Shipping to Japan from Australia: A Definitive Guide

In 2021, Japan emerged as Australia's second-largest trading partner. With a total trade value of AUD 65.1 billion, this partnership accounted for 12.5% of Australia's export share. 

Underpinning these flourishing economic ties is the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA), which boosts Australian exports to Japan. 

The synergy makes Japan an exceptional choice for businesses, especially eCommerce brands seeking to explore uncharted territories. Considering the Japanese cross-border eCommerce market's value of USD 2.59 billion in 2019 and the anticipated annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2020 to 2030, we say it’s worth a closer look. 

What further enhances Japan's appeal is its extensive transport and logistics network. The nation boasts a comprehensive physical infrastructure, including roads, highways, railways, subways, airports, harbours, warehouses, and advanced telecommunications systems. 

So, should you be considering the prospect of shipping from Australia to Japan, this article is your go-to guide. It provides insights and a step-by-step understanding of the process, empowering you to expand your online retail business internationally. 

What Are the Methods of International Shipping from Australia to Japan?

When it comes to shipping from Australia to Japan, you have two primary methods to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and considerations:

Ocean Freight Shipping to Japan from Australia

Japan has a significant number of seaports due to its island geography. Some of the major seaports in Japan include Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kobe, which play key roles in receiving shipments from around the world. Depending on the size and nature of your shipment you can choose:

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL reserves an entire shipping container exclusively for your freight while shipping to Japan from Australia. It is an ideal shipping operation for larger shipments or when you need to keep your goods separate. You're not obliged to fill the entire container – sending a partial load is absolutely fine. Typically, this type of sea freight shipping is faster than LCL and more cost-effective, especially when you have a substantial amount of goods to ship.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

If you don't have enough cargo to fill an entire container, LCL allows you to share container space with other shippers. It's cost-effective for smaller shipments. It's also perfect if your shipment doesn't meet the criteria for air freight due to safety concerns or budget constraints.

Air Freight Shipping to Japan from Australia

For faster international shipping from Australia to Japan, air freight services are the way to go. But note that they often come with a heftier price tag than other international shipping methods. 

In general, freight forwarders have the expertise to utilise passenger services and dedicated cargo carriers to transport your commercial goods to Japan. But, when looking for a company to air freight your specialised cargo, remember that not all carriers are up for the task. Your best bet lies in partnering with a logistics company or freight forwarder specialising in handling specialised cargo, just like PACK & SEND.

Some popular freight services that make shipping from Australia to Japan by air a breeze are: 

Express Shipping

When time is critical, express air freight services offer the fastest delivery options. It's perfect for urgent shipments, such as medical supplies or perishable goods.

Standard Air Freight

While not as quick as express, standard air freight is still faster than ocean freight. It's suitable for businesses seeking a balance between speed and cost-effectiveness.

Consolidated Air Freight

Similar to LCL in ocean freight, consolidated air freight allows you to share space on an aircraft with other shippers, reducing costs for smaller shipments.

How Long Does It Take to Ship from Australia to Japan?

When shipping to Japan from Australia, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how long it will take for your cargo to reach its destination. The answer largely depends on the chosen mode of transportation—by sea or by air. 

Let's break down the transit times for both options:

How Long Does It Take for Shipping to Japan from Australia by Sea?

As we said earlier, shipping by sea is a cost-effective choice for transporting goods in larger quantities. However, it comes with a longer transit time than air freight. 

On average, you can expect your cargo to take anywhere from 18 to 30 days to reach Japanese ports. Depending on specific departure and arrival ports and weather conditions, this duration can vary.

Below, you'll find examples of ocean freight transit times to Japan from different ports of Australia:

How Long Does It Take for Shipping to Japan from Australia by Air?

Air freight is the fastest shipping type from Australia to Japan, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments. Air freight takes approximately 5 to 10 days to reach its destination. This speedy delivery is especially advantageous for the electronics, fashion, and pharmaceutical industries.

In this table, you can see the typical transit times for shipping to Japan from some of Australia's major airports:

What Are the Typical Costs to Ship from Australia to Japan?

Shipping costs from Australia to Japan vary significantly depending on several influencing factors. Here are some key considerations:

Size and Configuration of Goods

The dimensions and shape of your cargo play a significant role in determining the shipping cost. Larger or irregularly shaped items may require more space, impacting the overall expense.

Weight

Heavier goods typically incur higher shipping costs due to the additional resources required for handling and transportation.

Nature of Cargo

Whether your cargo is standard or specialised can affect the cost. Specialised shipments, such as time and temperature-sensitive or dangerous goods, demand specific handling, storage, and transportation arrangements, potentially leading to increased expenses.

Shipping Mode

Choosing between air and sea freight can significantly impact the shipping cost. Air freight is generally more expensive but offers faster delivery, while sea freight is more cost-effective but involves longer transit times.

