Shipping from China to Japan

How Long When Shipping from China to Japan (By Sea)

JMS is the leading freight forwarder company to ship your goods from China to Japan. We have extensive experience with sea freight, air freight, door-to-door shipping, express shipping, and countless other services. Everything to benefit your business.

We provide professional services at competitive rates, fast completion, and reliable shipping. We offer free warehousing, cargo consolidation, packaging, customized labelling, cargo insurance, one-day customs clearance, loading supervision, and more.

Our rates are lower than the market standard. This is because we have partnered with reputable carriers and airlines, ensuring great rates and fast shipment.

You can use our free warehousing services for a month—your cargo will be safe, sorted, and packaged, all ready to go.

If you need express shipping with customs clearance in Japan done in the shortest deadlines, then JMS is your answer. Our expert team will deal with customs in just a single day. We will find you the best import tariff rates and register you with the Bureau of Customs. As a result, we minimize all import delays and provide you with the best import tax and duty rates. Your shipment from China to Japan will be reliable and cheap.

We will help you ship any kind of cargo: fresh, out-of-gauge, hazardous, etc. Whatever your goods or application, JMS will always help you with FCL and LCL shipping from China to Japan.

Saving your time and money is our goal, facilitating your import shipping from China to Japan.

We will take care of everything, starting from loading your goods from a Chinese supplier and delivering them to your home, office, or warehouse in Japan.

We can ship to all the major Japanese ports, such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Moji, Kawasaki, Hakata, etc. Our shipping time and shipping cost from China to Japan are great—ideal for any importer, business owner, distributor.

With our low rates, reputable partnerships, fast shipping, and countless reliable services, JMS is the best logistics partner for your China-Japan import.

Send us an inquiry today, and get our best quote and services!

Shipping from China to Japan: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Before you start the process of shipping from China to Japan, read this guide.

It will help you choose affordable shipping solution.

The best part, it will help you save time and money.

Let’s dive right in.

How Long does it take to Ship from China to Japan?

The duration taken to ship from China to Japan will depend on a couple of factors such as;

 China to Japan

• Shipping method –Airfreight is the fastest method to use when shipping goods while sea freight is considered the slowest.
• Distance – China is not far from Japan. However, the distance between different cities might vary and this will affect the shipping duration.
• Documentation errors – Ensuring that you have accurately filled out your trade documents is key in ensuring faster processing and delivery times.
• Natural events such as poor weather conditions might result in delays in turn prolonging the period taken to ship your goods.

That said, shipping from China to Japan via air freight would take from as short as six hours for the door to door shipping.

Using an express freight will take 3 days while regular air freight would take less than 8 days.

Many importers prefer the use of sea freight as opposed to air freight since it’s quite economical.

If you happen to choose this method, it will take you from 6 to 10 days to ship from China to Japan.

Remember, shipping times from China to different cities in Japan will vary.

This is because some cities are located far and others near to China.

For example, From Guangzhou/Hong Kong/Shenzhen to Yokohama takes 10days via sea freight.

On the other hand, shipping from the same three Chinese cities to Osaka takes 7 days via sea freight.

Also, shipping from a city such as Shanghai to Nagoya might take as long as 21 days.

What is the Cheapest Way to Ship to Japan from China?

The cost of shipping from China to Japan will depend on a few factors as outlined below;

• Size and weight of your goods –The bigger the size and weight the more you will have to dig deeper into your pocket.
• Distance between the two destinations-Shipping across further distances will cost more as compared to shorter distances.
• Type of shipment –LCL would be cheaper if you are not shipping in bulk. On the flip side, using LCL when shipping per unit would cost more.

Alternatively, if you choose to ship per CBM then FCL would be a cheaper option.

• Type of cargo- This can be grouped into dangerous, refrigerated, fluid, or dry cargo.

As most of us know, sea freight is always the most cost-effective shipping method embraced by most importers.

Not forgetting that you can ship large amounts of goods too.

Owing to this, big importers choose to use this method despite the slower delivery times.

Aside from that, you need to consider the fact that sea freight is mostly suitable when shipping goods that are more than 2CBM.

What are the Shipping Charges from China to Japan?

There are several factors that you need to think through when shipping from China to Japan.

Apart from the general documentation required, the cost is one of the key considerations.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping from China to Japan

The cost of shipping between these two countries varies depending on several influences not excluding;

Determine the cost of shipping

• Distance – The distances between different cities in the two countries vary and this might either lower or increase your shipping costs.
• Type of shipment – If you’re not shipping your cargo in bulk, LCL would be a cheaper option as compared to FCL. However, if you choose to ship per unit then you will end up incurring more costs with LCL shipping. As such, FCL becomes the cheapest when shipping per CBM.
• Method of shipment used –Air freight is always expensive as opposed to sea freight.
• Size and weight of your cargo –The more the size and weight of your cargo the more you will pay for your goods.
• Type of cargo – Certain types of cargo such as perishables and dangerous goods will attract more costs.

