Shipping from China to Japan in 2026: The Complete Guide for Importers
Bill/GUO By the BAT Logistics Editorial Team | Reviewed by Hiroshi Tanaka, former Japan Customs officer | Last updated: June 9, 2026
Quick Reference: 2026 Rates & Key Facts
Item | Value |
|---|---|
FCL 20ft | $1,200 – $2,500 (3 – 7 days) |
FCL 40HQ | $1,600 – $4,200 (3 – 7 days) |
LCL per CBM | $60 – $120 (7 – 15 days) |
Air freight per kg | $1.5 – $8 (1 – 3 days) |
Express per kg | $5 – $12 (3 – 7 days) |
JCT (consumption tax) | 10% (8% for food) |
Customs duty | 0% – 100% (HS code based) |
NACCS avg clearance | 11.3 hours (Japan Customs 2024 data) |
QIS transition ends | October 1, 2026 |
¥10,000 de minimis abolished | April 1, 2028 |
JAL Cargo new rule (2026) | Lithium batteries: SoC ≤ 30% |
Main ports | Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Kawasaki |
Amazon FBA FCs | 79+ across Japan |
Why Ship from China to Japan in 2026?
China-to-Japan is the shortest major sea lane in the world: Shanghai to Yokohama is ~1,000 nautical miles, producing FCL transit of 3–7 days and air freight of 1–3 days. For comparison, China-EU takes 28–40 days; China-US West Coast 14–22 days.
Why this matters commercially:
- Cash flow: Faster transit means faster invoicing, lower working capital tied up in transit inventory
- Peak season resilience: Q4 (October–December) is Japan’s fiscal year-end; the short lane lets you catch the demand spike
- Lower total landed cost: Lower fuel surcharges, lower demurrage exposure, lower damage rates from less handling
- Market size: China supplied 22.3% of Japan’s imports in 2024 (Japan Customs data); the lane is mature and well-serviced
Three 2026 regulatory changes you must plan for:
Date | Change | Impact |
|---|---|---|
January 1, 2026 | JCT Reform Implementation Details | Platform taxation for cross-border e-commerce |
October 1, 2026 | QIS transition period ends | Only JCT-registered sellers can issue qualified invoices to B2B buyers |
April 1, 2028 | ¥10,000 de minimis abolished | All imports pay 10% JCT + duty regardless of value |
The QIS deadline (October 1, 2026) is the most urgent — foreign sellers without a JCT registration number (T + 13 digits) will lose access to Japanese B2B customers who need input tax credits. We strongly recommend starting JCT registration in Q2 2026.
Case Study A: First-Time Importer Saved $14,000 by Choosing Japan Lane
Background: A Shenzhen-based home appliance manufacturer (annual revenue ~$8M) was evaluating three new export markets in early 2025: Japan, Germany, and the US.
Challenge: The company had no prior import experience and limited budget. They needed the lowest possible landed cost and minimum customs risk.
Decision: They chose Japan over the other two markets despite a smaller initial addressable market.
Why Japan won:
- 1×40HQ from Shenzhen to Yokohama: $2,800 freight, cleared in 4 days
- Equivalent shipment from Shenzhen to Hamburg: $4,200 freight, 32 days transit, plus 19% German VAT
- Equivalent shipment from Shenzhen to Long Beach: $3,800 freight, 16 days transit, plus 8.875% US sales tax complications
Result: In the first 6 months, the company shipped 8×40HQ to Japan with 100% on-time delivery. Total landed cost was 38% lower than the German equivalent and 22% lower than the US equivalent. They reinvested the savings into Japanese-language product packaging and JIS-certified plugs.
Lesson: Lane choice is not just about freight cost — it’s about total landed cost, transit risk, and market entry speed. The China-Japan lane wins on all three for many B2C and B2B product categories.
Shipping Methods from China to Japan
The China-Japan corridor supports five main shipping modes. Choice depends on cargo volume, weight, urgency, and product value.
