The process to import from Japan to UK offers exciting opportunities for businesses and individual buyers. Japan’s diverse range of products, from cutting-edge electronics to traditional crafts, is highly sought after in the UK market. However, importing can be complex, involving understanding regulations, shipping methods, customs procedures, and cost management.
In this guide, we will walk you through each step of the process to import from Japan to UK. A breakdown of essential fees and delivery estimated time to help you navigate international trade with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned importer or just starting, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Why Are Japanese Goods Attractive To The UK Market?
The term “domestic Japanese goods” has been used as a standard measure of products for a long time. When we talk about Japanese domestic goods, we’re talking about high-quality items like household appliances, diapers, and cosmetics. So, why are Japanese items so well-known worldwide?
1.1. Innovative ingredients and formulations
Japanese skincare products, in particular, are popular in the UK for their use of unique and effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid, sake, and rice bran. These innovative formulations cater to various skin types and deliver results like glowing skin and reduced fine lines.
1.2. High quality and craftsmanship
Japanese products are known for their exceptional quality, attention to detail, and adherence to traditional craftsmanship techniques that have been passed down for generations. This is due to the Japanese drive for perfection, the philosophy of hospitality (omotenashi), and the discerning standards of Japanese consumers
1.3. Good reputation
The spirit of the Japanese Samurai is that credibility is more important than anything else. This consciousness is cultivated from an early age by Japanese families’ upbringing, all for the benefit of a decent society because anyone who does not maintain their religion would be observed negatively.
Japanese firms are following the same way: if they do something so wrong that they have to repent to the public, they will never be able to rise beyond their shame, regardless of their financial potential and competence.
1.4. Perfectionism
The Japanese virtue of perfectionism aids their upward mobility. They are continuously striving for perfection in everything they prepare and consume. That is why Japanese companies invest a lot of money every year merely to refresh their machinery and technology in order to produce the best items.
1.5. Working style and philosophy
There is a significant cultural fascination with Japan in the UK, driven by the popularity of Japanese cuisine, anime, manga, and traditional arts. This cultural interest translates into a demand for Japanese products that reflect Japan’s unique heritage and contemporary culture.
II. How To Import From Japan To UK In 5 Simple Steps
What actions must you follow in order to import items from Japan into the United Kingdom? The following guide is provided here, with each step clearly listed.
2.1. Search for an exporter
Quality Japanese items are great, but will they still be quality products when they reach the UK, or will they be things with fraudulent labels? Many businesses prioritize profit over the quality of their products for their customers.
That is why Japanese goods are of such high quality, but in order to obtain the greatest products, you must first learn about respectable distribution companies.
Janbox is one of them. The platform offers end-to-end solutions, including purchasing, warehousing, packaging, and shipping, which simplifies the complex import process.
Janbox’s deep understanding of the Japanese market ensures you access to high-quality products and reliable suppliers. They manage all necessary documentation and customs clearance, reducing the risk of delays and compliance issues. With competitive shipping rates and multiple options, Janbox provides cost-effective and timely delivery to the UK.
It’s fine if you’re unsure about the products to select. Janbox staff will assist you in selecting the finest one for your needs.
2.2. Send the goods information to Janbox
To import from Japan to UK using Janbox, you need to provide with comprehensive details about the items you wish to purchase. Start by specifying the precise name of each item as it appears on the website where you’re sourcing it. This ensures that Janbox can accurately identify and procure the correct products.
Include the quantity you need for each item. If the products come in different sizes, colors, or designs, be sure to fill in these details in the relevant fields. This level of detail is essential for Janbox to process your order accurately and avoid misunderstandings.
In addition to the basic information, use the comments area to share any further details or special instructions related to your order. This might include specific packaging requirements, delivery preferences, or additional product information that could be relevant.
Before finalizing and sending your request, double-check all the information you’ve provided. Accurate and complete details help avoid delays and ensure that the goods you receive meet your expectations.
