Shipping from China to Japan | Air, Sea, Express DDU
Shipping from China to Japan offers air, sea, and express freight options. When evaluating the transportation of goods by ocean shipping containers from China to Japan, consider the crucial factor of transportation time and the rates and processes associated with each shipping method.
This article will comprehensively discuss shipping methods from China to Japan, covering essential aspects such as shipping time, rates, processes, duties, and taxes.
Importing goods from China to Japan – Step-by-Step
1. Sourcing cargos:
The initial step is to locate suppliers of high-demand items. You can accomplish this through Alibaba, Made-in-China.com, the Hong Kong Fair, and the Canton Fair.
Identifying multiple suppliers can increase your chances of obtaining a competitive price. Analyzing a more comprehensive price range can gauge the potential profit margin.
2. Find a reliable freight forwarder
A reliable freight forwarder can ensure smooth and efficient shipping operations for your importing business. Choose sea shipping to save money or air shipping for faster delivery.
3. Place your order
Place your order with a reliable supplier who offers the best quality items at the lowest price to expand your profit margin. Depending on your platform, make sure your order is confirmed. Also, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the sale before paying.
4. Secure packing & prepare import documentation
Pack your items securely and have all the necessary documents prepared to ensure stress-free transportation.
5. Track your cargo
Live online tracking can keep you informed of the precise location of your shipment throughout the shipping process
6. Sign for your cargo
Ensure that you are available to receive your goods once the cargo arrives.
Air freight from China to Japan
Air freight is the preferred option for time-sensitive shipments from China to Japan. It provides faster transit times of 1 to 3 days, reliability through scheduled departures and arrivals, and enhanced safety for valuable or fragile goods. However, the higher costs, ranging from $3 to $5 per kilogram, must be considered. Overall, air freight is ideal for smaller shipments of high value and urgency, offering competitive rates and door-to-door delivery.
How long is air shipping from China to Japan?
| From | To | Transit time | |
| Air Freight | China | Japan | 1 to 2 days |
| Air Freight DDP | China | Japan | 2 to 4 days |
The transit time for air freight from China to Japan is typically 1 to 2 days. Cargo can be directly transported from airports in cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and others to various airports in Japan. However, the delivery times of your cargo may be influenced by factors such as the nature of the goods (bulk or non-bulk), as well as their value and weight.
How much is air freight from China to Japan?
Air freight costs between $4/kg – $6/kg from China to Japan
| From | To | Transit time | cost per kgs | |
| Air Freight | China | Japan | 2-4 days | $4-$6 per kg |
Air freight costs comprise a combination of different charges and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other applicable surcharges. These charges are determined by individual airlines based on their operational expenses. Airlines frequently revise their pricing, considering seasonal variations, international oil prices, and market fluctuations.
Air freight charges vary by airline, route, and season. Each airline may charge a different amount for the same route, and a shipment made during the peak season will probably cost differently than one made during the off-season.
Sea freight from China to Japan
Sea freight from China to Japan is a widely utilized shipping route for businesses of all sizes. It offers cost-effectiveness, reliability, and flexibility in accommodating cargo sizes and shipment speeds. Two main types of sea freight services are available: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load), allowing you to choose the most suitable option based on your cargo size and shipment urgency.
When considering sea freight from China to Japan, essential factors include cost, transit time, port fees, customs clearance procedures, and insurance coverage. Researching these factors can help ensure your goods’ safe and timely arrival at their destination, minimizing disruptions or delays.
Popular sea shipping routes from China to Japan include ports in Shenzhen, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Dalian, and Yantai.
LCL sea shipping
LCL shipping from China to Japan saves cost and time, making it an excellent choice for shipments of 1 to 15 cubic meters. It is more economical than FCL shipping and allows for consolidation with other shipments, increasing cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Due to its affordability and convenience, LCL shipping has become the preferred option for many businesses shipping goods from China to Japan.
FCL sea shipping
For shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters, FCL (Full Container Load) shipping from China to Japan offers the most cost-effective and optimal solution.
How long does sea shipping from China to Japan take?
Sea shipping from China to Japan usually takes 4 to 7 days for port-to-port transit, while door-to-door services may extend the timeframe to 5 to 8 days.
| From | To | Transit time | |
| Sea Freight | China | Japan | 4 to 7 days |
| Sea Freight DDU | China | Japan | 7 to 13 days |
| Sea Freight | Dalian | Japan | 5 days |
| Sea Freight | Qingdao | Japan | 7 days |
| Sea Freight DDU | Qingdao | Japan | 8 days |
| Sea Freight | Shanghai | Japan | 9 days |
| Sea Freight DDU | Shanghai | Japan | 10 days |
| Sea Freight | Hongkong | Japan | 10 days |
| Sea Freight | Guangzhou | Japan | 13 days |
| Sea Freight | Shenzhen | Japan | 13 days |
| Sea Freight | Xiamen | Japan | 12 days |
Shipping transit time from China to Japan is crucial for businesses dealing with Chinese suppliers—factors such as distance, transportation mode, and shipment speed impact transit time. Importers should communicate with suppliers to determine the shipping transit time and consider all available transportation options.
Major Sea Ports for Imports in Japan
- Yokohama: As one of Japan’s largest ports, Yokohama offers diverse services for importing various goods.
- Kobe: Known for its resilience and advanced engineering, Kobe Port is a critical logistics hub in the Kansai region.
