Market data and import guide

Robots with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or LTE need Japanese Giteki certification. A special notification scheme allows uncertified devices that meet international standards to be used for experiments for up to 180 days. It covers wireless LAN and Bluetooth in the 2.4/5/6GHz bands but not LTE. Getting full certification afterward reportedly costs about ¥300,000 and takes 1–2 months, so check the seller's certification status before commercial use.

Japan's tariff schedule (April 1, 2026) sets a zero duty on HS 8479.50 (industrial robots not elsewhere specified), under both general and conventional rates. Import consumption tax (10%) still applies. Humanoid and service robots may fall under other HS codes depending on configuration, so confirm the classification with a customs broker in advance.

Article 150-4 of the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations requires fences or enclosures for industrial robots rated above 80W when contact poses a hazard. A 2013 notice clarified that robots can work alongside people without fences if a risk assessment shows the hazard is removed or ISO-compliant measures (e.g. ISO 10218) are in place. A technical file (including the risk assessment) and a declaration of conformity are required.

ISO 10218 covers industrial robots and ISO/TS 15066 covers contact limits in human-robot collaboration. ISO 13482 (JIS B 8445 in Japan) covers personal care robots used for guidance, transport or care, and is certified by bodies such as JET. Many Chinese humanoids lack these certifications, so buyers should plan their own risk assessment for the intended use and site.

The general track of Japan's SME Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy supports custom equipment and systems, with a cap of up to ¥100M and a subsidy rate of up to two-thirds. It is separate from the catalog track. Deadlines and requirements change each round (the 7th round in July 2026 appears to have closed), so check the latest guidelines. The Monozukuri subsidy is another option.

In 2025, researchers reported that the Unitree G1 periodically sent telemetry, including camera, microphone and sensor data, to servers in China. They also disclosed a Bluetooth-based takeover flaw (UniPwn). These are researcher claims with limited independent verification. For factories or public sites, confirm network isolation, closed-network operation and firmware control before signing.

Imported robots risk long downtime while waiting on the overseas maker. GA Robotics, a UBTECH dealer, estimates annual maintenance at about 25% of the robot price and highlights 365-day on-site support with bilingual Japanese-Chinese escalation. Check domestic spare-parts stock, the maintenance SLA and whether the dealer carries the maker's warranty.

Japanese distribution of Chinese robots is changing fast. TechShare has been reported as Unitree's master distributor, GMO AIR became an official Unitree distributor in June 2026, and the two announced a capital alliance in September. For UBTECH, Bitcoin Japan disclosed a planned exclusive Japan distribution deal in October 2026. Grey imports may lack warranty, maintenance or Giteki coverage, so confirm the official channel.

Chinese makers usually quote in USD or CNY, excluding tax and shipping. Yen quotes shift widely with exchange rates, freight, duty and consumption tax, Giteki and maintenance. GA Robotics also notes its estimates vary by model, dealer and exchange rate. Show the currency, tax and shipping treatment and the check date in the catalog, and give the landed cost in Japan by quote.