Air Freight Cost from China to Japan

Airfreight offers the fastest shipping method when shipping goods to any global destination including Japan.

However, the cost associated with it discourages big importers from using this when shipping bulky goods.

Airfreight is a suitable method when shipping small amounts of cargo or urgent parcels.

In that line of reasoning, let’s have a look at some of the costs you might incur when using air freight.

For instance, when shipping cargo from China to Japan you will pay FOB price ranging from $0.7 to $1.2 with 100kg being the minimum weight.

On the other hand, if you are shipping goods weighing a minimum of 1kg the FOB price will range from $2.

As I earlier mentioned, the distance between the actual destinations will as well impact the overall cost.

Owing to this, it will cost you  FOB price ranging from $5-$10 to ship 1kg goods from Shenzhen to Tokyo.

All in all, if your goods are smaller than 2CBM and 200kg the air freight could work for you.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Japan

Sea freight is the commonly used shipment method not only due to its costs but also flexibility.

It is the ideal option when shipping heavy cargo across long distances.

It would cost you a FOB price of $200 when shipping a single 20 FT container and $1500 to $1800 when shipping 20 pieces from China to Japan.

Alternatively, shipping 1 container from a city such as Guangzhou to Japan will have a FOB price range from $5 to $45.

Shipping 1CBM of cargo from Shenzhen to japan will cost from $1 to $100 while a single piece will cost you a FOB price of $500.

From the above information, we can easily conclude that shipping a single piece ends up being costlier in the long run.

Cost of Express Shipping from China to Japan

There are different types of express shipping companies from China to Japan. Some of the familiar ones include; DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS.

All of these courier companies offer door to door delivery. Keep in mind that express shipping is neither cheaper.

Apart from the shipment costs, you will be required to pay for the insurance and fuel charges which amount to around $29.

The brighter side of using express shipping is that you are provided with a tracking number to track your cargo from China to Japan.

What does Air Freight Shipping from China Japan Involve?

China and Japan have well-established airline services probably due to the several direct flights that are available.

For instance, China Cargo airlines provide flight from several Chinese cities to Osaka Kansai and the airports of Tokyo Narita.

Alternatively, Japanese airlines such as Nippon Cargo Airlines and Nippon Airways operate flights to Chinese cities such as Guangzhou and Shanghai.

· When to use Airfreight to Japan from China

Airfreight is the most expensive shipping method and therefore it’s rarely considered when shipping bulky products.

To minimize your expenses you need to make a wise decision before embarking on using air freight.

Here are some instances that would be ideal to make use of air freight;

• When shipping cargo that is less than 2CBM and 200Kg.Shipping goods weighing more than this would end up being quite costly.
• When shipping urgent goods – Urgent goods such as trade documents will call for the use of air freight services. In addition to that, if the importer or exporter wants the goods delivered quicker, air freight would be a suitable choice.
• When shipping perishables –Perishables can range from fruits and vegetables to flowers among many others. Such types of products easily go bad after a short time and therefore they need a faster shipping method to reach the desired market.

Main Air Ports in China

China is a leading manufacturing hub globally and with this comes a lot of importation and exportation activities.

Owing to this, China has several international cargo airports to manage the shipping of the various products into and out of the country.

Some of the main airports in China are not limited to;

 Airports in China

• Chengdu airport – Located in the western part of China, Chengdu airport simplifies the shipment of several goods across different cities around the world.
• Guangzhou airport –Guangzhou airport is considered the third busiest airport in China and features old and modern building designs in the airport.
• Shanghai airport –Shanghai airport ranks second among the 100 airports located in China as the busiest airport in China. Several loading and offloading activities take place at this airport.
• Shenzhen airport –Whether by car, ship, or plane, Shenzhen airport is quite accessible.
• Beijing airport – Beijing airport is the busiest airport in China and ranked 13^th globally in cargo traffic.

Main Airports in Japan

Airports in Japan

As compared to China, Japan has a limited number of airports. Japan has 5 international airports and 24 local airports making a total of 29 airports.

Let’s have a look at the main airports in Japan;

• Narita international airport
• Chubu Centrair International Airport
• Kansai International Airport
• Tokyo/Haneda International airport
• Osaka international airport

Main Airlines from China to Japan

Japan Airline

China and Japan have stronger ties when it comes to air travel.

