Shipping Tea from China to Japan: Detailed Process and Precautions

Shipping Tea from China to Japan: Detailed Process and Precautions

Exporting tea to Japan requires compliance with strict food safety and phytosanitary standards. The following is a detailed transportation guide.

Transportation Process

1. Pre – shipment Compliance Preparation: Tea must meet the regulations of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan. Provide pesticide residue test reports (complying with Japan’s Positive List System), ingredient lists, etc. For organic tea, obtain JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) certification. Prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and phytosanitary certificates.
2. Packaging Requirements: Use packaging materials that comply with Japanese food packaging regulations. The inner packaging should be food – grade sealed bags, and the outer packaging should be corrugated cartons. The packaging should be labeled in Japanese with product name, ingredients, net weight, shelf life, country of origin, brewing method, storage conditions, 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 tea information, 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 tea; 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 MAFF. The customs reviews the declared information, and the MHLW and MAFF check the safety and compliance of the tea, and may conduct laboratory tests. After passing the review, pay tariffs (the tariff rate is about 2 – 8%) 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. Pesticide Residue Control: Pesticide residues in tea must strictly comply with Japan’s Positive List System to avoid the goods being banned from import due to exceeding the limits.
2. Label Compliance: The content of Japanese labels must be accurate, including allergy warnings (if any); otherwise, the goods may be detained or require rectification.
3. Complete Certifications: JAS certification for organic tea should be handled 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.