1. Sea Freight FCL (Full Container Load)
Best for: 15+ CBM shipments, bulk commercial cargo, dangerous goods.Transit: 3 – 7 days door-to-door.Rates 2026 (Shanghai/Ningbo → Yokohama):
- 20ft: $1,200 – $2,500
- 40ft: $2,000 – $3,800
- 40ft High-Cube (40HQ): $1,600 – $4,200
- 45ft High-Cube: $2,400 – $4,800
BAT maintains contracted space with NYK Line, MOL, K Line, ONE, COSCO, and Evergreen on daily direct sailings to all six major Japanese ports.
2. Sea Freight LCL (Less than Container Load)
Best for: 1–15 CBM shipments, small commercial orders.Transit: 7 – 15 days door-to-door.Rates 2026: $60 – $120/CBM, $80 – $200/ton, $80 – $150 minimum charge.
Critical limitation: LCL generally does not accept Class 9 dangerous goods (lithium batteries) due to segregation rules under IMDG Code. Shippers must use FCL or air freight for DG.
3. Air Freight
Best for: <500 kg urgent cargo, high-value goods, DG shipments.Transit: 1 – 3 days door-to-door.Rates 2026 (PVG → NRT):
- <100 kg: $5 – $8/kg
- 100 – 500 kg: $3 – $5/kg
- 500 – 1,000 kg: $2 – $4/kg
- 1,000+ kg: $1.5 – $3/kg
- Lithium battery (Class 9): $3.5 – $8/kg
- Temperature-controlled pharma: $4 – $10/kg
BAT holds dedicated space allocation with JAL Cargo and ANA Cargo for lithium battery air freight, including the JAL SoC ≤ 30% new rule.
4. Express Courier
Best for: Parcels, e-commerce, samples.Transit: 3 – 7 days door-to-door.Rates 2026: $5 – $12/kg, with volume discounts.
Major services: DHL (best for DG), FedEx, UPS, EMS (cheapest), Sagawa and Yamato (domestic Japan).
5. Door-to-Door DDP Shipping
Best for: Sellers without a Japanese entity, e-commerce sellers, first-time importers.Pricing: Base freight + 15% – 25% (covers IOR service, JCT/duty pre-payment, last-mile delivery).
BAT’s DDP product bundles freight, customs clearance, IOR service, JCT/duty payment, and delivery into a single invoice. For Amazon Japan sellers without a Japanese subsidiary, this is the standard market entry approach.
2026 Shipping Costs from China to Japan
Mode | Rate Range | Transit | Capacity | DG Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FCL 20ft | $1,200 – $2,500 | 3 – 7 days | 28 – 30 CBM | +20% – 40% |
FCL 40ft | $2,000 – $3,800 | 3 – 7 days | 56 – 60 CBM | +20% – 40% |
FCL 40HQ | $1,600 – $4,200 | 3 – 7 days | 60 – 68 CBM | +20% – 40% |
LCL per CBM | $60 – $120 | 7 – 15 days | 1 – 15 CBM | N/A |
Air general | $1.5 – $8/kg | 1 – 3 days | 50 – 100,000 kg | +30% – 60% |
Air DG (Class 9) | $3.5 – $8/kg | 1 – 3 days | Per airline limit | +30% – 60% |
Express | $5 – $12/kg | 3 – 7 days | <100 kg typical | +40% – 80% |
DDP | Base + 15% – 25% | 7 – 20 days | Per mode | Per mode |
Landed Cost Example
A $50,000 CIF shipment of wireless networking equipment (HS 8517.62.000, 0% duty) to Japan:
- Customs duty: $0
- JCT: 10% × $50,000 = $5,000
- Total landed cost: $55,000
A $50,000 CIF shipment of cotton t-shirts (HS 6109.10, 7.4% duty):
- Customs duty: $3,700
- JCT: 10% × $53,700 = $5,370
- Total landed cost: $59,070
Use the Japan Customs Tariff Information System (customs.go.jp) to look up your HS code’s exact duty.
