How to filter reliable JapaneseThe MaritimeThe agent?

According to JapanInternational logisticsAccording to the latest 2025 data from the Japan Brokers Association (JBA), the registration volume of compliance agents at Tokyo Port and Osaka Port has increased by 18% year-on-year. Key considerations when screening agents include:

• Certification of Qualification:
  • Do you hold the NVOCC certification issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan?
  • Is it a member unit of JBA or FIATA?
• Service Coverage:
  • Local handling capabilities at major ports across Japan (Tokyo/Yokohama/Osaka/Kobe)
  • Special cargo (lithium batteries/food/pharmaceuticals) transportation qualifications
• Transparency of offer:
  • Could you provide a detailed cost breakdown for CIF/FOB terms?
  • Does it include the Japan-specific Terminal Handling Charge (THC)?

What hidden costs are included in Japanese shipping fees?

The new Japanese customs regulations in 2025 require that export goods must submit electronic certificates of origin, which directly impacts...Customs clearanceLead time and cost composition. Typical cost structures include:

• Basic Cost (Ocean Freight + Bunker)Additional fees) is
• Local expenses in Japan:
  • Port freight (average 12,000-18,000 yen/20GP)
  • Customs clearance fees (by HS code)
  • Container deposit (refundable)
• Specifically reminded:
  • Environmental tax (2,000 JPY/TEU) to be implemented from April 2025
  • Peak season surcharge (July-September/December-January) may increase by 30%.

How long is the shipping time for Japanese ports?

Based on data from over 300 companies we serve, the estimated delivery time for major Japanese routes in Q1 2025 is:

• East Asia Route:
  • Tokyo → Shanghai: 5-7 days (direct flight)
  • Osaka → Qingdao: 7-9 days (via Busan transfer)
• Europe-America route:
  • Yokohama → Los Angeles: 14-18 days
  • Kobe → Hamburg: 28-32 days (via Suez Canal)
• Key factors affecting timeliness:
  • The cut-off time for Tokyo Port is every Wednesday/Friday.
  • The uniquely Japanese phenomenon of "end-of-month concentrated shipments"

How to Avoid Risks in Japanese Maritime Customs Clearance?

The three high-risk areas subject to strict inspection by Japanese customs in 2025:

• Proof of Origin:
  • The seal of a JETRO-certified chamber of commerce must be included.
  • Chinese-Japanese-English trilingual version
• 50. Commodity classification:
  • Japan-specific HS code suffixes (e.g., 3926.90-010)
  • The "Prior Instruction" System for Specific Goods
• Special supervision:
  • Food requires the "Notification Certificate of Imported Foods, etc." from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
  • Textiles require the "Import Approval Certificate for Textile Products" from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

How should small and medium-sized enterprises choose agency services?

Recommendations for small and medium-sized enterprises with an annual shipment volume of less than 100 TEUs:

• Service Mode Selection:
  • Less than Container Load (LCL) service starts from a minimum of 0.5 CBM.
  • Mixed use of designated freight forwarders and prepaid freight forwarders
• 1.1 Market Opportunities:
  • Take advantage of the "Weekend Delivery" discount at Tokyo Port.
  • Batch declaration for consolidated customs clearance of multiple orders
• Common Risk Points:
  • Request the agent to provide a monthly statement (Japanese/English).
  • Purchase the All Risks insurance for cargo recommended by the Japan Shipping Association.

Note: The data in this article is cited from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "2025 Port White Paper" and JBA industry reports. For specific operations, please refer to the latest customs announcements. It is recommended to sign an annual service agreement with a professional customs broker, which can reduce comprehensive logistics costs by 15-20%.