Moving goods between China and Japan is a cornerstone of international trade in East Asia. Whether you’re an experienced importer or just starting, understanding the key aspects of this process can save time, money, and unnecessary complications. Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about shipping from China to Japan.
Table of Contents:
Shipping cost from China to Japan
Air freight costs from China to Japan
Air freight charges are always calculated based on the shipment’s weight and volume. For reference, shipping costs from China to Japan by air range between $3 and $8 per kilogram. The final rate may vary depending on the airline, cargo type, and market conditions. For example, rates for items like electronics or perishables may be higher due to demand during peak seasons.
Container shipping costs from China to Japan
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Japan? For a 20-foot container traveling from Shanghai to Kobe, prices usually range from $400 to $800. Larger containers, such as 40-foot options, generally start at $600–$900, though costs can increase based on shipment requirements. It is important to know that the cost of shipping goods between China and Japan depends on various factors. Freight forwarders, like ASLG, consider multiple aspects before providing a quote, including:
- Type of shipped goods
- Preferred transportation method
- Dimensions and weight of the shipment
- Distance between the departure and destination points
- Service type, such as door-to-door or port-to-port
Understanding import tax and duties
The Customs and Tariff Bureau under the Ministry of Finance manages Japan’s tariff system. The country’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) average tariff is just 4.3%, making it one of the most trade-friendly nations globally.
How tariffs are applied
Japan calculates import duties using the Harmonized System (HS), which aligns with China’s trade classification standards. Duties are determined based on the six-digit HS code assigned to each product. Goods valued at less than 10,000 JPY are typically exempt from customs duties.
In addition to import duties, Japan imposes a 10% consumption tax. This tax is calculated on the total CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value plus applicable customs duties.
Example calculation:
Product value: $10,000
Shipping & insurance: $1,000
Total CIF value: $11,000
Customs duty (e.g., 3%): $11,000×3%= $330
Consumption tax (10%): ($11,000+$330)x10%= $1,133
In this scenario, taxes and duties add up to $1,463, significantly increasing the shipment’s overall cost.
RCEP agreement between China and Japan
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest free trade agreement, encompassing China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the ten ASEAN nations. This landmark agreement reduces or eliminates tariffs on many goods, including industrial and agricultural products.
Under the RCEP framework, goods with a Certificate of Origin (Form RCEP) are eligible for preferential tariff rates. It allows importers to benefit from significantly lower or even zero customs duties on qualifying products. For instance, nearly all exports from China to Japan under this agreement are now duty-free, providing significant cost savings for businesses.
Real-world example
Consider a Chinese auto parts manufacturer exporting to Japan. By taking advantage of the RCEP agreement, they can reduce tariffs by up to 50% over several years. For a hassle-free experience, send your cargo details to our shipping expert and enjoy comprehensive coverage through our DDP shipping services.
Japan Customs Process Overview
When importing goods into Japan, the process begins with a declaration to the Director-General of Customs and obtaining an import permit after the goods undergo examination. It concludes with issuing an import permit once all necessary duties and taxes are paid.
Proper packing, labeling, and marking of goods are crucial for smooth clearance. Essential documents for customs clearance in Japan include standard shipping paperwork such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and an original signed bill of lading.
If you’re shipping dangerous goods (e.g., batteries), additional documentation like the UN 38.3 test report and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will be required.
Typically, the clearance process takes two to three days for sea freight and about one day for air freight. Air shipments benefit from the “immediate import permission system”, which facilitates faster clearance upon arrival.
To qualify for this system, importers must submit a preliminary declaration via the Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System (NACCS) before the cargo arrives. This declaration streamlines the customs inspection and accelerates the overall process.
The more prepared you are with the necessary documentation and compliance, the smoother your China-to-Japan shipping time and overall experience will be. Our experts are here to ensure a fast and seamless delivery process.