China's Major Export Ports to Japan
Port | 2024 TEU | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai | 50.16M | General cargo, FCL, LCL | Daily sailings to all 6 Japan ports |
Ningbo-Zhoushan | 39.30M | Zhejiang/Jiangsu cargo | Often cheaper than Shanghai for Tokyo/Yokohama |
Shenzhen | 33.20M | Electronics, batteries, e-commerce | Primary origin for Guangdong factories |
Qingdao | 30.87M | Northern China, food, machinery | Strong Kobe/Nagoya connections |
Xiamen | 12.04M | Fujian, southern China | Mid-volume FCL/LCL |
Hong Kong | 14.39M | DG cargo, complex shipments | HKG airport preferred for some Class 9 |
Choice rule of thumb: Pick the port closest to your factory to minimize inland transport. For lithium battery DG, Shenzhen or Hong Kong offer the most flexible carrier options.
Japan's 6 Major Container Ports
These six ports handle ~95% of Japan’s international container traffic (Port and Harbor Act designation).
Port | 2025/2026 Volume | Best For | FBA Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
Tokyo | ~4.2M TEU/year (353,753/month) | Kanto (44M population), consumer goods | NRT1, NRT2, HND3 |
Yokohama | 3.18M TEU (10-year high in 2025) | General cargo, deep-water vessels, Keihin zone | HND3 |
Nagoya | 233,949 TEU/month | Automotive, industrial machinery, Chubu region | NGO1 |
Kobe | DG handling facilities, Kansai access | Western Japan, Kansai industrial belt | KIX2, KIX3 |
Osaka | Kansai metropolitan area | Osaka, Shikoku | KIX2, KIX3 |
Kawasaki | Smaller, specialized | Steel, chemicals (Keihin zone) | N/A |
Tokyo handles the most TEU but Yokohama is the most container-efficient. For Kanto consumer market cargo, both work — Yokohama typically has 10–20% lower per-container cost. Tokyo wins on inland transport savings for closer destinations.
Case Study B: Port Choice Saved $1,200 per Container
Background: A Hangzhou-based furniture exporter was shipping 40HQ containers monthly to Japan for distribution to Yokohama-area retailers.
Initial choice: Yokohama (assumed optimal for Kanto).Problem discovered: Inland trucking from Yokohama to Saitama warehouse was 2.5 hours and cost $400 per container.Better solution: Shift to Tokyo port (Aomi Terminal). Inland trucking dropped to 1.5 hours and $180 per container.Net savings: $220 per container in inland transport, plus 1 hour saved in delivery time.
Lesson: Port choice is not just about sea freight rates. Inland transport, demurrage exposure, and last-mile cost are equally important. BAT’s Japan team runs port optimization for every multi-port client.
Japan Customs, JCT & Import Duties
Japan Consumption Tax (JCT)
Duty & JCT (VAT) Calculator
Landed Cost Estimation
CIF Declaration Base:
$0.00
Customs Duty Amount:
$0.00
Consumption Tax (JCT / VAT):
$0.00
Total Estimated Landed Cost:
$0.00
* Calculation Logic: Customs Duty = CIF × Duty Rate. JCT (VAT) = (CIF + Customs Duty) × JCT Rate.
* Estimates are based on standard 2026 Japan Customs calculation frameworks. Actual figures depend strictly on terminal evaluation and standard 9-digit HS codes.
* Estimates are based on standard 2026 Japan Customs calculation frameworks. Actual figures depend strictly on terminal evaluation and standard 9-digit HS codes.
