Shipping from Japan to USA can be complicated, requiring careful attention to detail. Selecting the most suitable carrier and ensuring all required paperwork are vital. This guide will provide you with essential insights to streamline the process and make informed decisions.
1. Pros and cons of carriers of shipping from Japan to USA
In choosing a shipping provider, it is essential to consider delivery speed, costs, and payment options that accommodate Japanese customers. Let’s take a closer look at top 5 carriers in shipping from Japan to USA by comparing their pros and cons:
Japan Post
- Pros: Japan Post combines affordable pricing with dependable international service. Most services come with tracking, and customers can opt for faster delivery like EMS or saving on shipping costs with SAL.
- Cons: SAL and surface mail services often require more time for delivery. Drop-off points are fewer outside Japan, and customs processes might contribute to delays.
FedEx
- Pros: FedEx is praised for its consistent reliability, offering many drop-off locations throughout the US. It ensures fast delivery times, includes insurance for international shipping, and manages parcels up to 150 lbs, with bulk shipping discounts as an added benefit.
- Cons: Shipping rates with FedEx tend to be higher than USPS, and there is an additional fee for one-time pickups. The selection of free packaging is somewhat limited.
DHL
- Pros: DHL prioritizes international shipping without any pickup fees. The company adheres to green initiatives and includes insurance for overseas deliveries, providing comprehensive door-to-door service..
- Cons: The limited number of DHL drop-off points in the US makes it less convenient. Moreover, its shipping rates and surcharges tend to be higher than UPS, FedEx, or USPS.
UPS
- Pros: UPS’s broad domestic reach makes it easy to arrange package pickups. By partnering with multiple shipping companies, it reduces costs and provides the ease of doorstep pickup. It is particularly suitable for large shipments, with extra discounts available for small businesses.
- Cons: UPS shipping rates are relatively more expensive than USPS, and the additional pickup fee can be a drawback for people who do not ship regularly.
Yamato Transport
- Pros: With a reputation for reliable delivery and specialized services such as temperature-controlled shipping, Yamato Transport provides a variety of shipping options with detailed tracking.
- Cons: Yamato Transport focuses mostly on domestic operations in Japan, making international shipping somewhat less convenient. Their specialized services are often pricey, and they have fewer US drop-off points than larger competitors.
Top carriers in shipping from Japan to USA
2. Duties & Taxes When Shipping From Japan To USA
Basically, there are two forms of import taxes when shipping from Japan to USA: standard and preferential duties.
2.1. Standard import duties
Standard import duties represent the regular tax rates levied on goods shipped into the USA. These duties are determined by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and depend on the product’s value and classification. Standard duties are a major factor in calculating shipping costs from Japan to the USA. The HTS code specifies the duty rate for each category of product, applying to most imports unless preferential rates or exemptions exist.
Duties on shipping from Japan to USA are calculated based on the CIF value reflected on the invoice, which accounts for the cost of the product, transportation, insurance fees, and freight.
Import taxes are applicable when the declared value is above 10,000 JPY. Moreover, a 10% VAT/GST applies to all products sold in Japan, using the same 10,000 JPY limit. Common import duties include 35% for dry food and supplements, 8.1% for fashion items, 4.6% for luggage, and 3.2% for sports gear.
2.2. Preferential tax rates
Preferential tax rates refer to discounted duty rates that may be available under specific trade agreements. For instance, the United States has established free trade agreements with multiple nations, allowing for reduced or eliminated duties on eligible products.
While no bilateral free trade agreement exists between Japan and the USA, other trade programs or agreements may affect the rates. Knowing if your shipment qualifies for any preferential rates can reduce the cost of shipping from Japan to USA.
2.3. Other taxes
Other potential fees and taxes may include various supplementary charges that could be added to the cost of importing goods, including:
- Customs fees: Handling expenses and brokerage fees, categorized as administrative costs, that change depending on the customs broker and chosen carrier.
- State and local taxes: Though VAT is not applicable, certain states might enforce sales or local taxes on specific goods. When shipping from Japan to USA, it is important to note that state-specific taxes could impact your overall shipping cost based on the destination.
- Environmental fees: Specific products might be subject to extra fees due to compliance with environmental regulations.
3. Documents you Need when Shipping from Japan to USA
To ship from Japan to the USA, the following documents are mandatory:
Bill of Lading
Bill of Lading contains details such as the name of the customer, the shipping vessel, and the types of containers being used. It also includes the port of departure and arrival, and the shipment’s departure date.
This document is issued by the shipping company on the departure day of your goods. The customer will only receive it after several weeks, as it first undergoes customs clearance.
Deregistration Certificate of Export
Deregistration Certificate of Export is required when shipping cars from Japan to the USA. The shipper must apply for this document at the road police office, which includes information about the former owner and engine details of the car. While the certificate is issued in Japanese, an English version is also needed, so two copies are required: one in Japanese and one in English.
Commercial Invoice
The invoice lists the customer’s name, their address, the type of goods, and the price of the goods.
Importer Security Filing
US customs mandates Importer Security Filing, which should be submitted at least 72 hours before the vessel departs. It includes comprehensive information on both the customer and the goods being shipped.
Packing List
Packing list is likely the most important document required for shipping from Japan to USA. It contains details such as description of the shipment’s contents, net and gross weights, model numbers, and item count. A bill of lading cannot be issued without this packing list.
A bill of lading cannot be issued without packing list
4. Shipping from Japan to USA with Janbox
By integrating popular Japanese platforms such as Amazon Japan, Yahoo Auction, Rakuten, Rakuma, and Mercari, Janbox makes it effortless to order items from Japan and have them shipped to the USA. With several benefits, Janbox stands as a reliable partner for shipping from Japan to USA:
- Our platform supports a wide range of languages such as English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, catering to a global audience.
- Our secure payment system not only accepts a wide range of international credit cards but also ensures your financial data remains protected.
- Our package consolidation service offers a cost-effective solution for your international shipping.
- Our service fees are designed to help you save shipping costs, starting at 300 yen per order.
- Our dedicated customer service team offers 24/7 support to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Visit https://janbox.com/en, make your order, and leave the shipping process to us.
Janbox makes it effortless to ship from Japan to the USA
Conclusion
Ready for shipping from Japan to USA? Taking into account aspects such as shipping partners, cost, and insurance and having the proper documentation ready will help accelerate customs processing and avoid unnecessary delays. Janbox is always available to help you navigate the mentioned challenges in shipping from Japan to the USA. Reach out to us today!
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