Guide to Sending Parcels to Japan

Japan oozes calm as the mother of majestic Mt. Fuji, home to innumerable rice paddies, and the land of exquisitely prepared sushi.

But underneath Japan's zen are 125-plus million souls bustling, making Japan the world's 3rd largest economy. And while e-commerce accounts for a small percentage of a $5 trillion USD economy, it is growing steadily and projected to reach $103 billion by 2023.

As part of the 11-nation Pacific free-trade deal (CPTPP), growth between Japan and Canada is on a green path.

The sources on this page include Japanese Customs & Duties, the Government of Japan, as well as several other Japanese government websites.

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Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Japan


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Japan before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Japan is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Mar 31, 2024
8:49 am
Handa, HA, JAP
Delivered
Mar 30, 2024
7:18 am
Okazaki, OK, JAP
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
9:03 pm
Toyohashi, To, JAP
International Clearance
Mar 29, 2024
8:14 am
Nagoya, NA, Jap
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 28, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Documents Only

Document shipments to Japan are duty and tax free providing their value is below ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN) and weigh less than 9.5 kg.

In Japan, the following items are classified as documents:

  • Annual Reports and bids
  • Business Cards
  • Computer print-outs
  • Greeting cards and invitations
  • Technical manuals
  • Manuscripts
  • Company newsletters and intercompany mail
  • Newspapers and periodicals
  • Seismic data
  • Specification sheets
  • Visa Applications

Restrictions

Only a few items have restrictions:

  • Microfilms and Microfiches (The data must not contain photos)
  • Envelopes (Must be blank)

Non-document items

Japan considers the following to be non-documents and must be shipped with a commercial invoice.

  • Airline tickets (Be sure to declare the price on the commercial invoice; no duties or taxes will be incurred)
  • Blank cheques
  • Books, and other bounded items
  • Credit cards
  • Discs and diskettes such as floppy discs, CD-ROMs and DVDs (For CDs and DVDs, the contents of the discs is to be stated on the commercial invoice)
  • Event tickets (Declare the price on the commercial invoice)

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA

Shipping Gifts

Most gifts shipped to Japan are exempt from duty and consumption tax providing the shipment is valued below ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN).

The 10,000 yen value includes the transportation fee and insurance.

The following items are not exempt for duty, even if they are gifts:

  • Leather bags, handbags, gloves, etc.
  • Knitted apparel, for e.g. T-shirts, sweaters, etc.
  • Ski boots
  • Leather shoes and other footwear with leather soles

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

Gift shipments from one individual to another are duty and consumption tax free if the gift is under ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN). This value includes transportation and insurance fees.

NOTE: Suppose you divide a shipment into separate parcels in order to avoid exceeding a weight limit. If you send the parcels at the same time to the same recipient, duty and tax free exemption is still only ¥10,000 for ALL of the parcels.

Shipments from Business-to-Business

Shipping a gift from a Canadian business to a business in Japan has a ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN) duty and consumption tax exemption.

However, if the gift is liquor or tobacco, excise taxes will be applied.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

Gifts shipped from a Canadian business to an individual in Japan, and valued below ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN), are exempt from consumption tax and duty fees. Should the parcel contain liquor or tobacco, then excise taxes will be applied.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Sending Multiple Gifts to Japan

Be sure to:

  • Words "Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package" appear in General Description of Goods as well as the Detailed description of goods (see sample)
  • Individually wrap and tag each gift separately
  • Ensure the names on each tag are different and clearly marked on the commercial invoice

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/imtsukan/1006_e.htm
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA

Shipping Personal Effects

Shipping personal effects to Japan from Canada is duty and consumption tax free.

Personal effects are your clothes, footwear, toiletries and any portable professional equipment you will use in Japan.

Conditions:
  • The goods are used and have been in your possession for at least 1 full year
  • The quantities of personal effects are appropriate for your household
  • The goods will not be sold in Japan
  • Your personal effects are to be cleared within 6 months of your arrival in Japan. (Preclearance is not allowed, though you do not have to be in attendance when your goods are cleared.)

