China and Japan are important trading partners in Asia. China is one of Japan’s largest sources of imports. With the increase in trade between the two countries, more and more people want to know the rates for shipping from China to Japan. This article will introduce this in detail.
Introduction to Japan
Japan is one of the most developed countries in Asia, with a huge consumer market and a stable economic environment. It has a high demand for imported goods in food, clothing, household goods, small appliances, etc. With the rise of cross-border e-commerce, the demand for B2C and B2B logistics is growing. Chinese-made products have become an important source of imports for Japan with their price and quality advantages.
Shipping Cost from China to Japan
The cost of shipping from China to Japan is mainly determined by the mode of transportation. The logistics route between China and Japan is short and the transportation efficiency is high. The main modes of transportation are:
Sea Freight
Sea Freight is the most economical and affordable option for transporting bulk goods between China and Japan. It is very suitable for non-urgent goods and achieves a perfect balance between price and capacity. Offering both full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) solutions,
- FCL: For businesses that need to fill an entire container with bulky goods, full container load is the ideal choice. FCL is safer and has lower unit costs when shipping in bulk.
- LCL: For smaller shipments, less-than-container load is an affordable option. Your shipment shares container space with other shipments, and you only pay for the space your shipment takes up.
Air Freight
For businesses that need fast delivery, air freight is the best shipping solution. While air freight is more expensive than ocean freight, it ensures fast delivery of high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronics, fashion products or pharmaceuticals.
For small packages or urgent shipments, express delivery is the fastest option. Leading carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS offer reliable door-to-door services that typically deliver within 1-3 days, making them ideal for e-commerce orders and other urgent shipments.
| Shipping Mode | Description | Cost Estimate |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Perfect for smaller shipments that don’t fill a container. | $30-$40 per cubic meter |
| FCL (Full Container Load) | Ideal for large shipments, offering more cost efficiency. | Container rate $500-$1500 |
| Express Shipping | Best for urgent deliveries that can’t wait. | Starts from $9 per kilogram |
| Air Freight | Fastest option for high-value or time-sensitive goods. | $3-$7 per kilogram |
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 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Japan
Air freight costs are usually calculated based on the actual weight or volume weight of the goods. For lighter but larger goods, air freight costs are usually calculated based on volume weight, which is calculated as: length cm × width cm × height cm ÷ 6000.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Japan) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Narita | $3.0 – $6.6 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Narita | $4.0 – $6.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Narita | $3.5 – $6.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Haneda | $4.5 – $7.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Haneda | $3.0 – $5.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Haneda | $4.5 – $6.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Kansai | $4.0 – $6.8 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Kansai | $4.5 – $7.0 |
| Beijing Capital | Kansai | $3.0 – $6.6 |
Read below for shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Canada
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to USA
Factors Affecting of Shipping Cost from China to Japan
The cost of shipping from China to Japan is determined by the shipping method, but is also affected by the following factors:
Different ports
Fees vary depending on the departure port in China and the destination port in Japan, and the distance between the departure point and the destination is different.
Different service types
If you choose a door-to-door service, the distance between the China warehouse and the final destination in Japan may affect the total cost, as it will include additional trucking or last-mile shipping charges.
Type of goods
Goods that require special handling, such as dangerous goods, temperature-controlled items, or fragile items, often incur additional charges. These charges may include special packaging, temperature-controlled containers, or additional insurance.
Duties and taxes
When shipping to Japan, customs duties and 8% VAT are paid, and the specific tax rate varies depending on the product classification (HS code). A customs broker can help you understand these fees and ensure that all fees are calculated accurately.
Seasonal demand
Shipping costs tend to fluctuate based on market conditions and demand. For example, during peak seasons such as the Chinese New Year or Japanese holidays, shipping costs can soar.
How to Optimize Shipping Costs from China to Japan
Here are a few ways you can reduce shipping costs from China to Japan:
- Plan ahead: For non-urgent shipments, using ocean freight can save costs. For time-critical shipments, air freight and express delivery should be chosen.
- Consolidate shipments: Group smaller shipments into larger shipments to reduce costs, especially when using LCL services.
- Negotiate prices: Work with a reliable freight forwarder like Ubestshipping to ensure you get the best price for your shipping needs. Freight forwarders often have contracts with carriers and can offer discounted prices.
- Choose the right shipping time: Avoid shipping during peak seasons, when freight rates may increase. Shipping during off-peak periods can help you save costs.
- Use efficient packaging: Minimize packaging waste and ensure your shipment is packed efficiently to avoid unnecessary volume charges, especially for air freight.
Items Prohibited or Restricted from Import into Japan
Prohibited Items
- Drugs and Controlled Substances: Strictly prohibited and may result in severe penalties.
- Weapons and Ammunition: Importing firearms, explosives, and certain types of knives is illegal.
- Counterfeit Goods: Any items that infringe intellectual property rights are prohibited.
Restricted Items
- Food: Certain foods, especially those that may pose health risks or do not comply with local regulations, face strict import controls.
- Endangered Species: Items made from endangered wildlife are subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and may require special permits.
- Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals: These items must comply with Japan’s health and safety regulations and may require specific approvals.
The logistics costs between China and Japan are affected by many factors. Enterprises need to choose the best solution based on the characteristics of the goods, budget and timeliness requirements. By optimizing supply chain management and cooperating with reliable freight forwarders, this article can significantly reduce transportation costs and improve competitiveness in the Japanese market.