Shipping Service Level

Opting for express or standard shipping services also affects pricing. Whether you want to arrange an Airport-to-airport or Door-to-door delivery also gets reflected in your shipping expenses. 

Cargo Insurance

Depending on the nature and value of your cargo, you may need to invest in cargo insurance. This can add to the shipping expenses but protects against unforeseen events during transit.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Import duties and taxes imposed by Japanese customs are additional costs that vary depending on the type and value of your goods. It's essential to factor these charges into your budget.

Global Events and Economic Factors

Broader economic conditions, currency exchange rates, and global events, for instance, fuel price fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters, can impact shipping rates.

While it's important to note that actual costs may fluctuate, we can provide you with a ballpark figure to give you an idea of what to expect.

Here are some approximate cost ranges for shipping from Australia to Japan:

Ocean Freight

For standard 20-foot containers (FCL), you can anticipate costs from around AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,500. Larger 40-foot containers may range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 6,000 or more. Since LCL shipments share container space with others, they can offer more cost-effective options for smaller loads, from approximately AUD 500 to AUD 1,500.

Air Freight

Air freight rates are generally higher due to the speed of delivery. The cost can vary based on factors like the weight and dimensions of your cargo, as well as the urgency of the shipment. For reference, sending a standard 100-kilogram shipment from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to Tokyo by air could range from AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000 or more.

Again, it’s important to remember that these numbers are constantly shifting. The actual costs of your shipment can sway with carrier rates, market dynamics, and your cargo type. So, for up-to-the-minute pricing that suits your exact shipping needs, it's wise to contact shipping providers for personalised quotes. 

Depending on the courier you choose, you might encounter some extra charges in your shipping bill, such as:

• Tracking fees

• Insurance costs

• Fuel surcharges

• Remote delivery charges

• Signature fees

• Prices for oversized or overweight items

• Special handling charges

• Fees for handling dangerous goods and more

Documentation Required for Shipping from Australia to Japan

Navigating the bureaucratic aspects of international shipping necessitates proper documentation. To ensure smooth shipping to Japan from Australia, gather the necessary paperwork, including:

• Bill of lading or air waybill

• Commercial invoice

• Certificate of origin. As mentioned, you can use the JAEPA Certificate of Origin to reduce or remove tariff and duty rates on eligible goods while shipping to Japan from Australia.

• Packing lists, freight accounts, insurance certificates, and more (when needed)

• Necessary licences and certificates required by laws and regulations outside the Customs Law (for restricted goods)

• A detailed statement about customs duty and excise tax reductions or exemptions (when they apply)

• Customs duty payment receipts (for dutiable goods)

• Customs Form C-5020 – General import declaration form 

Occasionally, some additional paperwork comes into play:

Import Licences

It becomes mandatory for hazardous materials, animals, plants, and perishable goods. Customs clearance process will need you to declare these items, and following a thorough examination, you'll secure the necessary import permit. 

To kick start the process of importing these specific goods, you'll submit an import declaration. You will get the import permit once the inspection is done and customs duties and excise taxes are squared away.

Navigating Japanese Customs and Regulations

Before engaging in business within a foreign country, it's essential to grasp the unique business culture and the dynamics of their import and export market. For a thriving eCommerce venture focused on Asian nations like Japan, gaining insight into their business practices and being prepared for prevalent export challenges is vital.

In Japanese business culture, punctuality holds utmost significance; it's the norm. Being on time is a sign of respect, while any form of delay is viewed unfavourably. Understanding and adhering to this expectation is crucial in building thriving business relationships.

Japanese Customs Overview

The JAEPA brings substantial advantages to the Australian economy, simplifying trade with Japan. It gives Australian exporters, importers, investors, and producers a considerable edge on the global stage.

One of the major roadblocks in international trade is tariffs, essentially taxes on imports. JAEPA provides 97% of Australian exports with duty-free or preferential tariff access to Japanese markets. This includes a rapid reduction in high tariffs on agricultural goods and the elimination of tariffs on 99.7% of Australian resources, energy, and manufacturing exports.

Once your international shipment arrives at Japan's customs department, a customs broker will handle duty payments (if required) and ensure all essential paperwork, including invoices and freight statements, is in order.

Usually, once these procedures are wrapped up, the customs team will greenlight the release of your goods to your customers.

You can explore their official website HERE for detailed insights into Japan's customs processes.  

Landed Cost for Shipping to Japan

Landed cost is the total expenditure associated with shipping a product. It primarily covers expenses related to international logistics, such as taxes and fees. If your business engages in regular international shipping or imports and exports goods, understanding the landed cost for each product type is crucial for setting competitive and profitable prices.

For small business owners, calculating the landed cost early on is paramount. It allows you to proactively plan how to cover these international shipping expenses, ensure profitability, and determine competitive pricing strategies. 

