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How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Japan
When shipping goods from China to Japan, choosing the right method can significantly impact costs and delivery speed. Whether you’re
Shipping from China to Japan
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In 2024, China exported $15.2 billion worth of goods to Japan. These included electric motors, electronics, machinery, auto parts, household appliances, steel, and textiles. With such active trade, dependable shipping is key to smooth business.
If you want to export to Japan and keep your profits strong, it’s important to understand the shipping process. This guide covers each step, offers practical shipping tips, explains Japanese customs clearance, and shares tips for getting the best freight rates.
China Exports to Japan
| China Exports to Japan | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $152.01B | 2024 |
| Electrical, electronic equipment | $36.91B | 2024 |
| Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers | $25.62B | 2024 |
| Vehicles other than railway, tramway | $6.48B | 2024 |
| Articles of apparel, knit or crocheted | $6.46B | 2024 |
| Furniture, lighting signs, prefabricated buildings | $5.32B | 2024 |
| Plastics | $5.25B | 2024 |
| Articles of apparel, not knit or crocheted | $4.68B | 2024 |
| Toys, games, sports requisites | $4.28B | 2024 |
| Optical, photo, technical, medical apparatus | $4.08B | 2024 |
| Articles of iron or steel | $3.80B | 2024 |
Data Source：www.tradingeconomics.com
Japan Import Duties and Taxes
| Tax Type | Rate/Range | Calculation Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (Tariff) | 0% – 30% | Depends on HS code & trade agreements |
| Consumption Tax (similar to VAT) | 10% | Applied on (CIF + Duty) |
| Special/Excise Tax (Certain Products) | Varies | E.g. tobacco, alcohol; additional to duty |
Notes:
- HS Code Determines Duty Rate – Import duty depends on product HS code classification.
- Consumption Tax Always Applies – Even for duty-free goods, the 10% consumption tax is added.
- Trade Agreements May Reduce Duty – Preferential rates apply if origin qualifies under FTAs.
- Agricultural Goods Are Highly Protected – High tariffs used to protect local market.
Different Shipping services from China to Japan
Ocean Freight from China to Japan
Shipping goods from China to Japan by sea is the most affordable choice. Main routes link ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen with Japanese ports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, and Nagoya. Hon Hai handles document processing, customs clearance, and logistics to make sure your cargo arrives without issues. You can choose full container load shipping with 20ft or 40ft containers, or use our DDP ocean freight service for door-to-door delivery.
Air Freight from China to Japan
Air freight is the fastest method for transporting goods between Japan and China, making it ideal for electronics, product samples, or other items requiring expedited delivery. Most shipments depart from airports in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou and arrive at destinations such as Tokyo (Narita Airport) and Osaka. Hongocean connects your business to global air freight routes through instant online quotes, transparent pricing, and professional customs clearance support.
Shipping Times from China to Japan
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | Shanghai | Tokyo | 35-45 days |
| Air Freight | Shanghai | Tokyo | 1-2 days |
| Express Shipping | Shanghai | Tokyo | 1-3 days |
Please note that these are estimated times, and the actual transit time may be affected by various factors, such as weather, port congestion, customs inspections, peak seasons, etc.
Shipping Cost from China to Japan
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (1000+ kgs) | Shanghai | Tokyo | $1.5/kg |
| LCL | Shanghai | Tokyo | $10/CBM |
| FCL(20ft-40ft) | Shanghai | Tokyo | $275-500 |
Cost of shipping 20ft & 40ft container from China to Japan
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | CNTR Size | port to port price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tokyo | 20ft | $350 |
| Shanghai | Tokyo | 40ft | $600 |
| Shanghai | Yokohama | 20ft | $350 |
| Shanghai | Yokohama | 40ft | $600 |
| Shanghai | Kobe | 20ft | $350 |
| Shanghai | Kobe | 40ft | $600 |
Please note: The above prices are for reference only. For the most up-to-date pricing information, please contact freight specialists.