The well-established network facilitates easier shipping of commodities between the two countries via direct flights.

Some of the main airlines operating from China to Japan are not limited to;

• China Cargo Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Japan airlines
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Nippon cargo Airlines

Schedule for Air Freight from China to Japan

Airfreight from China to Japan has been made much efficient owing to the availability of direct flights.

Direct flights from China to Japan operate every day of the week and therefore you can easily plan your shipping as per your preferred dates.

How do you Ship Dangerous Goods from China to Japan?

Shipping dangerous goods can be quite complicated due to the several restrictions that need to be met.

Dangerous goods can be shipped via all the shipping methods whether air, sea, road, or rail.

Nevertheless, using air freight would be the most difficult of them all due to the high levels of strict requirements.

Before commencing your shipping process of dangerous goods, ensure that you have all the required certifications for the specific items as well as proper documentation.

Most if not all dangerous products might require special documents such as;

• Dangerous goods manifest
• Dangerous goods declaration
• The IATA form
• Container packaging certificate

In as much as there are no clear directives regarding the packaging of dangerous goods, you need to ensure that you provide quality packaging.

Failure to this might result in delays of your cargo to Japan.

In addition to that, ensure that your goods are well labeled to avoid customs confiscation.

How much Taxes/Duties will you Pay to Import from China to Japan?

You will pay a tax/duty ranging from 13% to 17% when importing from China to Japan.

Mostly, 13% applies to products that fall under agricultural as well as utility items.

The only goods exempted from tax are those with a customs value of 10,000 yen or less.

Which Goods Can you Import from China to Japan?

China is the world’s largest manufacturing hub as well as exporter.

Meaning,  any type of product can be found in the Chinese market.

Owing to this, there are several types of goods that you can import from China to Japan.

I also want you to know that not all types of goods are allowed in Japan.  I shall elaborate on this later. Keep reading.

Here are some goods you can import from China to Japan;

• Machinery and transport equipment
• Raw materials
• Foodstuffs
• Petroleum
• Clothing and accessories
• Computer and units
• Chemicals
• Telephony Telegraphy
• Live animals
• Mineral fuels
• Crude materials
• Office equipment
• Medical and Pharmaceutical products
• Gas, natural and manufactured

What is the Prohibited or Restricted Good for Import from China to Japan?

Before importing from China to Japan, it’s important to know about the restricted goods.

You cannot import any kind of goods you wish from China to Japan due to the restrictions enacted on certain types of products.

Let me walk you through some of these prohibited goods;

• Explosives – Explosives are not restricted rather prohibited in Japan. These include gun powder and dynamites among others.
• Flammable products –As we are aware, there are several flammable products in the market and most of these are those that include ethanol as their ingredients.

Some of these products include insecticides and nail polish just to mention a few.

• Counterfeit items and pirated resources. Whether it is money, credit cards, or any other counterfeit products.
• Narcotic drugs –Some of these illegal drugs include; Cocaine, magic mushrooms, cannabis, heroin, opium, and psychotropic drugs among others.
• Firearms and ammunition –You are not allowed to bring in any form of firearm or ammunition into Japan. Whether it is a gun, gun powder, bombs, and biological weapons. It is highly prohibited.

Furthermore, empty guns are no exemption.

Owning such can only be exempted if you have a permit issued by the National Public Safety Commission.

• If you are planning to import hunting rifles, swords (more than 55cm blade length), air guns, and blades (more than 14 cm blade length) you need to be granted possession permission.

The Prefectural Public Safety Commission is responsible for providing possession permission to importers of such commodities.

• Pornographic materials. This might include books, paintings, or drawings. Pornographic materials are not allowed in Japan.
• Radioactive materials
• Mercury
• Lead
• Plants (including herbal plants) – In a bid to control pest infestation in the country, Japan has restrictions on the importation of certain types of plants. Before commencing your importation process from China to Japan it’s important to confirm with the Plant Quarantine Station’s website.
• Vaporizing materials
• Oxidants
• Meat products or animal-derived products –Japan doesn’t allow meat and meat products into the country owing to the existence of livestock diseases.

Some of these products include; Meat, eggs, raw milk, straw of grains, and hay for feed (for some regions).

However, if you acquire an inspection certificate from the government agency of the country exporting you shall be exempted.

• Germs, which might be used for bioterrorism

How does Door to Door Shipping from China to Japan Work?

To get a better understanding of what door to door shipping entails, allow me to give you a brief explanation.

Door to door shipping is whereby the goods are picked from the supplier’s door and delivered at the buyer’s door.

