When sending international express to Japan, you need to pay attention to the compliance of the goods, packaging requirements, and the recipient’s information. During customs clearance, you must prepare relevant documents and accurately declare the value of the goods.
In this article, Weefreight will provide detailed instructions, which we hope will be helpful.
Notes
Item Compliance:
Prohibited Items: Flammable and explosive items, fresh food (such as meat and uninspected dairy products), certain medications (such as psychotropic drugs), counterfeit brand products, and dangerous goods (corrosive/toxic substances) are prohibited. For medications, over-the-counter medications require an ingredient list, and prescription medications require a doctor’s prescription.
Restricted Items: Books, razor blades, and items with QR code labels may be rejected; please confirm in advance. Products containing lithium batteries must comply with transportation safety regulations, and electrical appliances must meet the Japanese voltage standard (110V).
Packaging Requirements: Use sturdy materials, such as cardboard or plastic boxes, ensuring each box weighs ≤ 29kg and measures ≤ 60cm in length, width, and height. Fragile items should be wrapped with bubble wrap or foam board, marked “Fragile” on the outside, and reinforced. Liquids should be wrapped with plastic wrap and sealed in a bag, then placed among a pile of clothing to prevent leakage.
Recipient Information: The recipient’s address should be entered in the Japanese format: postal code + prefecture + city/town/village + chome/town district + name. The Japanese country code “81” should be included before the phone number. Ensure all information is accurate.
Declared Value Control: The duty-free allowance for personal parcels in Japan is 10,000 yen (approximately 500 RMB). Any amount exceeding this limit is subject to customs duties and consumption tax. It is recommended to keep the parcel value within the duty-free range or calculate the tax costs in advance to avoid false or understated information.
Customs Clearance Requirements
Documentation Requirements: You must provide a commercial invoice detailing the name, quantity, and value of the goods; a packing list detailing the contents of each package; a shipping contract or bill of lading (B/L for sea freight and waybill for air freight); and a certificate of origin may be required for some products.
Customs Clearance Process: The courier will submit the customs clearance documents on your behalf, and customs will review the package information. If the declared value is unusual or sensitive items are involved, an unpacking inspection may be required, resulting in a 1-2 day delay. The recipient can pay taxes and fees online through the link provided by the courier or choose to collect on delivery.
Special Cases: If the customs value of the package exceeds 200,000 yen, a general import (tax) declaration must be made at the customs office where the goods are stored (Japan Post Office). If customs inspection reveals that customs duties and consumption taxes are applicable, the recipient must pay these taxes before obtaining an import license.
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