- Nagoya: In Japan’s automotive manufacturing sector, Nagoya Port specializes in parts and raw materials.
These ports feature advanced customs clearance processes and robust logistics infrastructure, ensuring the smooth movement of goods from ship to shore and onward to their final destinations across Japan.
Express shipping from China to Japan
Express shipping from China to Japan is a fast and efficient option for time-sensitive shipments. It offers expedited delivery and reliable door-to-door service.
Express courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide comprehensive express shipping services between China and Japan. These services typically include real-time tracking, customs clearance assistance, and various delivery options to meet specific needs.
- Express shipping cost: Express shipping is available for urgent shipments at approximately USD 5-7 per kilo.
- Express shipping time: It usually balances speed and cost, with delivery from China to Japan typically taking 1-2 days.
Door-to-door shipping to Japan
Door-to-door delivery is a convenient service that helps facilitate international shipments, whether delivered under Delivery at Place DAP or DDP. Two types of door-to-door delivery options are available: trucking and express-door.
- Trucking door-to-door involves shipping the goods by truck from the origin station directly to your door, with an average transit time of 3 to 4 days.
- Express door-to-door delivery is for urgent shipments, which offers faster transit times, usually within 1 to 2 days.
DDU shipping to Japan
DDU stands for “Delivery Duty Unpaid.” With DDU terms, the seller is responsible for the transportation and insurance costs of the cargo, but the buyer assumes responsibility for customs duties and taxes upon arrival in Japan.
Customs clearance is required in China before exporting goods from China to Japan under DDU terms. The cargo can be delivered to our warehouse in Shenzhen, or we can arrange pick-up from your China factory. In Japan, we partner with importers for import declarations and handle all customs clearance procedures in both countries. Customers must only pay the corresponding duties and VAT according to the customs tax bill. Local express couriers will handle the last-mile delivery.
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA in Japan
We offer comprehensive Air & Sea door-to-door DDP shipping services from China to Amazon warehouses in Japan. Our services include handling import taxes, customs clearance, and collaboration with local express companies such as Japan Yamato and Sagawa. By providing faster shipping services, we aim to meet the needs of Japanese customers.
We have significant expertise in import customs clearance and delivery in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. With our efficient sea freight service, the delivery time for shipments from China to Japan Amazon warehouses is typically only 4-5 working days.
| Kanto, Japan | Kansai, Japan |
|---|---|
| FSZ1, NRT1, NRT2, NRT5, HND3, HND8, TPF2 | KIX1, KIX2, KIX4, KIX3, KIX5, TPF3, NG02 |
In addition to our shipping services to Japan Amazon warehouses, we also provide the following value-added services:
- Print Amazon Label: We can print the necessary labels for each product, ensuring compliance with Amazon FBA barcode content requirements.
- Labeling: Our team will affix the appropriate barcode to each product, following Amazon FBA storage requirements.
- Re-pack Boxes: We offer sorting and packaging services based on the type and quantity of Amazon FBA products, ensuring efficient and organized shipment preparation.
The notes for shipping to Amazon Japan
When shipping FBA goods to Japan, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Weight and Size Limits: Each carton should not exceed 30kg, and the total dimensions (length, width, height) should be within 170cm. Amazon Japan may reject oversized or overweight shipments.
- Customs Clearance: Certain products, such as those that come into contact with food or the human body (e.g., tableware, knives, and glasses), require appropriate customs clearance documentation.
- Children’s Toys: Ensure toys are suitable for children aged six and above, and indicate this on the packaging.
- Restricted Items: Avoid shipping infringement, imitation, branded, powder, liquid, or sensitive products, as they are not accepted by FBA in Japan.
Professional Freight Forwarders – NewSmartShip
Freight forwarders serve as crucial intermediaries between shippers and transportation services.
- Logistics Management: Freight forwarders efficiently coordinate all stages of the shipping process, from pick-up to final delivery. They handle transportation arrangements, documentation, and shipping schedules, ensuring smooth and organized logistics operations.
- Customs Clearance: Freight forwarders possess expertise in navigating complex customs regulations. They can complete all necessary paperwork and properly pay duties, minimizing potential delays at border crossings.
- Cargo Tracking: Shippers can monitor their goods’ whereabouts and receive timely updates, enabling them to address any potential issues proactively.
Import tax and duties in Japan
Import taxes and duties are crucial in the overall cost and pricing strategy when shipping goods from China to Japan. Here’s what you need to know:
- VAT: Japan has a standard VAT rate of 10%, which is applied to the CIF value of the imported goods.
- Customs Duties: Rates vary based on the goods’ classification under the HS code, with different rates for different items.
- Calculation Basis: The customs authorities calculate taxes and duties by considering the declared value, including insurance and freight costs up to the Port of Japan.
For example, if the declared value of electronics is $10,000, with $1,000 for shipping and insurance, the total CIF value would be $11,000. Assuming a 3% customs duty rate, the duty would be $330, and the 10% VAT would add $1,100.
FAQ
How can I complete the customs clearance when my cargo arrives at the Port?
NewSmartShip can assist with import customs clearance in Japan, also known as import customs declaration. When cargo arrives at the seaport, it undergoes a 1-2 day clearance process. We work with a customs broker in Japan to handle import customs declarations. If you don’t have a customs broker, we can help you find one.
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