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Best Options For Shipping from Japan to Canada

Optimizing Shipping Solutions from Japan to Canada

Japan and Canada's economic partnership continues to grow with the new CPTPP trade pact. Japan is Canada's largest source of bilateral foreign direct investment and is among Canada's top 5 trading partners. There are over 90 Canadian companies with a significant presence in Japan. Canadian and Japanese companies rely on low-cost parcel delivery to strengthen the economic connection between their customers and suppliers.

The most common goods that ship from Japan to Canada include automobiles, auto parts, power turbines, chemical and engineering equipment, and office machinery. In this post, we will explore the different ways of shipping from Japan to Canada.

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How long does it take for a shipment to travel from Japan to Canada?

Shipping time from Japan to Canada can be as fast as a couple of days. Shipping time via ocean averages between 30 to 60 days.

Cheapest Courier Service from Japan to Canada

For individuals, Japan Post is usually the best option. Jet Worldwide is one of the top cargo and courier services to Canada. We offer pickup service for parcels and pallets that ship from Japan.

Courier from Japan to Canada

Jet Worldwide offers express courier to Canada from Japan. Delivery time is usually within 3 business days. Alternatively, you can choose economy shipping service, which takes around 7 business days.

Shipping from Japan to Canada can ship via sea or air freight.

Individuals shipping small packages to Canada usually find Japan Post as the best option. The most economical way to up to around 100 kg is via economy air. Sending pallets and containers over 500 kg can benefit the most via ocean freight. . Read more: Shipping via ocean to Canada.

Importing from Japan to Canada

Imports from Japan are subject to standard CBSA regulations. Japanese origin goods under CPTPP origin rules can import duty free.

Jet Worldwide's Sea and Air freight shipping from Japan to Canada.

Much of the over $25 billion in bilateral trade ships via ocean and air freight. This guide examines the different ways of shipping from Japan to Canada.


View Video: How To ship to Canada from Japan

video play button shipping japan to Canada

Download accompanying PDF: Shipping Japan to Canada


Jet Worldwide provides Asian, Canadian and global logistics. Our support includes various systems and process regarding Japanese and Canadian movement of goods. This can include things like transportation, rate comparison, storage facilities, and supply chain management. Our logistics support augments your team by not being beholden to a specific carrier or process.


In the Shipping Guide we review important things to consider when shipping between Japan and Canada. These subjects are covered in our Shipping from Japan to Canada video (see link above).

  • Best way or mode of shipping Japan to Canada
  • Export declaration from Japan
  • Shipping ocean from Japan to North America
  • Finding the best solution via air freight vs sea freight
  • Carrier options for shipping packages from Japan
  • Managing e-commerce returns. Canadian Amazon Removal Orders
  • Shipping terms to Canada: Delivery Duty Paid or Unpaid?
  • Import clearance process to Canada
  • Common Import fees to Canada
  • CBSA Asset and Revenue Management System (CARM)
  • Information requirement for a shipping rate Japan to Canada
  • Preferential duty-free import to Canada for Japan-origin goods
  • Understanding a certificate of origin and the benefits
  • Simple origin declaration for low value goods to Canada
  • Shipping text books to Canadian International schools
  • Shipping e-commerce orders to and from Japan

Jet Worldwide provides low -cost parcel shipping from Tokyo, Osaka and all of Japan for delivery to Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and all of Canada. How to Video: Shipping to Canada from Japan.

Disclaimer: The information in all Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.


Best shipping options to Canada from Japan

There are several shipping options available for sending goods from Japan to Canada. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the type and size of the goods you are shipping, the speed you require, and budget. Here are some common shipping options that you might consider:

  • Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door solutions.
  • Ocean freight: Economical option for shipping large commercial orders /full container loads (FCL)
  • Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
  • Japan Post is generally the best option for individuals shipping personal items to Canada

Ocean Container shipping from Japan to Canada

The average shipping time from Japan to Canada by surface is usually around 2 months. The quoted time is often less but consider scheduling, port and inland delays. Useful information regarding shipping ocean to Canada.