JCT is Japan’s VAT, levied at 10% on most goods and services (8% on food and beverages). For imports:
JCT = 10% × (CIF value + customs duty)
QIS (Qualified Invoice System) update: Only sellers registered for JCT (T + 13 digits, called 適格請求書発行事業者) can issue qualified invoices. After October 1, 2026, sellers without JCT registration will lose access to Japanese B2B customers who need to claim input tax credits.
Foreign seller registration: Voluntary. Recommended for sellers exceeding ¥10 million annual Japan sales. BAT provides JCT registration support as part of our DDP service.
Customs Duties
Japan’s tariffs range from 0% to 100% based on 9-digit HS code. Common categories:
Product | Duty Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
Consumer electronics | 0% (most) |
Lithium-ion batteries | 0% – 2.7% |
Apparel, textiles | 5% – 13.4% |
Footwear | 27% – 43% |
Toys, furniture | 0% |
Auto parts | 0% – 5% |
Food, beverages | 0% – 35% |
China-origin goods may qualify for RCEP or CPTPP preferential rates if Certificate of Origin requirements are met.
NACCS — Japan's Single-Window Customs System
NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) is the unified electronic platform used by Japan Customs, customs brokers, and other regulatory agencies. Most B2B commercial cargo clears in under 24 hours; average sea freight clearance at major ports was 11.3 hours in 2024 (Japan Customs 2024 data, 96.2% of low-risk cargo cleared within 24 hours).
¥10,000 De Minimis (2028 Abolition)
Personal-use imports ≤ ¥10,000 historically exempt from JCT and most duty. Abolished April 1, 2028 — all imports will pay full 10% JCT and applicable duty regardless of value. Commercial B2B shipments have always been taxed regardless of value.
Importer of Record (IOR) — Required for All Commercial Imports
Every commercial import needs a Japanese IOR — the entity legally responsible for filing the NACCS declaration, paying JCT and duty, and ensuring compliance. BAT’s Japanese subsidiary holds a valid Customs Consignee Code (税関輸出入者コード) and acts as IOR for foreign sellers.
Case Study C: JCT Registration Saved $16,000/Year for B2B Seller
Background: A Yiwu-based stationery supplier selling to Japanese B2B office supply distributors (annual Japan revenue: ¥30M / ~$200K).
Before BAT (no JCT registration):
- Issued non-qualified invoices
- Japanese buyers could not claim input tax credits
- Buyers requested 10% discount to compensate → 15% effective loss of margin
After BAT (JCT registration filed, qualified invoice issued):
- Japanese buyers recovered full JCT input credit
- Discount requests eliminated
- Won 4 new B2B customers in 6 months specifically requesting qualified invoices
Annual savings: 8% recovered margin × ¥30M = ¥2.4M / ~$16,000/year, plus new business growth.
Lesson: JCT registration is not a cost — it’s a B2B market access tool. For sellers with significant B2B sales in Japan, the registration pays for itself within the first 3–6 months.
Required Documents for Japan Import
Always required: Commercial Invoice (with HS code), Packing List (per SKU), B/L or AWB, Insurance Certificate, NACCS declaration (filed by customs broker).
Product-specific:
- PSE Mark (電気用品安全法): 457 categories of electrical products
- TELEC certification (電波法): Wireless products (WiFi/Bluetooth/cellular)
- UN38.3 test report: All lithium batteries
- MSDS/SDS (in Japanese): Chemicals, batteries
- Food Sanitation Act notification: Food, beverages, food contact materials
- Certificate of Origin: For RCEP/CPTPP preferential rates
- CITES permits: Endangered species materials
HS code is the #1 cause of customs holds — incorrect classification triggers inspection and delays. BAT reviews all HS codes before shipment.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process: China to Japan
- Quote and book — Send cargo details to BAT; we provide a quote (freight + fuel + origin + destination + JCT/duty for DDP) and book space.
- Documentation — Prepare invoice, packing list, and product certificates. BAT reviews for HS code accuracy.
- Origin pickup — FCL container pickup at factory; LCL delivery to BAT warehouse in Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen; air delivery to airline terminal.