Monetary Conditions

The total market value of your personal effects must be less than ¥200,000 (about $2500 CDN).

Any personal item whose value is less than ¥10,000 is not included in the ¥200,000 total.

However, over-and-above the ¥200,000 limit, you may also add the following items within the specified amounts:

  • Alcoholic beverages: 3 bottles of 760 mL per bottle
  • Cigarettes: 400
  • Heat-Not-Burn products: 20 individual packages
  • Cigars: 100
  • Tobacco: 500 g (If there are 2 or more products, the total allowance is only 500 g)
  • Perfume: 60 mL
  • Rice: 100 kg per year

NOTE: If you are shipping more than ¥200,000 of personal effects, you are allowed to add the following items to your shipment duty and tax free.

Moving Temporarily

Students or visitors staying for less than a year may enter Japan with personal effects of a total value of less than ¥200,000 (about $2500 CDN). No duties will be charged.

You must complete Customs C-5360-B: Declaration of Accompanied Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles.

Moving Permanently

You may send your unaccompanied personal effects to Japan duty and tax free by following a few simple steps.

If you are a foreigner:

  • Complete 2 copies of the Form C-5360-B: Declaration of Accompanied and Unaccompanied Articles.
  • Copy of your passport.
  • A visa valid for more than 1-year.
  • Packing list of shipment outlining its contents in detail.
  • If alcohol is in the shipment, it must package must be easily identifiable for customs inspection.

If you are a returning Japanese citizen:

  • Complete 2 copies of Form C-5360: Declaration of Accompanied and Unaccompanied Articles
  • Copy of your passport.
  • Packing list of shipment outlining its contents in detail
  • If alcohol is in the shipment, it must be identified clearly for customs inspection

Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/pamphlet/tsukan_e.pdf
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm
http://www.customs.go.jp/kaisei/youshiki/form_C/C5360-B.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsFood, Chocolate, Candies

Up to 10 kg of most foodstuffs, chocolate and candies can be shipped to Japan from Canada duty and tax free.

If the parcel weighs more than 10 kg or the food is destined for sale, the receiver will be required to follow Japan's food sanitation laws. This will involve documentation and quarantine of the food. See here for details.

Restrictions

Some foods derived from animals will be subjected to quarantine.

They include:

  • Any type of meat or animal organ, such as jerky, ham, sausages, bacon and meat buns, in any form including processed, refrigerated, frozen and cooked
  • Eggs and eggshells
  • Animal by-products such as bones, blood, horns, hooves, tendons, skin, hair and feathers
  • Raw milk and dairy products

Do not send

  • Nuts and fresh fruits

Sources:
https://www.mipro.or.jp/Document/hti0re0000000vi2-att/pdf_publications_0111go18.pdf
http://www.pps.go.jp/english/law/list2.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsSamples

Commercial samples are sent for demonstration purposes. The aim is to encourage people to place orders of the samples, not sell them.

Because samples are not for personal use, they will incur duties and taxes.

An exception is made for samples sent to Japan for less than 1 year and returned to Canada. Under temporary admission rules, they are duty-free.

Conditions for Duty-Free Entry

  • the total customs value should be less than ¥5,000 (about $65 CDN).
  • the words 'sample, not for resale' should be written on the commercial invoice.
  • the goods should be marked or damaged so that they can only be used as samples and not be sold.

Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/pamphlet/tsukan_e.pdf
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/temporary.htm
https://en.portal.santandertrade.com/international-shipments/japan/customs-procedures

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsAdvertising Material

No information regarding shipping advertising material to Japan is available at this time.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Mario J. Molina
Mexicana de Ciencias
Los Cipreses
San Andrés Totoltepec
14400 Ciudad de México
CDMX
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to the NetherlandsRepairs

Sending equipment to Japan for repairs is duty and tax free providing the equipment is returned to Canada within 1 year of entering Japan.