Usually, LCL/Consolidation to Canada via weekly scheduling

The total shipping time from Japan to Canada via LTL is longer.During winter months, rail from Vancouver eastern Canada experience delays. Consolidation services to Canada are accessible from Tokyo and Osaka.

Shipping Air versus Ocean

With the many minimum surcharges for ocean shipments, shipping smaller consignments via air is cheaper. This is especially true for door to door shipping. Generally, shipments of less than 100 kilograms are cheaper via air. Cargo over 500 kilograms are much less expensive via ocean.


Shipping boxes and packages from Japan

For international shipping of parcels and packages, the choices include the local post and global carriers.

Shipping to Canada via Japan Post

canada post from Japan gaphic

As the national postal service, Japan Post offers low-cost delivery to Canada for small parcels. Canada falls into Japan Post's "Third Zone." Japan Post "small packet" option offers low-cost shipments for packets to Canada under 2 kg.

Japan Post shipping options for parcels to Canada can include:

  • EMS Express Mail Service
  • International ePacket
  • International ePacket Light
  • International Airmail

The maximum weight limit is 30 kg.

Shipments that ship via Japan Post to Canada benefit from import and delivery via Canada Post under the Universal Postal Union agreements.


Need assistance with measuring your parcel? Print our PDF useful handy rulers.

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Shipping Canada from Japan via FedEx and UPS Japan

FedEx and UPS are North America's largest carriers and, along with DHL, offer reliable parcel delivery from Japan to Canada. Get Your Instant Shipping Rate from Japan to Canada Now!

sample shipping costs Japan to Canada 2024

Shipping options via FedEx and UPS from Japan to Canada include:

  • International air Priority from Japan To Canada
  • International Economy Delivery from Japan to Canada

jet-van-city-route-2024

Shipping from Japan to Canada via Jet Worldwide

Benefit from Jet Worldwide's plus 40 years of international logistics expertise. Jet offers innovation for your shipping of parcels, pallets and online orders between Japan and Canada.

For a quote for shipping to Canada provide details. Useful information includes your shipping volume, item(s), average value and weight of each parcel. Ship to Japan from Canada via post, courier, air and sea freight.

The more details the better. Get Shipping Rates Japan to Canada



Shipping from Japan to Canada via Purolator Canada

Purolator is one of Canada's leading domestic carriers and offers international express delivery via partners (such as UPS).


Online order return from Canada to Japan

Simpler processing for your customer for your Canadian customers and Canadian FBA removal orders. Contact Jet's team for information on setting up return processes from Canada.


Japan Export Declarations

If the consignment is from a business - or business address, a VAT/Tax ID / corporate ID number is necessary prior to export.The number can be either 13 digits or 17 digits (13 + 4 digits of NACCS Branch Code).

Exporters must declare to Japan's Director-General of Customs. Necessary information includes the quantity and classification of the goods, quantity, unit price, etc. An export permit is necessary following a physical examination.


Shipping terms to consider when shipping to Canada from Japan

The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). Common carriers use the term Ex Works (EXW) which essentially assigns all import costs (duty, taxes and other fees) to the receiver/importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver. A Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) is an option most carriers offer.

Useful information regarding International Shipping Terms

There is disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver. Often, the bulk of the import fees are from provincial sales tax. The importing business may otherwise be able to claim back GST and PST.


Mandatory Registration with Canadian customs CARM 

Importers must both have an import number and register in CARM.

CARM Registration flow chart-1

This CBSA portal enables importers to assign a custom broker and requires a surety bond (or deposit).  How to register for CARM.


Other things to consider when shipping to Canada from Japan include:

Importer of record: Goods direct to consumers, the consumer is the importer of record. If a company is selling and importing the goods, they become the importer of record. Being the importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number.

Tariff classification for all imports (read more about HS Codes)

  • Health Canada approvals for products
  • Safe Foods for Canadians Act may apply for food to Canada
  • Goods and Services Tax, Harmonize Sales Tax and provincial taxes. Common Canadian import fees
  • Country of Origin declaration is necessary for all imports.
  • Valuation is an important part of the declaration to the CBSA (read more about valuation).
  • Labeling for goods to Canada may require both French and English.
  • Certification of origin for preferential duty free import via CPTPP.