- China export customs — BAT files export declaration; cargo loads.
- Transit — FCL 3–7 days, LCL 7–15 days, air 1–3 days.
- Japan import customs (NACCS) — BAT’s Japanese broker files import declaration; cargo released within 24 hours for most shipments.
- Duty/JCT payment and delivery — IOR (or BAT under DDP) pays NACCS; cargo released; last-mile delivery arranged.
Total port-to-door time: 5–20 days for FCL, 10–25 days for LCL, 3–7 days for air.
Amazon FBA Japan: Fulfillment Centers & Shipping
Amazon FBA Japan operates 79+ fulfillment centers. BAT’s most-shipped FCs:
FC Code | Location | Region |
|---|---|---|
NRT1 | Ichikawa, Chiba | Kanto (largest FC) |
NRT2 | Narita, Chiba | Kanto |
HND3 | Atsugi, Kanagawa | Kanto |
KIX2 | Daito, Osaka | Kansai |
KIX3 | Sakai, Osaka | Kansai |
NGO1 | Komaki, Aichi | Chubu |
FUK1 | Tosu, Saga | Kyushu |
CTS1 | Kitakami, Iwate | Tohoku |
FBA workflow: Prepare FNSKU labels → palletize per Amazon spec → ship via FCL/LCL/air → BAT files import documents (as IOR if foreign seller) → schedule delivery appointment (24+ hours advance via Seller Central).
Important: Amazon Japan requires sellers exceeding ¥10M annual sales to register for JCT. QIS deadline is October 1, 2026 — register in Q2 2026 to maintain B2B selling capability.
Case Study D: FBA Seller Resolved Lithium Battery Compliance
Background: A Shenzhen-based e-bike battery seller (3 SKUs, all Class 9 UN3480 lithium-ion packs) was rejected by Amazon FBA Japan in early 2025 due to hazmat documentation failures. 2 months of inventory sat at a Yokohama warehouse accruing demurrage.
Problem: Missing UN38.3 test summary report, improper Class 9 labels, no MSDS.BAT solution (engaged March 2025):
- Coordinated UN38.3 testing at CNAS-accredited lab — 14 days
- Prepared MSDS in Japanese
- Designed compliant packaging (4G boxes + Class 9 lithium battery label)
- Filed Amazon’s hazmat review with full documentation
- Routed shipment via IATA DGR Section II air freight for fastest delivery
Result: Inventory cleared Amazon hazmat review in 21 days. All 3 SKUs listed on Amazon Japan. Subsequent quarterly shipments use BAT’s pre-approved documentation template — review pass rate now 100%.
Lesson: Amazon FBA Japan hazmat review is strict. Pre-shipment documentation review is essential. BAT’s hazmat template reduced the seller’s documentation prep time from 5 days to 1 day per shipment.
Lithium Battery & Dangerous Goods Shipping to Japan
Japan is one of the world’s largest lithium battery importers. The China-Japan lane carries significant Class 9 DG volume: UN3480 (standalone), UN3481 (packed with equipment), UN3482 (contained in equipment), plus energy storage systems, power banks, and e-mobility batteries.
Four compliance areas:
1. IATA DGR for Air Freight (65th Edition, 2024)
All lithium batteries shipped by air fall under Class 9 Miscellaneous DG:
- Section II (small batteries <100Wh): Shipper’s DG Declaration + Class 9 label + packaging
- Section I (larger batteries): UN-spec packaging + stricter docs + cargo aircraft (CAO) for high-capacity
2. IMDG Code for Sea Freight (Amendment 41-22)
- SP 188: Exempts small batteries from full DG (Li-ion <100Wh; Li-metal <12 kg gross)
- SP 384: For batteries installed in cargo transport units
- Larger batteries: full DG documentation
3. UN38.3 Testing (Mandatory)
All lithium batteries need a valid UN38.3 test summary report from an accredited lab. UN38.3 covers T1 (altitude), T2 (thermal cycling), T3 (vibration), T4 (shock), T5 (external short circuit), T6 (impact), T7 (overcharge), T8 (forced discharge).