For instance, if you're shipping to Japan from Australia, the landed cost represents the minimum price you can sell the product. However, selling at this price won't yield any profit. To maintain profitability, you must set your product's selling price above its landed cost.

A breakdown of various fees involved in determining the landed cost looks like this:

• Product price

• Shipping

• Duties

• Taxes

• Charges for currency conversion, carrier, broker, customs, government fees, etc

1. Duty and Tax De Minimis:

Japan sets a threshold of 10,000 JPY. Duty and tax are only charged on imports that exceed this 10,000 JPY threshold. Anything below this threshold is tax-free; below the duty de minimis value means it's duty-free.

It applies to the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the order, which changes depending on whether it's a B2B or B2C shipment.

2. Import Tax:

• Standard rate: 10%

• Reduced rate: 8%

This tax applies to the CIF value of the order.

3. Consumption Tax/Value-Added Tax (VAT):

• Standard rate: 10%. It includes a 7.8% national consumption tax and an additional 2.2% local consumption tax, totalling 10% for imports over ¥10,000.

• Reduced rate: 8% for certain goods.

VAT is based on the CIF value of the order.

VAT calculation: (CIF + duty amount) x .10

4. Import Duty:

• Average duty rate: 4.3%

This duty applies to the CIF value of the order.

Duty calculation: CIF x duty rate

In Japan, figuring out the CIF value is slightly different for B2B and B2C shipments. You need to calculate the CIF value before accurately calculating duty, tax, or the total order cost. 

Here’s an example—

For B2B Shipments :

1. Calculate CIF Value

• Cart Value: 22,000 JPY

• Insurance cost: 150 JPY

• Shipping cost: 2,500 JPY

CIF = 22,000 JPY + 150 JPY + 2,500 JPY = 24,650 JPY

2. Calculate Duty Amount: Using the duty rate of 4.3%

Duty amount = 24,650 JPY x 0.043 = 1,061.95 JPY

3. Calculate VAT: Based on CIF and duty amount, with a 10% VAT rate

VAT = (24,650 JPY + 1,061.95 JPY) x 0.10 = 2,471.69 JPY

4. Calculate Order Total

Order total = 24,650 JPY + 1,061.95 JPY + 2,471.69 JPY = 28,183.64 JPY

For B2C Shipments :

1. Calculate CIF Value:

• Cart Value: 22,000 JPY

• Insurance cost: 150 JPY

• Shipping cost: 2,500 JPY

CIF = (22,000 JPY x 0.60) + 150 JPY + 2,500 JPY = 14,030 JPY

2. Calculate Duty Amount: Applying the 4.3% duty rate

Duty amount = 14,030 JPY x 0.043 = 603.49 JPY

3. Calculate VAT: Considering CIF and duty amount, with a 10% VAT rate

VAT = (14,030 JPY + 603.49 JPY) x 0.10 = 1,463.55 JPY

4. Calculate Order Total

Order total = 14,030 JPY + 603.49 JPY + 1,463.55 JPY = 16,097.04 JPY

In addition to the guidelines, specific regulations apply to Australian exports to Japan. These regulations ensure Australian goods exported to Japan meet the necessary labelling, packaging, and certification standards.

• Food Labelling: Food items must include detailed labels in Japanese, providing information on ingredients, contents, the importer's name and address, and manufacturing date.

• Metric Measurements: Containers for canned and bottled goods should display metric measurements.

• Prohibited Packing Materials: The use of straw packing materials is not allowed.

• Frozen Produce Certification: Frozen vegetables and fruits must be accompanied by a condition certificate (Form E46).

• Electrical Appliance Standards: Electrical appliances must adhere to the Electric Appliance Control Law.

• Machine Tool Documentation: Machine tools less than a year old should be accompanied by a certificate indicating the date of manufacture.

• Drug Usage Instructions: Instructions for drug usage must be in Japanese.

• Food Import Permit: Importing food items requires a permit issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Prohibited and Restricted Items for International Shipping from Australia to Japan 

When navigating the regulations for shipping from Australia to Japan, understanding the difference between prohibited and restricted items is crucial. 

Prohibited items are categorically forbidden for import, while restricted items may enter a country under specific conditions, often requiring approval or a special licence. 

Prohibited Items:

• Narcotics and related utensils

• Firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition

• Explosives and gunpowder

• Precursor materials for chemical weapons

• Germs intended for bioterrorism

• Counterfeit goods

• Imitation coins or currency

• Obscene materials or goods infringing on intellectual property rights

Restricted Items:

• Health-related items, including medical products

• Pharmaceuticals

• Agricultural products and chemicals

• Meat products

• Endangered species and related products like ivory, animal parts, and fur

Conclusion

Shipping to Japan from Australia offers a goldmine of opportunities for businesses, particularly the eCommerce sector. As the Japanese cross-border eCommerce market grows, it presents attractive opportunities worth exploring. The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) has further solidified a robust trade relationship, positioning Japan as Australia's second-largest trading partner. 

