Shipping Eyeglasses from China to Japan: Detailed Process and Precautions

Shipping Eyeglasses from China to Japan: Detailed Process and Precautions

Exporting eyeglasses to Japan requires compliance with strict local quality and safety standards. The following is a detailed transportation guide.

Transportation Process

1. Pre – shipment Compliance Preparation: Eyeglasses must meet the regulations of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. Ordinary eyeglasses need to provide material safety certificates; sunglasses must meet JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) and provide optical performance test reports; if eyeglasses have electronic components (such as smart glasses), they must comply with the relevant requirements of Japan’s Radio Law. Prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.
2. Packaging Requirements: Use materials that comply with Japanese food packaging regulations (even though eyeglasses are not food, packaging must meet environmental and safety requirements). The inner packaging should be shock – resistant and scratch – proof plastic boxes or cloth bags, and the outer packaging should be corrugated cartons. The packaging should be labeled in Japanese with product name, material composition, usage method, shelf life (if any), country of origin, manufacturer information, etc., and the labels must be clear and compliant with Japanese labeling regulations.
3. Export Customs Clearance: Handle export customs clearance procedures in China, truthfully declare detailed eyeglasses information, including type, material, function, quantity, etc., and cooperate with customs inspections to ensure compliance with China’s export requirements.
4. Transportation Methods: Select according to the urgency and quantity of goods. Air freight (2 – 4 days) is suitable for small – quantity, high – value – added eyeglasses; sea freight (10 – 20 days) is suitable for bulk goods.
5. Japanese Import Customs Clearance: After the goods arrive in Japan, the customs clearance agent submits documents to the Japanese customs, MHLW, and METI. The customs reviews the declared information, and the MHLW and METI check the safety and compliance of the eyeglasses, and may conduct laboratory tests. After passing the review, pay tariffs (the tariff rate is about 3 – 10%) and consumption tax to complete customs clearance.
6. Goods Delivery: Local logistics enterprises in Japan deliver the goods to the recipient, who inspects the goods.

Precautions

1. Quality Standards: All indicators of eyeglasses must strictly comply with Japanese JIS standards and relevant regulations to avoid the goods being banned from import due to substandard quality.
2. Label Compliance: The content of Japanese labels must be accurate, including product function descriptions, usage precautions, etc.; otherwise, the goods may be detained or require rectification.
3. Certification for Special Functions: Smart glasses with electronic components need to apply for Japanese radio equipment certification in advance. The certification process is complex, so sufficient time should be reserved.
4. Customs Clearance Cooperation: If the goods are sampled, promptly cooperate in providing supplementary materials to avoid delaying customs clearance time.