Japan

Japan

Step up to Send2Hub, with seamless shipping from the UK to Japan.

Whether you’re a business zooming products to Tokyo, a traveler dispatching keepsakes to Osaka, or a friend surprising someone in Kyoto, we’ve got the smarts to land your parcels right on target. Distance? No sweat—we’ve turned UK-to-Japan shipping into a smooth ride with precision and flair.
 
Go your way: zip-fast air freight (2-3 days) for the urgent stuff or wallet-wise air freight (1-3 weeks) for the hefty loads, all fueled by our stellar courier lineup. Our crisp online hub keeps you in the loop with live tracking and prices that won’t sting—no sneaky add-ons.
 
Japan Customs Service keeps things tight, with duties (0-10%) and 10% consumption tax on goods over JPY 10,000. You’ll need a slick commercial invoice, packing rundown, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and we’ll walk you through restricted items like food or tech that need extra nods.
 

Send2Hub delivers punch—sharp rates

and a crew that cracks customs codes, steering clear of banned gear like drugs or knock-offs. Ready to roll from the UK to Japan? Hop on with Send2Hub and watch your shipment glide—kick it off now and ship like a champ!

Japan Customs Regulations for Shipping from the UK

 
Japan’s customs are handled by the Japan Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance. Imports from the UK face standard third-country tariffs, with no free trade agreement as of 2025 (the UK-Japan CEPA, effective 2021, offers some tariff relief). Compliance with the NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) is essential for Send2Hub shipments.
 

1. Customs Clearance Process

  • Declaration: Submitted via NACCS; Import Declaration (Customs Form C-5360) required.
  • Inspection: Customs checks for tax, safety, and compliance with Japanese laws.
  • Duty/Tax Payment: Based on CIF value (cost, insurance, freight).

2. Required Documentation

  • Commercial Invoice: Outlines goods, value, and parties (English or Japanese).
  • Packing List: Details contents, weight, and quantity.
  • Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air): Verifies transport; includes freight costs.
  • Certificate of Origin: Needed for CEPA tariff reductions (UK-origin goods).
  • Permits: For restricted items (e.g., MHLW for food, METI for tech).

3. Duties and Taxes

  • Duty-Free Threshold: Personal goods under JPY 10,000 (CIF) are exempt; above this, duties and tax apply.
  • Import Duties: 0-10% via HS codes (e.g., 6.7% on clothing); CEPA cuts rates on 94% of UK goods.
  • Consumption Tax: 10% (CIF + duty); 8% for food/essentials.
  • Customs Fees: JPY 2,000-5,000 for processing, depending on value.

4. Prohibited and Restricted Items

  • Prohibited: Narcotics, firearms, counterfeit goods, and obscene materials.
  • Restricted:
    • Food: MHLW (Ministry of Health) approval (e.g., no fresh meat without certs).
    • Medicines: MHLW permit for drugs.
    • Electronics: MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs) certification for telecom devices.
    • Plants/animals: MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture) quarantine docs.
    • Alcohol/tobacco: High duties (e.g., 30% on whiskey) and permits.

5. HS Codes and Valuation

  • HS Codes: Japan uses Harmonized System (e.g., a camera might be 9006.59). Check Customs Tariff Schedule.
  • Valuation: CIF value; under-declaring risks fines or seizure.

6. UK-Japan CEPA Notes

  • The CEPA reduces tariffs on UK-origin goods (e.g., 0% on many textiles) with a Certificate of Origin; non-qualifying goods face standard rates.

7. Practical Tips

  • Prepay Taxes: Japan Post or couriers like DHL can handle this.
  • Customs Broker: Useful for shipments over JPY 1 million or restricted items.
  • Tracking: Use NACCS or courier systems.
 

Unlocking Japan Customs with Send2Hub


Shipping to Japan?

Send2Hub masters Customs Service rules. Goods over JPY 10,000 hit 0-10% duties (CEPA can nix it) and 10% tax—bring a commercial invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and we’ll polish them. Restricted items like food or tech need permits, and banned stuff (e.g., drugs, fakes) is out—we’ve got it covered.
 
We’ll tap CEPA savings, sort HS codes, and prepay taxes for a fast track. Stay looped in live. UK to Japan? Send2Hub’s your edge—launch now!