A Comprehensive Guide to Shipping Goods from China to Japan​

A Comprehensive Guide to Shipping Goods from China to Japan​

China and Japan are separated by a narrow sea, and trade between the two countries is frequent, resulting in a continuous and strong demand for shipping goods from China to Japan. Whether it is industrial raw materials, electronic components, daily necessities, or specialty foods, it is necessary to ensure efficient and safe delivery through appropriate transportation methods. The following will comprehensively introduce the specific methods, processes, and precautions for transporting various types of goods from China to Japan.​

I. Transportation Methods and Suitable Goods​

(1) Ocean Shipping​

1. Container Shipping: This is one of the main methods for goods transportation between China and Japan, suitable for large quantities of goods. 20-foot and 40-foot containers are commonly used specifications. A 20-foot container can carry about 22 tons of goods, and a 40-foot container can carry about 26 tons. The transportation time from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao to Japanese ports such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama is relatively short, usually 2-4 days. Industrial raw materials such as steel, cement, and plastic pellets, as well as large quantities of clothing, toys, furniture, etc., are often transported by container shipping. For example, a Chinese steel enterprise supplies automotive steel plates to Japanese automakers through 40-foot container shipping, which can not only meet the large demand but also control costs.​

2. Bulk Shipping: For goods that are not enough to fill a whole container, bulk shipping can be chosen. Such as small mechanical parts, a small amount of agricultural products (rice, beans, etc.), handicrafts, etc. Bulk shipping is charged according to the volume or weight of the goods. The transportation time is similar to that of container shipping, but it needs to wait until a certain amount of goods is collected before shipment. For instance, a small Chinese agricultural product exporter exports a batch of specialty grains to Japanese supermarkets through bulk shipping, which can reduce transportation costs.​

(2) Air Freight​

Air freight is fast and suitable for time-sensitive and high-value goods. The transportation time from major airports in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to airports in Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo is usually 3-8 hours. Precision electronic components (chips, sensors, etc.), high-end cosmetics, fresh fruits (cherries, strawberries, etc.), medicines, etc., are mostly transported by air. For example, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company exports a batch of refrigerated biological agents to Japan by air with professional refrigeration equipment, which can ensure that the medicines arrive safely within the specified time.​

(3) Express Delivery​

International express services such as EMS, DHL, and FedEx provide convenient services between China and Japan, with a time limit of usually 1-2 days. It is suitable for small items, documents, samples, such as business contracts, electronic product samples (small sensors, smart watch samples), jewelry, high-end gifts, etc. Express delivery costs are relatively high, but the service is thoughtful and can be delivered door-to-door. For example, a Chinese jewelry design company sends new jewelry samples to Japanese customers using EMS express, which can deliver quickly and ensure the safety of the goods.​

(4) Land Transport + Ocean/Air Freight​

For areas in China close to Japan, such as the Northeast region, goods can first be transported to ports or airports by land, and then transferred to Japan by ocean or air freight. This method is suitable for goods transportation in some inland areas, such as timber and grain in the Northeast, which are first transported by land to Dalian Port and then shipped to Japan by ocean.​

II. Detailed Transportation Process​

(1) Determine the Transportation Plan​

Choose an appropriate transportation method according to the type, quantity, weight, volume, time limit requirements, and budget of the goods. For large quantities of goods with low time limit requirements, ocean shipping is preferred; for urgent and high-value goods, air freight or express delivery is chosen. At the same time, the special nature of the goods should be considered. For example, dangerous goods (some chemical products) need to comply with the dangerous goods transportation regulations of both China and Japan, and a qualified transportation company should be selected.​

(2) Goods Packaging and Labeling​

1. Packaging Requirements: Different goods have different packaging standards. Fragile items such as ceramic tableware and glassware need to be fully wrapped with foam pads, bubble wrap, etc., placed in sturdy cartons, and filled with shockproof materials inside the boxes; liquid goods such as cosmetics and detergents should ensure that the containers are tightly sealed to prevent leakage and use leak-proof packaging; precision instruments such as measuring equipment and medical instruments need to be customized with special wooden boxes, and the interior is firmly fixed to avoid shaking and damage during transportation.​

2. Clear Labeling: Indicate the name, quantity, weight, destination, consignee information, etc., on the packaging. For fragile items and dangerous goods, corresponding warning signs should be affixed, such as “Fragile, Do Not Press”, “Up”, “Dangerous Goods Signs”, etc.​

(3) Customs Declaration and Clearance​

1. Export Customs Declaration: The shipper needs to prepare documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration power of attorney, and export licenses (required for some goods) and declare to Chinese customs. For some commodities exported to Japan, such as food, it is necessary to provide food safety inspection reports, certificates of origin, etc. For example, a Chinese food factory exporting a batch of snacks to Japan needs to provide food ingredient inspection reports and certificates of origin to successfully pass the export inspection of Chinese customs.​

2. Import Customs Clearance: After the goods arrive in Japan, the consignee needs to submit import declaration documents to Japanese customs, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, import licenses (for controlled commodities), etc. Japanese customs have strict inspection and quarantine requirements for imported goods, especially food and agricultural products, which need to meet relevant Japanese standards. For example, rice imported into Japan needs to pass the quality inspection of Japanese customs to ensure that it meets its food safety standards.​

(4) Transportation Tracking and Delivery​

Choose a transportation company that provides cargo tracking services. Through the provided tracking number, the shipper or consignee can keep track of the transportation status of the goods in real-time. After the goods arrive in Japan, the transportation company will notify the consignee to pick up the goods or deliver them to the door. When receiving the goods, the consignee should carefully check whether the quantity and packaging of the goods are intact. If there is damage or shortage, they should communicate with the transportation company in a timely manner and claim compensation.​

III. Precautions for Transporting Special Goods​

1. Dangerous Goods: Such as paint, alcohol, batteries, etc. Before transportation, it is necessary to confirm whether they belong to the category of dangerous goods, go through relevant dangerous goods transportation certificates, select a company with dangerous goods transportation qualifications, and abide by the dangerous goods transportation regulations of both China and Japan.​

2. Food Products: Need to comply with Japan’s Food Sanitation Law, provide corresponding inspection and quarantine certificates, and the packaging should have Japanese ingredient descriptions, shelf life, and other information.​

3. Electronic Products: Some electronic products may be subject to Japan’s radio regulations and need to go through relevant certifications in advance, such as PSE certification, otherwise, they may not be able to clear customs.​

Transporting goods from China to Japan requires choosing an appropriate transportation method according to the characteristics of the goods, strictly abiding by the customs declaration and clearance regulations of both countries, and properly packaging and labeling the goods to ensure that the goods are safely and timely delivered to Japanese customers, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth development of Sino-Japanese trade.​