Shipping options include ocean freight for cost-efficiency or air freight for speed. Carefully consider factors like cargo size, weight, and type to determine shipping costs accurately. Proper documentation, understanding customs duties, and calculating the landed cost are essential for a successful shipping experience. Never skimp on them. 

Furthermore, it's imperative to be familiar with the regulations governing prohibited and restricted items, maintaining compliance with Japanese customs laws. Lastly, in building fruitful business connections in Japan, punctuality is a fundamental aspect of Japanese business culture that shouldn't be overlooked.

Shipping to Japan from Australia: Why Choose PACK & SEND? 

Shipping from Australia to Japan requires more than just logistics; it demands a trusted ally who understands the nuances of international shipping. That's where PACK & SEND shines. 

Here's why we're your ideal choice for international shipping needs:

• Expertise in International Shipping: With years of experience in international shipping, we understand the intricacies of the process. Our seasoned experts have mastered the art of international shipping. We're well-versed in customs intricacies, documentation, and the Japanese logistics landscape, ensuring your cargo's seamless journey.

• Tailored Shipping Solutions: Fragile parcels, oversized freight, and everything in between. Our array of shipping solutions caters to all your requirements. Be it swift air freight or economical sea shipping, we offer flexibility without compromising quality.

• Competitive pricing: We appreciate the importance of cost-effective shipping for businesses. Our pricing is competitive, guaranteeing value and service excellence.

• Smooth Customs Clearance: Navigating customs can be perplexing, but not with us. Our experts will guide you through documentation and customs procedures, ensuring your shipment complies with Japanese regulations.

• Track with Confidence: We provide real-time tracking for your shipments. Stay informed about your cargo's journey from the moment it's picked up to its final destination.

• Fortified Packaging: Proper packaging safeguards your goods in transit. Our secure packaging solutions protect your items, ensuring they arrive in impeccable condition.

• Global Reach: With a worldwide network of partners and carriers, we can ship to any corner of Japan. Wherever your shipment needs to go, we have the connections to make it happen.

Make Your Move with PACK & SEND International Shipping Today!

Choosing the right shipping partner can make all the difference in your international shipping experience. With PACK & SEND, you'll have a trusted ally by your side, ensuring your shipments to Japan are efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free. And so you don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into the Japanese market. 

Questions? We are delighted to offer you an obligation-free consultation. We would like to hear more about your goals and objectives so that we can assist you effectively. Request a quote now or call us on 1300 668 000.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) 

How long does it take to ship from Australia to Japan?

The shipping duration from Australia to Japan varies depending on the chosen shipping method. If you opt for air freight, it typically takes around 5 to 10 days for your cargo to reach Japan. On the other hand, sea freight, while cost-effective, has a longer transit time, averaging between 18 to 30 days.

How much does it cost to post from Australia to Japan?

The cost of shipping from Australia to Japan can fluctuate due to various factors, including cargo size, weight, shipping method, etc. As a rough estimate, air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, with costs for a standard 100-kilogram shipment by air ranging from AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000 or more. For standard sea freight, a 20-foot container (FCL) can start at around AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,500, while larger 40-foot containers may range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 6,000 or higher.

What is the cheapest way to ship from Australia to Japan?

The cheapest way to ship from Australia to Japan is typically through sea freight, specifically the Less than Container Load (LCL) option for smaller shipments. LCL allows you to share container space with other shippers, reducing costs for smaller loads. However, this option is essential to balance cost savings with longer transit times.

How do I send a parcel to Japan from Australia?

Sending a parcel to Japan from Australia involves several steps:

• Pack Your Parcel Securely: Ensure your items are well-packaged and protected for transit.

• Select a Shipping Method: Choose between air freight for faster delivery or sea freight for cost-effectiveness.

• Choose a Shipping Provider: Partner with a trusted shipping provider with experience in international shipping to Japan.

• Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather required documents like a bill of lading or air waybill, commercial invoice, certificate of origin (if applicable), and customs forms.

• Customs Compliance: Ensure your parcel complies with Japanese customs regulations, including prohibited and restricted items.

• Label and Send: Label your parcel accurately with recipient details and hand it to your chosen shipping provider.

What are the different shipping types from Australia to Japan?

There are two primary shipping types from Australia to Japan:

• Air Freight: Ideal for time-sensitive shipments, air freight offers faster delivery but comes with a higher price tag.

• Sea Freight: Cost-effective for larger shipments, sea freight has a longer transit time than air freight. It's suitable for businesses seeking economical shipping options.

These shipping types can further be divided into Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) for sea freight, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Feel free to reach out to PACK & SEND for customised logistics solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring successful shipping to Japan from Australia.