With the increasing economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan, more and more companies choose to ship goods from China to Japan by sea. Among the many modes of transportation, container transportation is widely used because of its safety, economy and flexibility. This article will introduce the container costs from China to Japan in detail.
Shipping Container from China to Japan
Container transportation between China and Japan is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. China is Japan’s largest source of imports, covering machinery and equipment, textiles, electronic products, raw materials, etc. Container transportation has become the preferred method, especially for bulk goods or supply chain transportation.
Factors Affecting of Shipping Cost from China to Japan
The following factors may directly affect the container freight from China to Japan:
- Distance between the departure port and the destination port: The freight rate of North China ports is slightly higher than that of East China ports.
- Space shortage during seasons and peak seasons: such as Japan’s fiscal year settlement season (March) and Christmas shopping season (October-December);
- Cargo type: Dangerous goods, frozen goods, etc. require special equipment and have high surcharges;
- Choice of routes and shipping companies: Prices vary significantly among different shipping companies, such as ONE, NYK, MSC, COSCO, etc.;
- Whether customs clearance/delivery (DDU/DDP) is included: The price of transportation services including last-mile delivery and tariffs is higher;
Shipping 20ft Container Cost from China to Japan
A 20-foot container is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet high, with a volume of about 33 cubic meters and a maximum load of about 22 tons. It is suitable for heavy industrial equipment, metal materials, and bulk grain. The following is the cost composition:
| Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Shipping Rate | $300 – $500 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $80 – $150 |
| Port Fees | $150 – $200 |
| Document fee | $30 – $50 |
| Security fee | $25 – $35 |
| Total Cost | $500 – $900 |
Shipping 40ft Container Cost from China to Japan
A 40-foot container is 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet high, with a volume of about 67 cubic meters and a maximum load of about 26 tons. Compared with a 20-foot container, 40 is suitable for larger goods such as furniture, clothing, and light industrial products, and provides more space and capacity.
| Cost Component | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Shipping Rate | $600 – $800 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $100 – $200 |
| Port Fees | $200 – $250 |
| Document fee | $30 – $50 |
| Security fee | $25 – $35 |
| Total Cost | $900 – $1400 |
You may also be interested in: Different Types of Containers
Cost of Shipping 20ft to 40ft Containers from China to Japan
Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Xiamen, etc. maintain high-density shipping routes with Japanese ports such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Yokohama. The costs vary between different ports. The following are the costs between different ports:
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Japan) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tokyo | $500 – $750 | $900 – $1300 |
| Shenzhen | Tokyo | $520 – $780 | $920 – $1350 |
| Ningbo | Tokyo | $530 – $790 | $930 – $1350 |
| Shanghai | Yokohama | $510 – $800 | $900 – $1300 |
| Shenzhen | Yokohama | $530 – $850 | $950 – $1350 |
| Ningbo | Yokohama | $500 – $750 | $900 – $1350 |
| Shanghai | Osaka | $520 – $840 | $970 – $1380 |
| Shenzhen | Osaka | $540 – $850 | $900 – $1300 |
| Ningbo | Osaka | $520 – $800 | $920 – $1370 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Canada
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA
Additional Costs of Shipping Container from China to Japan
When shipping containers, especially from China to Japan, importers must consider a variety of additional costs in addition to the basic freight costs. Understanding these costs is essential for accurate budgeting and effective financial planning.
Duties and Taxes
Duties and taxes are fees imposed by the Japanese government on imported goods. These fees can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:
- Classification of Goods: The type of imported goods is classified according to a specific tariff code, which determines the applicable tariff rate. For example, electronics may be taxed at a different rate than textiles.
- Valuation: Duties are usually calculated as a percentage of the total value of the imported goods, including freight. Importers must ensure that valuations are accurate to avoid fines and delays. Japan imposes a 10% consumption tax on imported goods (calculated on the CIF value)
Insurance Costs
Insurance is an important component of container shipping, providing protection against potential loss or damage during transportation. Key considerations include:
- Type of Insurance: Importers can choose from a variety of insurance options, including full coverage, which protects against most risks, or specified risk insurance, which only covers specific risks.
- Premium Rates: Insurance rates vary depending on the value of the goods being shipped, the type of coverage selected, and the mode of transport (air or sea). Typically, insurance costs range from 0.1%–0.3% of the total value of the goods, which can be adjusted depending on the type of risk.
Container Customs Clearance for Shipping from China to Japan
Customs clearance documents are important documents to ensure the smooth customs clearance of goods, including the following main documents:
Commercial invoice
States the contents, value and quantity of the goods for customs clearance.
Packing list
Lists the dimensions and weights of all goods to help customs verify the contents of the goods.
Bill of lading (B/L)
Serves as proof of ownership of the goods and is used to pick up the goods at the destination.
Certificate of origin
Depending on the nature of the goods and trade agreements, some goods may require a certificate of origin.
Other customs clearance documents
According to Japanese import regulations, certain specific goods may require other documents such as licenses, test reports, etc.
Container transportation from China to Japan is a stable and efficient trade channel. Understanding the various fees, transportation processes and precautions will help companies better control costs and risks. If you need to obtain real-time freight rates, full container booking or DDP all-inclusive services, contact Ubestshipping for a one-to-one quote, and we will reply to you within 24 hours!