Japan's Specified Commercial Transactions Act regulates 7 transaction types: door-to-door sales, mail order, telemarketing, MLM, continuous services, work-at-home schemes, and door-to-door purchasing. Cooling-off periods range from 8 to 20 days depending on the type. Online shopping has no cooling-off but allows 8-day returns if no return policy is displayed. Violations carry up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥3M fine (¥300M for corporations).
Consumer Issues- View allLast updated: 2026-03-13
Key Points of Japan's Specified Commercial Transactions Act
Key Takeaways
- ✓The law regulates seven types of transactions including door-to-door sales
- ✓Cooling-off allows cancellation by written notice without reason
- ✓Mail-order sales are not covered by the cooling-off system
- ✓Unfair solicitation practices are grounds for contract cancellation
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This article provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal issues, please consult with a qualified attorney.
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