Items Under Warranty

As Canada and Japan have a free-trade agreement (CPTPP), repaired items under warranty returning to Canada are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

Equipment returning to Canada from Japan that is no longer under warranty will be charged GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to Japan

When sending equipment to Japan for repair, there are 2 main options:

a) Send the equipment with an ATA carnet. This will allow the piece of equipment to stay in Japan for a maximum of 1 year.

b) If an ATA carnet is not used, you should consult the current Customs Tariff Law (for details, click here ) and complete the necessary paperwork so that your shipment will be exempt from duty and taxes. A security deposit may also be required at the time of importation.

Returning Product after Repairs are Completed

If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned to Japan, ensure to do the following:

  • Write "REPAIR & RETURN" on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
  • Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the
  • Detailed Description of Goods section Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Japan

Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice must clearly state under the General Description or Remarks section the following: "REPAIR & RETURN" and include the estimated time of return
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section

Items Under Warranty

Repairs under warranty returning from Japan to Canada are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

An item returning to Canada from Japan that is no longer under warranty will be duty-free, however it will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to Japan

Equipment for repair may be imported into Japan duty and tax free (including VAT (IVA)) under the country's IMMEX program.

This includes parts that will be used to repair a piece of equipment. However, that part must be returned to Canada as a component of the repaired equipment.

When sending equipment to Japan for repair, include the following information on the parcel:

Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/temporary.htm
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/imtsukan/1703_e.htm

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to the NetherlandsTemporary Imports

Temporary importation of goods to Japan may occur without paying duties and taxes for a period of up to 1 year.

Goods that are allowed temporary import status include:

  • Commercial samples
  • Items to be displayed at exhibitions
  • Professional and scientific equipment
  • Goods to be repaired or processed (for e.g. curved, coated, etc.)
  • Equipment or items to be tested for quality assurance or performance
  • Items to be used in scientific research

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Japan, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details below.


Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1 Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low


1. Complete a Commercial Invoice Only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

Note: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty and tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL).


2. CI + an ATA Carnet

This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of Canada. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time occurence .

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/


NOTES

If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.

Your customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of a temporary nature).

Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/temporary.htm
http://www.jcaa.or.jp/
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/imtsukan/1703_e.htm

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within AngolaPermanent/Sold Goods

Occasional Shipper

If you ship occasionally to Japan (i.e. items you sold on eBay), be sure to:

  • Complete a commercial invoice with your shipment
  • Provide a detailed description of the goods on the commercial invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).

If the customs value of the shipment is ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN) or less, no duties will be charged but it will incur the consumption tax (10%).

Regular Shipper

If you regularly sell and ship goods to Japan, we recommend that you consult a Japanese Customs broker for advice. A list of Japanese customs counsellors can be found by clicking here.

Nonetheless, you should be aware that certain types of products demand special labelling instructions.

  1. Electrical Appliances
  2. Products That Emit Radio Frequencies

    These following products must conform to Japan's Radio Law and indicate that by displaying a Technical Conformity Mark (called the PSE Mark):

    • AC/DC power supply units
    • Extension power cords
    • Televisions, electric refrigerators and freezers
    • Electric air conditioners
    • LED lamps
  3. Consumer Products

    Most consumer products must have labels providing information as stated in the Household Goods Quality Labelling Law (called the PSC Mark). This law applies to products such as:

    • Textiles
    • Plastic manufactured goods like water purifiers, baby bottles, infant cribs
    • Electrical appliances, including portable lasers
    • Helmets for motorcycles and motorized bicycles
    • Pressure cookers
    • Climbing ropes
  4. Foodstuffs

    Foods sold in Japan must be labelled identifying items such as:

    • Ingredients
    • Origin of ingredients
    • Nutritional information
    • Quantities of trans-fatty acids

Sources:
https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/economy/consumer/pse/index.html
https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/e/index.htm
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/consumer/seian/shouan/contents/outline_psc_act090331e.pdf.
https://www.caa.go.jp/en/index.html.
https://www.jqa.jp/english/safety/service/mandatory/psc/.
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/sonota/9301_e.htm.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Yasunari Kawabata
1-12-5 Hase,
Kamakura
Kanagawa Prefecture
248-0000
Japan

Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Japan. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Japan, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section

Declaration of Accompanied Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles

Frequently required

Required when you ship your unaccompanied personal belongings to Japan to avoid paying duties and taxes.