4. Japan-Specific Carrier Rules (2026 Critical Update)
JAL Cargo 2026 rule: All lithium-ion cells and battery packs must be shipped at State of Charge (SoC) ≤ 30% per IATA DGR 65th Edition. This is now mandatory for JAL Cargo. ANA Cargo has similar but slightly different requirements.
BAT’s compliance team maintains carrier-specific DG rules and ensures every shipment meets the strictest applicable standard.
Case Study E (Featured): Shenzhen ESS Manufacturer — 4× Japan Growth
Client: A leading Chinese energy storage system (ESS) manufacturer producing 5–100 kWh lithium battery storage units for residential and commercial use.
Challenges (5):
- Class 9 IATA DGR Section I + IMDG compliance for battery packs
- Japanese carrier space constraints (lost 30% of bookings to capacity issues)
- PSE conformity assessment (for BMS/inverter) + TELEC certification (wireless monitoring)
- No Japanese entity — required full IOR service
- JAL SoC ≤ 30% rule required pre-conditioning protocol at Shenzhen factory
BAT solutions (5):
- End-to-end DG compliance workflow (UN38.3 + MSDS + IATA DGR + IMDG)
- Secured JAL/ANA space allocation for 40+ tons/month, Q4-priority
- Managed PSE + TELEC certification with Japan-accredited labs
- Filed JCT registration + acted as IOR via BAT’s Japanese subsidiary
- Implemented on-site battery pre-conditioning (discharge to ≤30% SoC with verified documentation)
Results:
Metric | Before BAT | After BAT |
|---|---|---|
DG documentation prep | 5–7 days | 1–2 days |
Customs clearance | 3–5 days | <24 hours |
Peak season on-time delivery | 70% | 100% |
Annual Japan volume | 12 FCL | 48 FCL (4×) |
Customer complaints | 8% | <0.5% |
Client testimonial:
“BAT Logistics is the only forwarder we’ve worked with who truly understands the Japan market. Their team solved problems we didn’t even know we had — from the JAL SoC rule to PSE compliance to the IOR service. In two years, our Japan shipments have quadrupled, and we haven’t lost a single booking to space constraints. BAT is our strategic partner for China-Japan.” — Operations Director, Leading Chinese ESS Manufacturer
Lesson: Lithium battery export to Japan is not a commodity freight service. It requires IATA-certified DG specialists, dedicated carrier space, and end-to-end documentation support. Working with a specialist reduces both operational risk and total landed cost.
Why Choose BAT Logistics for China-Japan Shipping
20+ years of China-Japan DG expertise (Class 9 lithium batteries since 2006).IATA DGR certified (Category 6, all classes).AEO certified in both China and Japan.FIATA member.JAL/ANA dedicated space allocation for DG cargo.NACCS-experienced Japanese customs broker network (avg clearance <24 hours).Japanese IOR service (Customs Consignee Code held by BAT’s Japanese subsidiary).PSE + TELEC compliance guidance for electronics and wireless products.DDP door-to-door product bundling freight, customs, IOR, JCT/duty, and last-mile delivery.Multilingual service in English, Chinese, Japanese.6 ship lines + 2 airlines contracted: NYK, MOL, K Line, ONE, COSCO, Evergreen, JAL Cargo, ANA Cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions — Shipping from China to Japan
1. What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Japan?
Sea freight FCL for shipments of 15+ CBM. 20ft container from Shanghai to Yokohama runs $1,200–$2,500 in 2026, vs. $1.5–$8/kg for air freight and $60–$120/CBM for LCL. FCL is also faster than LCL (3–7 days vs. 7–15 days).
