🥇Shipping from China to Japan [2020]

What is the best way to ship goods from China to Japan ?

Because China and Japan are the biggest economies in Asia, trade flows between the two countries have become very important. As a freight forwarder in China, a big part of our clientele is composed of Japanese importers. Basing ourselves on our decade of experience between the two countries, we observed that the same questions are regularly asked to us, on the customs clearance procedures, the most appropriate freight method…

We decided it will be a great solution to build a dedicated article on the topic. No matter of the quantity, the category and the volume of the products you want to transfer, this article will probably answer most of the questions you’re asking yourself. Without regarding your experience in trades between the two countries, you will surely find new information helping you to start your import process or put it on the next level. We also putted several links and interesting advises that will help you avoid mistakes.

You can directly reach us, if you want to start your trade process asap. Our sea and air freight services from China to Japan enables us to transfer a full container (FCL) or less than a container (LCL), for normal, hazardous or perishable products. You’ve never been much closer from your Chinese supplier with SINO Shipping.

In a first part we will talk about the two freight methods linking China to Japan, sea and air freight. After, we’ll move on the customs clearing process and the trade relationsbetween the two Asian giants.

Necessary documents

The picture below is explaining the logic construction and the information contained behind a HS code number

You have the necessary information now to see what tariff barriers are applicable to your goods. Go to the website of the Tariff finder of the Japanese customsto know it.

You will normally find this result for pineapple :

Customs process

When your products have arrived into the Japanese territory, the shipping company will notify you. If your importing goods for commercial purpose, your shipment will be designated as a “general cargo”. As soon as you receive the news, you should complete electronically and send the file containing all the documents quoted above to the corresponding customs office. Customs will use it as a base to clear your goods.

Here is below the custom clearance scheme in Japan:

Trade relations between China and Japan

A long time common history, with recent years of cooperation.

Historically, China and Japan have been more rivals or enemies than partners through times. But in a new era of cooperation, both countries are showing efforts to get rid of their common past and establish cordial diplomatic and economic bonds. Although there is still disputes about the claimed property of several territories, the two countries multiplied the meetings and negotiations to implement a Free Trade Agreement.

Recent statistics are showing that Japan is the second biggest trading partners of China, in both import and export, after South Korea. In 2016, 6 % of the goods and products exported from China were destined to the Japanese market. In value it represented a total transfer of 130 billion of USD. In the other way, China is the first import partner and the second export partner of Japan. During the same year 18 % of the products exported from Japan reached the Chinese market, representing 114 billion of USD in value.

This great numbers will only keep rising, if the China-Korea-Japan FTA is finally established in the next years.

OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU

Prohibited & restricted items

Sea freight rates

*As the two countries are particularly narrow, sea freight will almost be your all-time best option.

To be clear, ocean freight is well appreciated by international traders because you can transfer great shipments, for a very low cost. You will surely choose it if you’re planning regular cargo through times with large volume of products.

Air freight rates

*Two methods must be employed to find out the chargeable weight of your shipment

You must calculate the chargeable weight with the two methods, but the highest value should remain. It is the one that will serve to charge you.

* Your products will be differently charged for express services. The volumetric weight ratio will be 200 kgs = 1 CBM

Inland trucking in Japan

*As your office or residence isn’t located near a major port or airport, you may ask for a trucking solution to deliver your items. 

SINO Shipping is honoured to provide great trucking services in the most of the Japanese territory. On your demand, your goods will be delivered everywhere you are. All the airports and ports where we are in Japan, have a trucking hub to keep your shipment flowing.

Freight insurance

There is always a part of risk involved in a cargo. A ship accident, a theft or a storm are occurrences that should never be neglected. SINO Shipping teamed up with the greatest freight insurers in the market to cover your goods in any circumstances. With your subscription, your cargo will be refunded in case of any damage on your goods. It will only cost 1-3%, depending on your goods’ category, of the transport + shipment value.

A missing of supplies can be fateful for most of the businesses. Avoid this situation by providing further security on your products with our insurance policy.