What is an antique dealer license?
A Public Safety Commission license is required when conducting “secondhand goods business” under Japan’s Secondhand Articles Dealer Act, such as purchasing used goods for resale. This may include buying and selling used goods, online resale and reselling goods acquired through auctions.
1. Confirm whether your business needs a license
Check whether the planned activities constitute secondhand-goods business—for example, purchasing used goods for resale, selling procured used goods online, or importing used goods and selling them in Japan. This is different from simply selling your own unwanted belongings.
2. Confirm the application requirements
For a corporate application, confirm that the company has been lawfully established in Japan, that its corporate purposes cover the relevant business, and that a business office and manager are designated. The manager and other relevant persons must not fall under statutory disqualification grounds.
3. Prepare the required documents
Documents may include residence certificates, identification certificates, career histories and written pledges for representatives, officers and managers; corporate registry and articles of incorporation; materials concerning the business office; proof of the right to use a website URL when applicable; and a power of attorney.
4. Apply at the police station
Submit the application to the police station with jurisdiction over the business office. The standard application fee is generally ¥19,000, and examination takes a prescribed period.
5. Start business after approval
After the license is issued, begin operations in accordance with the law, including displaying the required sign and maintaining transaction records.
Points foreign business owners should especially check
- Whether the business activities are permitted under the person’s status of residence
- Consistency between any commonly used name and the name on official identification
- Required notifications when the company address, manager or business activities change
- Proof of the right to use the relevant URL when conducting online sales
For a corporation, the process generally proceeds from confirming the business model and preparing documents to filing with the police, examination and receipt of the license.