Door to door shipping

With door to door shipping, you have fewer responsibilities as your forwarder takes care of most of the shipping processes.

Your forwarder will be responsible for all the packaging, loading goods, and transporting your cargo to and from the port.

Not forgetting that he or she will also clear your goods for customs in both of the ports.

That said, when using the door to door shipping from China to Japan, there are certain aspects that you need to consider. Such include;

• Nature of your goods
• The urgency of your goods
• Whether or not your cargo will fit in a single container – You can either choose FCL or LCL shipping.

With FCL shipping your goods will occupy the whole container without being mixed with other importer’s cargo.

This way you get better security for your goods.

Alternatively, if you are shipping less cargo, LCLwould be a suitable option.

Contact your forwarder and inform them about the size of your goods.

Your forwarder will also get other small-scale shippers to fill the container after which the cargo will be shipped.

Keep in mind that LCL is slower as compared to FCL due to the unloading processes of the other goods during transit.

After the freight forwarder takes your goods from the supplier’s warehouse, they are transported to your forwarder’s China warehouse.

Here, your freight forwarder packages and labels your cargo.

Once packaging is done, your forwarder will now proceed with the customs clearance of your goods.

Having all the required documents will speed up the process which is known by many to be hectic.

After getting done with custom clearance your goods will be transported to the port where loading is done.

Keep in mind that your freight forwarder is also responsible for clearing your goods for customs clearance at the destination port.

After completion of this process, your goods will now be transported to your warehouse in Japan.

It’s important to note that the delivery to your warehouse will depend on the terms that you agreed upon with your forwarder.

Sometimes you might be required to unload your goods if the terms did not specify the delivery to your warehouse.

Before making any payments, ensure that you have inspected your cargo and confirmed that everything is in good condition and at the right quality and quantity.

Here is a simple illustration of how the door to door shipping works;

Process of door to door shipping

To answer your doubts regarding how much it will cost you, here is a brief explanation;

There are three types of shipping containers that importers might choose to use during shipping.

The 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC (High Cube) container.

Types of shipping container

Among these, shipping in a 40ft HC container is the most costly method.

While 20ft and 40ft cost $300 and $500 respectively from China to Asia, the 40ft HC costs $600.

This is a general cost estimation for shipping to other continents from China.

Your freight forwarder will provide you with the accurate cost of shipping for your container shipping.

Keep in mind, door to door shipping is not only limited to sea freight.

You can also use air freight, rail freight, or road freight depending on your preferences.

What does Ocean Freight from China to Japan Entail?

Ocean freight is most definitely the most popular shipping method among most importers.

Not only is it convenient and cheap but also it’s an ideal method when shipping bulky cargo.

Ocean freight entails the shipping of goods in a cargo ship.

Therefore once your goods are sourced, packaged, and labeled they shall be loaded into a cargo ship and shipped to your selected port.

After they pass through customs at the destination port in Japan, you can unload them or they can be transported to your warehouse depending on the shipping terms agreed upon.

When to Use Sea Freight from China to Japan

There are several instances where you will need to make use of ocean freight as opposed to the other shipping methods;

• When shipping bulky products – Any amount of cargo can be shipped via ocean freight no matter the distance.
• When you want to save on costs –Ocean freight is undoubtedly the most economical shipping method, especially when shipping large amounts of goods. If you intend to use ocean freight, also consider the urgency of your goods as it’s the slowest of them all.
• When there’s no urgency of goods – Ocean freight is the cheapest yet the slowest shipping method. Meaning if your cargo is urgently needed then this is not a suitable shipping method to consider.

Main Sea Ports in China

China Ports

China tops the list when it comes to having the biggest seaports globally.

Among the top 10 biggest seaports, seven of them are from China.

This is according to the World Shipping Council.

That said, you can imagine how many other seaports are found in China.

A lot. Let’s have a look at some of the main seaports below;

• Ningbo –Zhou Shan Port – Ningbo port is located in Ningbo along the coast of the East China Sea.

More than 100 million tons of cargo are held in this port every year and this quite much explains why it’s able to serve over 560 ports in more than 90 countries around the world.

• Shanghai port – Shanghai port is not only one of China’s biggest but also the busiest airports.

In 2016 alone, it’s estimated that 37 million TEUs of cargo was handled in Shanghai port.

This amount has risen steadily to 514 million TEUs.

The Shanghai International airport is responsible for managing this port.

• Guangzhou Port – Guangzhou is one of the major boosters of the economy in China with thousands of businesses.

Guangzhou port links more than 300 ports in over 80 countries.

