. |
| Clothing & Accessories | Some listings of Parallel Imported Products or personal import agencies and similar such entities are prohibited. See here for a list of prohibitions. |
| Watches | Some listings of Parallel Imported Products or personal import agencies and similar such entities are prohibited. See here for a list of prohibitions. |
| Jewelry | Some listings of Parallel Imported Products or personal import agencies and similar such entities are prohibited. See here for a list of prohibitions. |
| Shoes & Bags | Listings of Parallel Imported Products or personal import agencies and similar such entities are prohibited. See here for a list of prohibitions. |
| Consumer Electronics, Camera, Home, Home Appliances, Computers | When listing electronics, please refer to the relevant laws and regulations for Parallel Imported Products, such as consumer electronics and the checkpoint when making the listing. |
| Home | When listing household pressure cookers and pressure kettles, please refer to the relevant laws and regulations for Parallel Imported Products (non-household appliances) and the checkpoint when making the listing. |
| Home Appliances | When listing water purifier related items, please refer to the relevant laws and regulations for Parallel Imported Products (non-household appliances) and the checkpoint when making the listing. |
Updating product information
If you update existing product information, please note the following:
- Enter all required fields. (PartialUpdate may fail to update.)
- Enter JAN code if it’s possible. Don’t use ASIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a parallel imported product that has no assigned product (JAN) code. How can I list the product?
If the same product has been added as a parallel imported product, please list it on that product detail page (ASIN).
If not, submit a request to list a product without a JAN code, then add the product without a JAN code.
Refer to this page to submit a request to list a product without a product code.
Refer to this page to add a new product.
How should I list the item if the parallel imported product has the same item code as the regular (normal) product?
If listing a Parallel Imported Product, please input the JAN/UPC code and specify the appropriate "JP Parallel Import" value in the [Distribution Designation] item. If you specify this item, [Parallel Imported Product] will automatically be stated in the product name, and a separate Product Detail Page to that of the regular (normal) product will be created. *If the same item has already been registered as a Parallel Imported Product, please post the listing on that Product Detail Page (ASIN).
How can I list a product in a parallel imported product store?
You can list a product in a parallel imported product store by adding the product based on Listing Parallel Imported Products. However, note that you cannot list such a product in the Video Games, Home, Home Appliances, Sporting Goods, Clothing & Accessories, Shoes & Bags, Watches, and Jewelry categories.
