Pass date(MM/dd/yyyy format) into importparams in JCA code(R/3 connection)?

Hi,

Using JCA I've connected to a R/3 system. I need to invoke a RFC with:

two import parameters, both being DATS 8(MM/dd/yyyy), and

an export parameter being a table structure.

I passed date as String

eg., IMPORTPARAMS.put(PARAM1-DATE, "10/28/2004");

When executed, a nullpointer exception is thrown, even though there are many rows in the export table structure.

What is the compatible data structure in Java that matches DATS of ABAP.

Can anyone help me in solving this problem?