Note that this port is also used by Guangdong and Perl River Delta regions.

• Shenzhen port –Located along the coastline, Shenzhen port is known to be one of the busiest seaports worldwide.

It comprises various ports that are located along the coastline.

Some of the goods being dealt with here are not limited to; sugar, steel, fertilizer, cement, oil, and coal among others.

• Qingdao port – Qingdao port is considered the largest shipping as well as logistics port in North-East Asia.

It was formed as a result of merging three ports and currently boasts of 15 terminals and 73 births.

The main products shipped here are crude oil and coal and shipped to over 130 countries and 450 around the globe.

Owing to the vast nature of this port, several shipping companies are established here.

• Xiamen Port – Xiamen port is located in Fujian province and it is a base for some of the world’s top shipping companies.

6^th generation large container vessels are handled in this port and ship to over 50 countries globally.

• Tianjin Port – Tianjin port is not only the largest seaport in Northern China but also among the top ten largest ports globally.

Covering an area of 121Km Tianjin port serves more than 600 ports in over 180 countries worldwide.

• Dalian Port –This port majorly deals with shipping of oil, minerals and chemical products.
• Hong Kong

Apart from the above-mentioned ports, other ports include the port of;

• Zhenjiang
• Sanya
• Wenzhou
• Jieyang
• Yingkou
• Rizhao
• Basuo
• Shantou
• Taizhou
• Yantai
• Weihai
• Lianyungang
• Fangchenggang
• Zhuhai
• Changle

Main Sea Ports in Japan

Shipping ports in Japan

Japan has several seaports that are mostly located along the coast.

Some of the main seaports in Japan are not limited to port of;

• Osaka
• Tokyo
• Kobe
• Nagoya
• Kitakyushu
• Sendai
• Kawasaki
• Hakata
• Ports in Chiba
• Naha
• Shimonoseki
• Ishinomaki
• Yokaichi

Of them all, Nagoya not only stands to be the largest but also the busiest seaport in Japan.

Other seaports in Japan include the port of;

• Shimizu
• Tomkowai
• Tomoya
• Moji
• Imabari
• Iwakuni
• Nagoya
• Hiro
• Akita
• Matsuyama
• Yokohama
• Hakata
• Omaezaki
• Toyama

Schedule for Sea Freight from China to Japan

Just like any other job, following a schedule ensures that cargos reach their expected destination at the designated time.

Freight forwarders follow a strict schedule to ensure their client‘s cargo arrives at the expected time.

When shipping from China to Japan, the average transit time is from 6 to 10 days.

I also want you to know that this depends on the destination port as well as the source.

Here is the schedule for sea freight from China to Japan;

Port Rotation

When to use LCL Shipping from China to Japan?

LCL otherwise referred to as less than Container Load entails sharing of container space with other shippers.

This happens if your goods are in smaller quantities and cannot fill a container.

That said, LCL is shipping from China to japan can be applicable when;

• Shipping smaller goods often less than 14 cubic meters.
• If your goods cannot be shipped via air freight –Often smaller goods can be shipped through airfreight. However, we all know how expensive this might turn out to be, and therefore LCL shipping comes through during such times.
• The cargo is not urgently needed –When shipping with LCL there is a lot of movement of goods as other shipper’s goods are unloaded from the ship. This consumes time and results in delays.

When to use FCL Shipping from China to Japan?

FCL shipping commonly known as Full Container Load involves the shipping of cargo in one container that only has your goods.

It is the opposite of LCL as you won’t share container space with any other shipper.

In as much as it has the term “full”, you have an option not to fill the container but instead use it for your special needs.

Below are some of the situations where FCL shipping could be applicable;

• When shipping large amounts of cargo –Since you will have the entire container space for your use, FCL shipping would be the ideal option when shipping large amounts of cargo.
• If you want faster shipping –With FCL shipping, there is minimal movement of goods.

This is because once your goods are loaded, they shall be moved when at the selected port of delivery.

With LCL shipping, loading and unloading are done for the different goods from other shippers therefore there’s much disruption that might cause damage.

• If you want a secure delivery of goods – FCL is much safer owing to the fewer movements involved while goods are in transit.
• When shipping fragile goods – Fragile goods need extra care when handling them as well as during shipping.

FCL would be a suitable option since the cargo won’t be interfered with until it arrives at the port of delivery.

• When shipping urgently needed goods – Since FCL doesn’t involve loading and unloading during transit, goods are delivered faster as opposed to LCL shipping.

What are the available Courier from China to Japan?

Courier companies make use of different transportation methods to ship products to their clients.

There are a couple of courier companies operating from China to Japan.