2. How much does shipping from China to Japan cost in 2026?
From Shanghai/Ningbo to Yokohama: FCL 20ft $1,200–$2,500; FCL 40HQ $1,600–$4,200; LCL $60–$120/CBM; air $1.5–$8/kg; express $5–$12/kg. These exclude Japanese duty (0%–100% by HS code) and 10% JCT. BAT's DDP quotes include all costs in a single invoice.
3. How long does shipping from China to Japan take?
FCL: 3–7 days. LCL: 7–15 days. Air: 1–3 days. Express: 3–7 days. Port-to-door including customs: 5–20 days for FCL, 10–25 days for LCL, 3–7 days for air.
4. Does Japan charge import duty on goods from China?
Yes — 0% to 100% by 9-digit HS code. Consumer electronics mostly 0%; apparel 5%–13.4%; footwear 27%–43%. Look up your HS code at the Japan Customs Tariff Information System. RCEP/CPTPP preferential rates may apply with proper Certificate of Origin.
5. What is Japan Consumption Tax (JCT) and how is it calculated?
JCT is Japan's VAT at 10% (8% for food). For imports: JCT = 10% × (CIF value + customs duty). JCT-registered businesses can claim input tax credits via qualified invoices. The QIS transition ends October 1, 2026 — only JCT-registered sellers can issue qualified invoices after that date.
6. Is there a de minimis threshold for Japan imports?
Historical de minimis for personal-use imports: ¥10,000. Abolished April 1, 2028. From that date, all imports pay 10% JCT + duty regardless of value. Commercial B2B shipments have always been taxed regardless of value.
7. Do I need a Japanese Importer of Record (IOR) to import from China?
Yes. Every commercial import needs a Japanese IOR — entity legally responsible for NACCS filing, JCT/duty payment, and product compliance. Foreign companies can use BAT as IOR. BAT's Japanese subsidiary holds a valid Customs Consignee Code (税関輸出入者コード).
8. What documents do I need to ship goods from China to Japan?
Always required: Commercial Invoice (with HS code), Packing List, B/L or AWB, Insurance Certificate, NACCS declaration. Product-specific: Certificate of Origin (for EPA rates), PSE Mark (electrical), TELEC cert (wireless), UN38.3 report (batteries), MSDS/SDS (chemicals), Food Sanitation Act notification (food). BAT reviews all documents for accuracy before shipment.
9. Can I ship lithium batteries from China to Japan?
Yes, with strict DG compliance. All lithium batteries (UN3480, UN3481, UN3482) must comply with IATA DGR (air) or IMDG Code (sea). Required docs: UN38.3 report, MSDS, IATA Shipper's DG Declaration, Class 9 label, UN-certified packaging. JAL Cargo requires SoC ≤ 30% as of 2026. BAT provides JAL/ANA space allocation and full DG documentation support.
10. Can BAT Logistics handle dangerous goods shipping from China to Japan?
Yes — this is our core specialization (20 years, Class 9 lithium batteries since 2006). Services include UN38.3 coordination, MSDS prep, IATA DGR + IMDG documentation, UN packaging, and dedicated JAL/ANA space allocation. We also handle PSE/TELEC, IOR service, and full DDP to all 6 major ports.
11. What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL = one shipper fills an entire container (cheaper per CBM for 15+ CBM, faster, safer, mandatory for DG). LCL = multiple shippers' cargo consolidated in one container (more economical for <15 CBM, not available for most DG).
12. What is DDP shipping and when is it useful?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) = seller/freight forwarder handles all costs (freight, insurance, customs, duties, taxes) to the buyer's named destination. For China-Japan, DDP is useful for foreign sellers without a Japanese entity, e-commerce sellers, and first-time importers. BAT's DDP bundles everything into a single invoice.
13. What is PSE Mark and do my products need it?
PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Material) Mark is mandatory for 457 categories of electrical products sold in Japan. Diamond Mark: 115 high-risk products (third-party certification required). Round Mark: 342 lower-risk products (self-declared conformity). Common products requiring PSE: lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics, power banks, chargers, adapters, household appliances.