Customs clearance of Japan origin consignments to Canada

Goods that import to Canada from Japan are subject to import duties as well as federal and provincial sales taxes. Most goods under CAD 20 can clear duty-free. Goods with a value under CAD 3 300 can import via the Low Value System (LVS) express processes. Understanding likely Canadian import fees for your packages from Japan.

ship worldwide with Jet graphic

CPTPP duty-free clearance of goods from Japan to Canada

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement that Canada shares with Japan. The agreement reduces barriers to trade and provides preferential duty free import between each other.

Benefit from CPTPP Duty Free Import to Canada

Canada’s Most Favour Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable to imports from Japan. Goods that meet the rules of origin under the CPTPP agreement may qualify for preferential duty free import.

Ship from Japan versus shipping Japan Origin Goods to Canada

Goods with proper “proof of origin" supporting paperwork can ship from Japan with duty free clearance in Canada.

Benefit from Canada Free Trade Agreements

Proof of Origin

The key part of all trade agreements is ensuring the goods qualify under the rules of origin. Country of origin is not only from where the goods ship from.

  • Simply the purchasing of a good from Japan does not necessarily qualify them for preferential duty free import.
  • The country of origin rules are simpler under CPTPP yet can still get complex. The guidelines for country of origin qualification include:
  • Goods are originating if "wholly” of a CPTPP country.
  • Goods are originating if production in a CPTPP country, Entirely from originating materials.
  • Goods are originating if manufacture occurs in Canada or a CPTPP country. They can include non-originating materials that undergo production in Canada or a CPTPP country.

Benefits of a certificate of origin to Canada

The country of origin is a factor for Canadian customs to determine if preferential duty free import can apply under CPTPP.

The country of origin is also a data point that supports regulatory actions. The actions can include quarantine and import quotas.

Important information regarding a certificate of origin


Shipping Canadian Text books Between Canada and Japan

There are several Canadian international schools in Japan that offer a Canadian curriculum for students. There are schools in Kobe, Yokohama and several in Tokyo. Jet Worldwide receives, consolidates and ships orders direct to Japan. Read More: Shipping Canadian text books and supplies to Japan

Duty-free import for parcels that ship from Japan to Canada under the CPTPP

Consignments with Japan-origin products with a value less than CAD $3 300 require a simple certification of origin to claim CPTPP preferential tariff treatment.

Parcels containing products under CAD 3 300 can qualify for duty-free status:

  • A statement with signature by the importer, exporter or producer certifying the goods originate from a CPTPP country. This statement is necessary on the commercial invoice We recommend adding an additional stand alone statement/ supporting document.
  • The goods must meet the origin rules. For example, marks to indicate that the goods are not a product of a CPTPP country will disqualify the goods.
  • For imports not exceeding CAD 3 300 to Canada, the requirement for proof of origin is less. The requirement on the importer to maintain records applies to all shipments. Even if a requirement for a certification of origin not a requirement, records must be available upon request.

Shipping e-commerce orders to Japan

With Jet Worldwide, Canadian retailers can send their e-commerce orders direct to Japan. With efficient clearance and low-cost last-mile delivery. Jet Worldwide provides both postal and commercial clearance options for high volume imports to Japan.


Get a Shipping Quote between Japan and Canada

Jet Worldwide makes it easy for companies seeking for spot quotes for economy air shipping from Japan to Canada.

Contact Jet for a quote for shipping to Canada. For regular shipping, provide details including shipping volume, item(s), average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).

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Get Rates and Information Form

Other Useful Resources for shipping international goods to Canada from Japan

CANADA IMPORT FEES GRAPHIC Common Canadian Import Fees

IMPORT DUTY VECTOR Iimport duty and calculation

declared value vector How to correctly value goods for international shipping

CPTPP VECTOR IMAGE CPTPP Trade Agreement with Japan and Canada