Express shipping companies

China EMS Shipping from China to Japan

If you are looking for the fastest way to ship your goods from China to Japan, EMS shipping is a suitable option.

Here are some of the courier companies you might consider;

• FedEx
• DHL
• Royal mail
• DB Schencker
• United Parcel Services, Inc.
• TNT
• UPS

Most if not all of these couriers operate internationally and owing to this shopping around the world has been made much easier.

The cost varies depending on the company that you choose and it’s normally calculated depending on;

• The weight of your goods
• Taxes and duties

How do you Track Cargo during Freight Shipping from China to Japan?

With the evolvement of technology, tracking freight shipment can easily be done using a phone or computer.

When shipping your goods, delays might occur and, hence tracking will come through to assist in knowing the whereabouts of your cargo.

To track your goods, the following are some of the details that might be required;

• The shipment number
• PO number
• Shipment reference number
• Name of the shipping line
• Container number

Some companies use different methods the common ones being a Progressive number and Bill of Lading.

The Bill of lading number is what will be used to track your shipment.

Alternatively, a progressive number that is composed of seven to ten digits will be the next best option.

To create a longer code, the progressive number is combined with a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC).

Afterward, the barcode is printed on a sticker which will be fixed on freight pallets.

Which Services do Freight Forwarders Provide when Shipping from China to Japan?

Freight forwarders come in handy when doing any type of importation including shipping from China to Japan.

To gain a better understanding, let me walk you through some of the services offered by freight forwarders;

• Warehousing – Before your goods are ready to be shipped, they will need storage space.

Freight forwarders are responsible for securing an appropriate storage space for your goods.

• Packaging – Packaging is an important aspect when shipping any type of product. Some goods such as fragile goods require special packaging.

Working with freight forwarders will ensure that your goods are packaged with the ideal type of packaging to avoid any losses during the shipping process.

Owing to their experience in this field, freight forwarders are in a good position to advise you accordingly regarding any queries about your cargo packaging.

• Custom Clearance –If you ask any importer about the most challenging process during shipping, they will probably mention custom clearance.

During custom clearance, you are required to present all the legal documents for your cargo to be shipped.

This might cause a delay in situations whereby you don’t present all the required documents or some information is lacking.

To avoid going through this, hiring a freight forwarder will be the best solution.

• Oversee loading process – Freight forwarders ensure that your goods are carefully and accurately loaded into the ship.
• Booking shipping space – When working with a freight forwarder, you don’t have to worry about securing shipping space for your cargo.

Once you agree on the shipping terms that you prefer, a freight forwarder will book shipping space for your goods.

• Inspection – Inspecting your goods before the commencement of the shipping process is a crucial step in ensuring that you get what you ordered.

The best bit of it is that you don’t need to be present for your cargo inspection to be conducted appropriately.

Freight forwarders will do that for you as you continue with your daily routines.

• Goods pick up –Once you source your products, freight forwarders pick up the goods from your supplier and transport them to the warehouse. They are also responsible for transporting your goods to the port.

What are the Challenges in Shipping Freight from China to Japan?

Challenges are part of any shipping process and therefore be prepared to experience some when shipping your goods.

Some of the challenges you might encounter when shipping freight from China to Japan are not limited to;

• Language barrier – The communication barrier is one of the major challenges most importers experience not only when shipping from China to Japan but also to other countries.

Most Chinese are not conversant with English making communication a big challenge.

• Scammers – There are several scammers in the logistics industry and so you need to ensure that you wisely choose your business associates.

A simple act of asking for certificates or any other legal documentation might save you from huge losses.

Do proper research before engaging someone or a company in business with you.

• Delays- It’s hard to predict whether or not your shipment will delay more so if it’s due to unforeseen environmental conditions.

Other than that, it’s important to ensure that you have proper documentation at hand as this is also one of the causes of delays.

• Government regulations –Some government regulations such as the restriction of some goods make it a challenge when shipping from China to Japan.

This is due to the several processes required to legalize the shipping of certain types of goods.

When is the Best Time to Ship from China to Japan?

Businesses in China and Japan remain open most of the time during the year.

However, not all times would be best to ship from China from Japan.

During certain occasions such as public holidays, most of the businesses remain closed.

Therefore, it’s important to put this into consideration when planning for your next shipment.

The best time to ship from China would be before the New Year since the Chinese New year lasts longer than other holidays.

Nevertheless, avoid shipping your goods days close to the New Year or days after the Chinese New year.

Apart from the holiday times, all other days would be suitable to ship your cargo from China to Japan.

How do you Get the Best Rates during Freight Shipping from China to Japan?