14. What is TELEC certification?
TELEC (also MIC, 電波法) is Japan's mandatory radio equipment certification for any product with wireless functionality (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, RFID, NFC). Issued by accredited labs in Japan. Certification mark (with number) must be on the product. Must be obtained before import.
15. What are Amazon FBA Japan's main fulfillment centers?
Amazon FBA Japan has 79+ FCs. Key ones: NRT1 (Ichikawa, Chiba), NRT2 (Narita, Chiba), HND3 (Atsugi, Kanagawa), KIX2 (Daito, Osaka), KIX3 (Sakai, Osaka), NGO1 (Komaki, Aichi), FUK1 (Tosu, Saga), CTS1 (Kitakami, Iwate). Each FC has specific box content and pallet requirements. For DG cargo, additional UN38.3, MSDS, IATA DGR, and Amazon hazmat review are required.
16. What is the Qualified Invoice System (QIS) and why does it matter?
QIS (適格請求書方式) is Japan's tax invoicing framework effective October 1, 2023, with transition ending October 1, 2026. After that date, only JCT-registered sellers (T + 13 digits) can issue qualified invoices that allow B2B buyers to claim input tax credits. Foreign sellers should register for JCT in 2026 to maintain B2B market access.
References & Sources
- Japan Customs (税関): Tariff Schedule, NACCS, 2024 Annual Report — https://www.customs.go.jp/english/
- National Tax Agency (国税庁): 2026 JCT Reform, QIS guidelines — https://www.nta.go.jp/english/
- Japan Tariff Information System: HS code duty lookups — https://www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff/
- IATA: Dangerous Goods Regulations 65th Edition (2024) — https://www.iata.org/dgr
- IMO: IMDG Code Amendment 41-22, SP 188 + 384 — https://www.imo.org
- JAL Cargo: 2026 Lithium Battery SoC ≤ 30% rule — https://www.jal.co.jp/cargo/en/
- ANA Cargo: Class 9 DG requirements — https://www.anacargo.jp/en/
- Port of Yokohama: 2025 Annual Statistics — https://www.yokohamaport.jp/
- Tokyo Port Authority: 2026 throughput data — https://www.tokyoport.or.jp/
- MHLW (厚生労働省): Food Sanitation Act
- METI (経済産業省): PSE Mark requirements
- MIC (総務省): TELEC certification, Radio Law
- Amazon Japan Seller Central: FBA FC list, hazmat requirements — https://sellercentral-japan.amazon.com/
Pricing data: BAT Logistics contracted rates as of June 2026. Contact us for a current quote.
Get a Free Quote for Shipping from China to Japan
BAT Logistics provides free, no-obligation quotes within 24 hours. We support:
- FCL, LCL, air freight, express to all 6 major Japanese ports
- DDP pricing (freight + duty + 10% JCT, single invoice)
- Class 9 DG handling (lithium batteries, ESS, chemicals) — IATA DGR certified
- Japanese IOR service for foreign sellers
- Amazon FBA Japan delivery to 79+ FCs
- PSE + TELEC compliance for electronics and wireless
- JCT registration and qualified invoice issuance
- Multilingual support: English, Chinese, Japanese
Contact BAT Logistics today. With 20 years of DG expertise, dedicated JAL/ANA space, AEO certification, and full DDP service to all 6 major Japanese ports, BAT is the partner of choice for China-Japan importers in 2026.
About BAT Logistics: 20+ years China-Japan freight forwarding, IATA DGR certified (Category 6), FIATA member, AEO certified (China + Japan). Headquartered in China with a Japanese subsidiary holding a valid Customs Consignee Code. Full-service shipping: FCL, LCL, air, express, DDP, customs brokerage, IOR, compliance guidance.
