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.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Japan through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Japan. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Japan
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Handa, HA, JAP
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Okazaki, OK, JAP
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Toyohashi, To, JAP
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Nagoya, NA, Jap
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
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.
Types 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.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
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: 30 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: 30 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
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
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: 30 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
Food, 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
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: 30 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
Advertising 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: 30 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
Repairs
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:
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: 30 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
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
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: 30 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/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.
Electrical Appliances
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
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
Foodstuffs
Foods sold in Japan must be labelled identifying items such as:
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: 30 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
Required 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
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