Every importer’s goal is to get the best rates in every deal and this includes freight shipping.

Below are some tips to guide you in getting the best rates during freight shipping from China to Japan.

• Work with freight forwarders –Freight forwarders have established networks with different shippers and can easily get the best prices for your shipment.

Not also forgetting that they can easily spot scammers and thus the probability of being scammed is next to zero.

• Consolidate shipping – Consolidate shipping is whereby your goods are shipped together with other products from different shippers in one container. This type of shipping is much cheaper.
• Negotiate with multiple shippers – If you’re doing the shipping process by yourself, negotiating with multiple shippers will help you decide on the one with the best deal.

The more you ship the lower your rates will be and this favors small importers.

Since the prices are based on the volume, small importers could negotiate based on the number of packages they ship.

• Plan your shipment early -Just like booking a flight for your holidays, you should also plan your shipment early to evade a surge in the overall shipping costs.

Ensure that you inform your forwarder months or weeks in advance for them to have enough time to effectively plan your shipment.

Failure to do this might not only result in higher costs but also delays and missed deliveries.

Do you need Insurance when Shipping from China to Japan?

Yes, you do need insurance when shipping from China to Japan.

Freight shipping is prone to different levels of risks which might result in great losses.

Most carriers provide insurance for the cargo.

However, these insurance often have limitations that limit the risk coverage of your cargo.

Owing to this, it’s always advisable to get additional insurance for your shipment.

What are the Best Incoterm in Freight Shipping from China to Japan?

Incoterms refer to terms of sale that stipulate the responsibilities and liabilities passage from the consignor or consignee.

That said, there are several incoterms, and knowing which one suits you will either make your entire shipping process run smoothly or be difficult and costly.

With that in mind let’s have a look at some of the commonly used incoterms;

• FOB – With Free Onboard shipping, you as the buyer will take full responsibility once the goods leave the shipper’s shipping dock.

At this point, the shipper records a sale as the buyer records an increase in inventory.

With FOB, the buyer has ownership of all costs and risks once the cargo leaves the shipping dock.

FOB is mostly preferred since you will have control of your shipment and freight costs.

• EXW – EX works is another commonly used incoterm. You will have fewer responsibilities but again any unplanned fees and arising issues will be subjected to you.

EXW would be the ideal incoterm for newbie sellers who are shipping from China with less knowledge of logistics.

• CIF –With the CIF incoterm, the buyer is responsible for;
• Paying for the cargo,
• Custom clearance,
• Paying for inland transportation fees from the destination port to the warehouse.
• Paying for import taxes

On the other hand, the seller is responsible for the following;

• Delivering goods as per the agreed terms by the buyer
• Manage inland transportation in China
• Custom Clearance
• Paying custom fees in China
• Hiring and paying for the sea freight
• Paying the port charges at the port of origin
• Paying custom fees in china

By choosing to use CIF, you will have very minimal control over your shipment, your costs, and these results in less competitiveness.

The CIF incoterm is not highly recommended when shipping from China as it can shoot up your overall costs.

FOB stands to be the best of them all.

What Documents do you need to Ship from China to Japan?

Before embarking on any form of shipping, you need to ensure that you have the right documents at hand to avoid any inconveniences.

This is one of the complex stages of shipping as it involves a lot of paperwork to do and submit to the appropriate authorities.

It’s advisable to always be part of the documentation process.

Leaving all the work to your forwarder will result in being left out in knowing what’s happening at what time.

Some of the documents you need to ship from China to Japan are not limited to;

• Commercial invoice – A commercial invoice is issued by the exporter outlining the details of the goods, the terms of sale and, the value of the goods.
• Insurance certificate – Your goods need to have insurance to cover them against loss, theft, or damage while in transit.

An insurance certificate highlights all the items covered, the type of risks, and the extent of the coverage.

• Bill of Lading – A bill of lading is a document issued by a freight carrier to the consignee acknowledging that the goods have been received and will be shipped to a specified destination.
• Certificate of Origin – A certificate of origin is issued to facilitate trade and customs requirements. This certificate confirms that the goods have been produced and obtained from a particular country of origin, in our case China.
• Packing List – A packing list contains all details about the goods being shipped including the type, weight, and measurements of each product packaged.

How do you Handle Custom Clearance when Shipping from China to Japan?

Custom clearance

Customs clearance is one of the tedious steps of importation owing to the numerous paperwork involved.

The customs determine whether or not your goods are ready for shipping.

When your goods arrive at the port of departure (China), you will be required to provide the necessary documents for them to be cleared for shipping.