Shipping cost trends from China to Japan in 2025:
Documents for customs clearance from China to Japan
Are you planning to export goods from China to Japan? Here’s a friendly guide to the key documents you’ll need for smooth customs clearance:
- Commercial Invoice: This handy document lists the name, quantity, unit price, total price, country of origin, and trade terms for your shipment.
- Packing List: This helps customs by showing the number of packages, their weight, volume, and a description of the items being shipped.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the shipping company, this document confirms your goods have been received and are on their way. It’s important for customs clearance.
- Certificate of Origin: This document helps you qualify for special tariff rates. It’s provided by an authorized party or declared by the exporter, and should match the details on your invoice and bill of lading.
- Import Permit: If you’re shipping regulated items like food or chemicals, you’ll need this permit.
Key Ports in China and Japan for Shipping
Major Chinese Ports
- Shanghai Port: China’s largest container port and a core hub connecting major Japanese ports.
- Shenzhen Port: A key gateway for exporting electronic products and manufactured goods from southern China.
- Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: With its enormous throughput capacity, it is suitable for the transport of heavy equipment and bulk cargo.
- Qingdao Port: An important northern port, often used for freight routes to northern Japan.
- Guangzhou Port: A key port for manufacturing exports in the Pearl River Delta, serving southern China.
Major ports in Japan
- Tokyo Port: The gateway to the Japanese capital, handling large quantities of consumer goods and electronic product imports.
- Yokohama Port, located near Tokyo, is renowned for its efficient customs clearance and container transportation.
- Osaka Port: An important logistics hub in western Japan, serving the Kansai region.
- Kobe Port: A historic international port specializing in industrial goods and components.
- Nagoya Port: One of Japan’s major ports for the export of automobiles and machinery.
Freight Forwarders from China to Japan
Freight forwarders are your helpful partners in international logistics, making the shipping process smoother by connecting shippers and transportation service providers. Here’s how they can support you when shipping from China to Japan:
- Help you find and hire the best transportation carriers for your cargo.
- Take care of coordinating the transportation of your cargo, including pickup and delivery.
- Prepare all the necessary documentation to ensure your cargo clears customs quickly and easily.
- Discover the optimal routes for delivering your goods quickly and efficiently.
- Spot and solve any issues along the way to prevent delays.
- Ensure that all regulatory matters are addressed to ensure your goods meet the necessary requirements.
- Handle the payment of duties, taxes, and fees for you.
- Keep you updated in real time on the status of your shipment.
By consolidating all these services, freight forwarders simplify and enhance the shipping process, enabling your international trade to run smoothly and with greater peace of mind.
How to Import from China to Japan: Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Partner with a freight forwarder
To ensure a smooth international shipping process, hire a reliable and experienced freight forwarder. They will handle logistics from your factory to the final destination, simplifying the complex shipping process.
Step 2: Choose the right shipping method
Select the most suitable shipping method based on the type, weight, and quantity of your goods. If you have any questions, consult an expert.
Step 3: Find reliable suppliers
Establish strong partnerships with Chinese suppliers who can provide the products you need. You can find reliable suppliers through various means, such as online B2B platforms, trade shows, and reputable freight forwarders or purchasing companies.
Step 4: Understand taxes
When importing goods from China to Japan, import taxes typically include customs duties and consumption tax. Japan imposes a 10% consumption tax on most imported goods. Tariffs vary by product category, ranging from 0% to over 20%.
To determine the specific tariffs and taxes, you need to classify the products using the Harmonized System (HS) code and refer to the Japanese Customs Tariff Schedule. Additionally, ensure all documents are accurate to avoid delays and unexpected costs during customs clearance.
Step 5: Define international trade terms
Familiarize yourself with the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which are internationally recognized rules governing the responsibilities and obligations of international trade. Clearly define the Incoterms applicable to your goods to clarify the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller.
Step 6: Handle Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is a critical step managed by the shipper or their authorized representative. This process involves data entry, document preparation, cargo assessment, obtaining permits, paying fees, warehousing, and final release.
Step 7: Arrange Final Delivery
After customs clearance, arrange the last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a company address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or local logistics provider can assist with this step.
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