Whether you are a private customer or a company shipping japan planning, would like to know three things above all: What does it cost? Which routes make sense? What customs rules apply? This guide provides you with a compact but complete overview of cost factors, tried and tested sea routes (RoRo & container), Japanese import regulations and practical checklists. We also provide links to official sources and in-depth content from ODS Orient.
Japan is one of the largest economies in the world and is strongly connected via seaports such as Yokohama/Tokyo Bay, Kobe/Osaka Bay and Nagoya. For vehicles and rolling machines RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) the preferred method; for general cargo, spare parts and palletised goods we offer Container (20′/40′/HC) Planning reliability and nationwide connections. The route- and season-dependent timetable is crucial - Timetables in real time help you to plan ETD/ETA realistically.
Concrete figures vary greatly - a personalised quote is required for individual costs. What drives the price in practice:
Tip: Start with Routing & Slots and work backwards to your cut-off. Use the timetables and insert buffers.
| Criterion | RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) | Container (FCL/LCL) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | Vehicles, rolling machines, trailers | Palletised goods, parts, sensitive goods |
| Handling | Vehicle drives/rolls on board | Craning, palletising/packaging if necessary |
| Cost structure | Shipping company/vehicle-specific tariffs, OOG surcharges if applicable | Freight + BAF/CAF + terminal costs, LCL surcharges if applicable |
| Transit planning | Liner services, but fewer ports/frequency than for containers | Very dense departures & global network |
| Risk/weather | Exposed, but manageable with sea defences/lashing | Protected in the container (with correct packaging) |
Table description (alt text): Comparison of the most important differences between RoRo and container shipping to Japan.
More about the preparation: Checklist for RoRo shipping - Article: Customs documents for RoRo transport
The actual transit time depends on ship rotation, harbour location, season, weather and stopovers. Use Live timetablesto check the current ETD/ETA.
| Start region | Typical ports of departure | Destination ports Japan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Bremerhaven, Zeebrugge, Southampton | Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya | RoRo & Container; Feeder possible |
| Mediterranean Sea | Barcelona, Livorno, Piraeus | Yokohama, Kobe | Seasonal frequency fluctuations |
| East Coast USA | Baltimore, New York | Yokohama, Kobe | RoRo for vehicles widespread |
| Gulf/Middle East | Jebel Ali, Dammam | Yokohama, Kobe | Frequent transshipment |
| East Asia | Hong Kong, Busan, Kaohsiung | Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka | Dense container frequency |
Table description (alt text): Overview of common departure and destination ports for the shipping japan (RoRo & Container) with information on frequencies/transshipments.
Japan distinguishes between Customs (Import Duty)the Consumption tax and, if applicable, other charges on registration (e.g. vehicle-related taxes).
Note: This information is for guidance only and does not replace legal advice.
Target: Seamless data saves time and money - and prevents terminal holds.
| Range | Mandatory/Recommended | Details & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice (Invoice) | Compulsory | VIN, make, model, country of origin, value |
| Packing list | Compulsory | Quantities, weights, dimensions, accessories |
| Transport document | Compulsory | B/L - Data consistent with invoice/packing list |
| Customs data | Compulsory | Electronically via NACCS through brokers |
| Special proofs | Project-specific | Certificates, emissions, translations if applicable |
| Insurance | Recommended | All-risk, proof of damage/loss |
| Photos/condition report | Recommended (RoRo) | Document summons, preservation of evidence |
Table description (alt text): Checklist of the most important documents & data for import to Japan incl. information on data consistency.
Tip: See also → Customs documents for RoRo transport
Compare direct services vs. transshipment, check frequencies & terminal capacity. Use real-time timetables and plan buffer times.
Costs depend on relation, method, dimensions, weight, season & terminal. No flat rates - individual offer required.
Consumption Tax: 10 % to import value.
Customs: For cars (HS 8703) usually 0 %, but check the current tariff table.
Yes, about NACCS. Importer/broker takes over electronic registration and forms.
Yes - e.g. C-8050 (Clearance Certificate) & Shaken test for authorisation (MLIT).
For vehicles and machines: RoRo
For palletised goods, parts, sensitive goods: containers
Decisive: handling, protection, costs, frequency
A successful shipping japan stands and falls with proper planning: Route selection, Realistic time frames, correct documents and the observance of the Japanese customs and tax rules. Knowing the differences between RoRo vs. container avoids unnecessary costs and delays.
For a concrete cost calculation you need a customised offer. Start with the Timetable check or have a look at our Customs documents for RoRo transport to.
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