In this case, the documents needed include;

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Inspection certificate

These are just a few of the main documentation required among other documents.

Having submitted all documents, your freight forwarders will go through them to ensure that everything is appropriate.

Working with a reliable freight forwarder is key to ensuring a stress-free process.

If you’re experiencing any problems, JMS is here to handle all your custom clearance processes.

Afterward, the customs officials will inspect your goods and evaluate them to determine the cost of duties and taxes.

Once everything is completed, you will make the customs payment.

Depending on the shipping agreement you have, you will be required to pay for the taxes and duties or the supplier does.

After your goods arrive in Japan, you will again be required to pass your goods through customs.

Often the same procedures are followed as seen at the port of origin.

First, present all the necessary documents required to clear your goods for entry.

Thereafter, customs officials will inspect your goods to confirm that they are permitted into the country.

Once your goods are cleared, you will pay the customs duties/ taxes and they will be ready to be transported to the respective warehouse.

Are there Packaging Guidelines when Shipping from China to Japan?

Yes, there are packaging guidelines when shipping from China to Japan.

Let me take you through some of these packaging guidelines below;

• Sharp objects should be packages in a manner that they do not show the possibility of piercing the packaging.
• You should get rid of old labels as well as markings from packing and ensure they are fixed according to the cargo’s waybill.
• Fragile and delicate products should have sufficient protective wrapping and packed far from the corners of the boxes.
• During packaging, stick the barcode in a manner that it’s not covered by tape as they will be scanned at various points during the shipment process.
• Ensure that you have the waybill placed on top of your shipment and does not overlap the edges as well as the corners of the boxes.
• Individual products weighing above 70kg should be packaged in a pallet.

What is the H.S. Code? And Why is it Important when Shipping from China to Japan?

HS Code structure

H.S Code stands for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.

It refers to a product certification system which is used in the classification of products to assess duties and taxes.

The use of H.S Code is important when shipping from China to Japan owing to the following reasons;

• It helps importers and exporters to easily have proper product classification.
• S Codes helps government officials to identify goods being shipped into Japan to facilitate proper tax collection.
• S Codes helps in monitoring controlled goods when shipping to China.
• It helps in trade negotiations between China and Japan.
• S Code helps the shipper to know the correct classification of their goods.

How can you Reduce the Cost of Shipping from China to Japan?

Shipping is neither easy nor is it an inexpensive process.

The truth of the matter is that you need to spend money to get money and therefore most importers try as much to reduce their expenditures.

In a bid to do achieve this, some end up saving while others incurring more costs.

One tip for saving on costs is through working with the right freight forwarder for the shipment of your goods.

An appropriate freight forwarder already has established networks and can get you uneatable offers from different carriers.

Also, the incoterm you choose for your cargo will determine whether or not you will save on costs or incur more.

Your freight forwarder can advise you accordingly when it comes to choosing the right incoterm for your goods.

Some incoterms leave you with the responsibility of hiring and making payments and this way you can negotiate on prices thereby reducing costs.

Planning your shipping months before will immensely save on your budget.

Assuming, you want to ship goods and so you start the arrangements a week or two before.

This will mean that your forwarder will have to look for quick options that mostly are overpriced owing to the urgency.

Waiting for the last-minute rush might end up being a very costly mistake and that’s why I advise you to make your shipping plans months prior.

Using reputable shipping companies to handle your shipment can to a great extent reduce your shipping costs as compared to solely handling your shipment.

Keep in mind, such companies have experience in this field and know how to properly handle logistics therefore working with them would not only be cost-saving but also efficient.

What Goods are Exempted from Duties when Shipping from China to Japan?

When shipping from China to Japan, the only exemption on duties will be on goods with a total customs value of 10,000 yen or less for each parcel.

How is China-Japan Trade Relations?

Before, Japan used to take advantage of China’s low-cost structure not until the buying power of China’s emerging middle class gained attraction for Japanese companies.

It is because of this that China has become one of the most important trading partners for Japan.

Over the past 45 years, there has been a growth of trade from $1 billion to $317 billion. Currently, Japan is China’s third-largest trading partner.

Why Trust JMS as Official Freight Forwarder in China?

JMS is a recognized leading freight forwarding company in China providing reliable and affordable freight services tailored to satisfy your needs.

As if that’s enough, JMS will also see to it that your goods are properly handled from departure to arrival time.

At JMS, quality is crucial, and for that reason not only will JMS get you the best airlines for your shipment but also provide a free warehouse for your goods.

Oh, and there’s more!

You get value for your money.

You just need to say from where to which destination and JMS will tailor you’re a freight solution to match your needs – contact us now.