You'll still have to pay import VAT.
You won't have to pay import customs duties however if the goods come under this agreement.
but customs duty only comes into play on parcels over £135 in value and is usually a lower percentage (1 to 3 %) than the standard rate of VAT in the member state.
Doesn't mean much if you are a direct importer but it may be easier to buy Japanese goods in the eu as businesses maybe more open to import goods because the customs duties currently eat into their profit margins.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...tice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users
applicable rules for postal imports, rules are the same in other eu member states.
I think I need to point out that what a free trade arrangement does is that there will be an agreement between the EU and Japan that certain goods ( commodities) will now attract a 0% customs duty rate.
However to receive the preferential duty the supplier will need a preference document confirming that the goods meet the agreed rules of origin set out by the free trade arrangement.
A customs clearance declaration still needs to be completed for the goods to be allowed into free circulation.
If Japan agreed to join the customs union however then the goods could come to another member state without a customs clearance being required.
for more info about FTAs
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...ade-arrangements-for-countries-outside-the-eu
