China-to-Japan Shipping FAQ
This page collects standard answers to the questions shippers ask most about China-to-Japan transport. All transit times and figures are reference values; actual conditions depend on cargo, sailings and clearance. Information current as of October 27, 2026.
Last updated: 2026-10-27
Q1. How long does shipping from China to Japan take?
As a reference: 2-7 days by air freight or international express, 9-10 days by FCL ocean container and 10-18 days by LCL consolidation — excluding customs clearance and delivery buffers at both ends. Actual timing varies with direct vs transshipment routings, port congestion, weather and customs inspection. Note that logistics in Japan largely halts Dec 29 - Jan 3, so plan backwards from your deadline.
Q2. What does it cost to ship from China to Japan?
The Shanghai Shipping Exchange SCFI (Oct 23, 2026) showed USD 326/TEU to Kansai and USD 335/TEU to Kanto — index-based reference rates. Actual quotes vary with commodity, weight, volume, ports and sailing dates, and may carry fuel (BAF) or peak-season (PSS) surcharges. Check published rates with our rate calculator or confirm quote validity with our team.
Q3. Should I choose sea freight or air freight?
A practical rule: under 100kg or urgent restocks go by air; above roughly 1 CBM with a flexible deadline, LCL ocean usually wins; above about 12 CBM, FCL is often cheapest. Air is fast but priced per kilo; ocean costs less and suits stocking. Many shippers split — the urgent part by air, the rest by sea. We compare both to your cargo profile.
Q4. What documents does Japan import customs clearance require?
Typically a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the commodity you may also need PSE or TELEC certification, MHLW approval for quasi-drugs, a composition sheet or a certificate of origin. Japan's FY2026 tax reform removed the consumption-tax exemption for imports valued under JPY 10,000, rolling out fully during 2026, so even small parcels are declared. Always verify against the latest Japan Customs and Ministry of Finance notices.
Q5. Do you handle DDP or door-to-door including Japan customs clearance?
Yes — we provide one-stop service covering China pickup, export clearance, ocean or air transport, Japan import clearance and door delivery. Declared values must reflect the real transaction price: Japan can assess duty on the declared invoice value, so under-declaration risks inspection, back taxes or seizure. We itemize every cost in the quote.
Q6. Can you deliver to Amazon FBA warehouses in Japan?
Yes. Our FBA first-leg service covers China pickup, export clearance, ocean or air transport, Japan import clearance, delivery to the FBA warehouse and appointment handling. JIS 1100x1100 mm pallets with ISPM-15 marks are recommended. Because Amazon's packing, labelling and appointment rules change, confirm the latest requirements before shipping and allow buffer time in peak season.
Q7. Can batteries, liquids, magnetic items, powders or branded goods be shipped?
It depends on the commodity and its packaging. Lithium batteries usually need UN38.3 test reports and an MSDS; liquids and powders need composition details; magnetised goods may require a magnetic field test report; branded goods may need proof of authenticity. Please declare cargo name, composition, model and packing up front so we can confirm carriage before quoting.
Q8. Who handles final-mile delivery in Japan?
We use major Japanese carriers — Sagawa, Yamato, Nippon Express and Seino — covering Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and onward to regional areas and remote islands. Remote islands and some rural addresses may add transit days and surcharges. Send us the postal code and address and we will confirm coverage and estimated delivery time.
Q9. How do I check what a freight quote includes?
Verify line by line: origin charges (drayage, loading, export declaration), freight itself, destination charges (THC, DOC, delivery order fee), and whether Japan clearance and delivery are included. Fuel (BAF), peak-season (PSS) and inspection charges can arise later. We state the cost scope and any possible add-on conditions up front.
Q10. Can I estimate rates and track shipments?
Yes. Check published rates on the Ruiyutong rate calculator and follow your shipment with the tracking tool. Send us cargo name, pieces, dimensions, weight, origin and destination and we will reply with routing options and a cost range. Call 400-6519-886 or email sales@ruixincargo.com.
Q11. Can you pick up cargo and consolidate it in China?
Yes. Centered on Nansha, Shenzhen and Shanghai we handle factory pickup, temporary warehousing, inspection, labelling, palletising, container stuffing, trucking, export declaration and carrier booking. Cargo from several suppliers can be consolidated into one LCL shipment or one container to cut per-shipment cost.
Q12. What are your contact details and office addresses?
Switchboard 400-6519-886 and email sales@ruixincargo.com, supported in Japanese, Chinese and English. Our Japan offices are in Nagareyama, Chiba ( Morino Logistics Park 2-806-1, 270-0138) and Higashinari-ku, Osaka (Oiminami-minami 1-chome, 537-0013). Direct lines for individual staff members are listed on our contacts page.
Rate figures cite the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) SCFI/CCFI published values of October 23, 2026 (reference rates). Tax and customs notes are based on public material from Japan Customs, the Ministry of Finance and METI; always confirm against the latest official notices.
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Send us origin, destination, cargo, pieces and weight — our team will reply with routing and cost range.