(Customs Form C-5360-B Customs for non-Japanese or Form C-5360 for returning Japanese citizens)

Prohibited & Restricted Imports


A number of items may not be shipped to Japan (prohibited) and a number of other items may enter but have restrictions regarding limits or requiring permits.


Prohibited Items

  • Illicit and narcotic drugs
  • Firearms and ammunition, and pistol parts
  • Any toy gun or replica
  • Any explosive and any material for chemical weapons
  • Bacteria that could be used for bio-terrorism
  • Any counterfeit, altered or imitation coins, paper money, bank notes, securities or credit cards
  • Immoral or obscene material, including child pornography
  • Rice straw goods such as bags and mats

Restricted Items

  • Air guns, swords and hunting rifles require permits
  • Medications (2 months supply)
  • Cosmetics (maximum of 24 units of each type of cosmetic)
  • E-cigarettes (maximum of 60 cigarettes - 2 cartridges of 30 each)
  • E-liquid with nicotine (maximum of 120 mL)

Sources:
http://www.pps.go.jp/english/law/list2.html
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/prohibit.htm
http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/product/import.html
https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/e-cigarette/japan
http://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/pamphlet/tsukan_e.pdf

Duty & Taxes

Goods shipped to Japan are subject to Customs duty and consumption tax. The amount owed is calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much Duty & Tax the recipient would have to pay to the Japanese government to receive their goods.


Thresholds

Some countries apply a de minimis value, below which no duties are charged. For Japan, the de minimis value is ¥10,000 (about $125 CDN).

For small packages valued greater than ¥10,000 but less than ¥200,000 (about $2,500 CDN), a Simplified Tariff Schedule applies.

Currency Japanese yen ( ¥)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) ¥ 10,000
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (VAT/GST) - Consumption tax 10%
Tax Exemption(De minimis Value) 0
Tax Calculation Method CIF

Duties on Imports
Simplified Tariff Schedule for Shipments Between ¥10,000 and ¥200,000
  • Wine¥70/L - about $1 CDN
  • Spirits¥20/L - about 25 ¢
    CDN
  • Sake¥30/L - about 35 ¢
    CDN
  • Coffee & Herbal teas15%
  • Tomato Ketchup20%
  • Gelatine15%
  • Seaweed10%
  • Furniture & Tableware3%
  • Games & Toys3%


Shipments Greater Than ¥200,000
  • Candy0%
  • Chocolate0%
  • Beer¥ 220,000 per 1,000 L
  • Sparkling Wine¥ 220,000 per 1,000 L
  • Wine¥80,000 per 1000 L
  • Spirits (less than 37% alcohol)¥370,00 per 1,000 L
  • Liqueurs (less than 13% alcohol)¥120,000 per 1,000 L
    (about $,1500 CDN)
  • Tobacco0%
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • CoatsFur coats 20%, fabric
    coats: 8.4-12.8%*
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
  • Jewellery5.2-5.4%
  • Shirts & Pants7.4-12.8%*
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%
  • Sports Equipment0%
    Exception: Fishing tackle: 3.2%

*Click here for explanation of range

Sources:
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/imtsukan/1204_e.htm
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/tariff.htm
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/kojin/3105_e.htm

IconJapan Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to Japan



Can I ship to Japan?

Shipping to Japan from Canada can take between 3-8 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Japan by getting a quote now.


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