Sea freight from China to Japan
Shipping from China to Japan by sea offers two main options: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL). With LCL, multiple shipments are consolidated into one container, and this is a cost-effective solution for smaller shipments.
Typically, ocean freight is ideal for the following situations:
- Large and heavy items that are costly or difficult to ship by air
- Items with unconventional shapes that are hard to transport via other methods
- Extremely huge or oversized shipments that require more space
- For cargo exceeding 200 kg, sea freight is often the most economical and practical option
Whether you are shipping from China to Japan for business or personal needs, choosing sea freight can significantly reduce shipping costs from China to Japan.
Top container ports in Japan
Japan is an island nation with a vast network of 993 ports. Here are the top 10 container ports in Japan, essential for shipping from China to Japan and beyond:
- 東京都, Tokyo
- 神奈川県, Yokohama
- 兵庫県, Kobe
- 愛知県, Nagoya
- 大阪府, Osaka
- 福岡県, Hakata
- 沖縄県, Naha
- 静岡県, Shimizu
- 福岡県, Kitakyushu
- 北海道, Tomakomai
Air freight from China to Japan
Air freight is the fastest option for importing from China to Japan, though it comes at a higher price. For shipments under 200 kg, airfreight can often be comparable in cost to sea freight, making it a viable choice for smaller cargo. Airfreight is also widely regarded as the safest shipping method, especially for fragile/valuable goods.
Top airports in Japan
Japan is home to several key international airports, which handle a large portion of China-to-Japan shipping time and logistics. Here are the most significant ones:
- Narita Airport (Tokyo)
- Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
- Kansai Airport (Osaka)
- Central Japan Airport (Nagoya)
Other significant airports include Fukuoka Airport, New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, and Naha Airport in Okinawa. Other airports manage a smaller volume of international traffic, primarily from China.
Transit time from China to Japan
Shipping time refers to the duration from when the carrier picks up the goods and sends them to the final destination. Here’s an overview of average China-to-Japan transit times:
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Air Freight | 1 to 3 days |
| Express Shipping | 3 to 5 days |
China to Japan shipping time depends on cargo weight, size, distance, and chosen transport method. External factors like weather disruptions, labor strikes, or port congestion can also affect shipping costs from China to Japan and delivery times. Our experienced logistics team stays on top of these variables, ensuring your shipment arrives on schedule.
The cheapest way to ship from China to Japan
At Airsupply, we don’t just aim to meet your expectations – we strive to exceed them. Our expert team in sea and air freight forwarding is among the best in the industry. With years of experience, in-depth knowledge, and a proven ability to tackle any challenge, we’re well-equipped to handle every aspect of your shipping from China to Japan.
From handling essential transport documentation to ensuring smooth door-to-door delivery, we’ve got it all covered. Whether you’re shipping general merchandise or dangerous cargo, we provide competitive rates without compromising on service quality or efficiency.
FAQs:
What items are mostly imported to Japan?
Some of the most commonly imported items to Japan from China include:
- Vehicles and Auto Parts
- Machinery and Equipment
- Textiles and Clothing
- Oil and Petroleum Products
What are the prohibited and restricted items imported to Japan?
- Illegal substances like marijuana and narcotics
- Firearms and ammunition without special permits
- Fakes and intellectual property violations
- Toxic substances and chemicals are banned internationally
- Live Animals and Plants
- Certain Food Products
- Pornographic Materials
- Certain antiques and historical items
- Second-hand clothing and items are regulated
What should I do if customs hold my shipment?
If customs hold your shipment, check for any notifications or documentation issues. Contact customs or your freight forwarder to resolve the problem and provide any required paperwork or payments. If necessary, work with a customs broker to expedite the process.
How can I reduce shipping costs from China to Japan?
To cut shipping costs, try consolidating shipments to maximize container space, select the most cost-effective shipping method based on your cargo’s size and weight, and schedule shipments during off-peak periods to avoid high rates. Additionally, consider negotiating better terms with us for more favorable pricing.