2.3. International payments
To import items from Japan to the United Kingdom, you need to make a full payment. Begin by paying a deposit to secure your purchase. After that, choose from one of the two payment methods provided.
- Method 1: Use your Janbox wallet to pay. It suggests that you will make a deposit into Janbox’s wallet. One yen is equivalent to one point. If you choose this option, Janbox will deduct the appropriate number of points when you pay for your order. The points left will be applied to your next order.
- Method 2: You can pay with a credit card or using PayPal. The transaction has now been completed.
2.4. Select the method for transporting goods onshore.
Once you’ve completed the previous steps. We’ll deliver the products to you and store them safely in our warehouse. Choose your desired mode of delivery.
- Air Freight: This is the quickest mode of air freight transit. This is the most cost-effective alternative if you want urgent orders. With this delivery method, you can expect to get your purchase in 3-7 business days. It’s not only quick, but it’s also secure for your package. At international airports, it is rare that products would be lost.
- Sea Freight: You may use this shipping option to save money when importing items from Japan to the UK. Due to the huge number of invoices and clear papers required by the sender, the estimated time will be in the region of 15-30 days.
2.5. Wait for the products to arrive at the warehouse, then pick them up
If you’re in the UK, we can deliver your items from Japan directly to your address. Each shipment includes a tracking number, which you can use to monitor your order’s progress on the Janbox website. Delivery typically takes 7-10 days, depending on the shipping method you select. Simply pay the international shipping fee and then wait for your items to arrive.
>>Read more: Import Duty From Japan To USA Guideline.
3. Total Cost To Import From Japan To UK
Japanese products are constantly favored by buyers throughout the world, yet there is a drawback that will lead the price and shipping cost of these items to rise in Japan. Although these are fairly high costs, buyers may be certain of the product’s quality and endurance. The import from Japan to UK cost is determined by the shipment method, product weight, and destination country.
3.1. Method for calculating shipping costs from Japan to UK
Why is calculating the chargeable weight necessary?
There are two columns relating to weight on the air waybill: Gross weight (actual weight) and Chargeable weight (chargeable weight). The information in the chargeable weight column is used to calculate freight charges and may be equal to or larger than the actual weight (Gross weight).
Because light and heavy cargoes tend to exceed the threshold before the cargo compartment is completely full. Light and bulky objects, on the other hand, tend to take up room in the plane and fill the cargo hold before the payload exceeds the limit.
As a result, the International Air Transport Association – IATA – has developed a regulation outlining the main norms and techniques for determining the charged weight of express products. Bulky products will be estimated using the volume weight and heavy goods will be calculated using the actual weight (Gross weight / Volume weight).
How to figure out international shipping costs
Step 1: Calculate your actual weight
Determine the package weight using the scale. Round up to the nearest half a kilogram.
Step 2: Calculate your volumetric weight
Multiply the length by width and height to get the volume (each dimension is rounded to the nearest centimeter).
Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height)/5000 (kg)
Step 3: Compare the actual and volumetric weights
Compare the package’s actual and bulk weights and use the higher figure as the freight weight.
Step 4: Determine your freight rate
To determine the international shipping cost, multiply the computed weight by the shipping price list of each shipment unit.
3.2. Notes when calculating the shipping cost
- The weight will be rounded to the nearest 0.5.
- Packages must be packaged using shrink film and pallets for international transit to reinforce and secure the products. As a result, the actual weight charged to a carrier such as Janbox will be more than the total weight of the products. To compensate for the cost difference during transit, the billable weight of each shipment will be rounded up to 0.5.
- This is also the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) general regulation, which applies to all international airlines.
4. How Long To Ship From Japan To The UK
4.1. By air
This is the fastest option, with delivery times ranging from 3 to 7 days for express services and about 7 to 10 days for standard air freight. There will be no need to wait long because the plane is moving quickly. Furthermore, by sending your product by air, you will avoid having to go through the customs of many countries and waste time processing paperwork and bills.
4.2. By sea
This method is more economical but takes much longer. Shipping by sea typically takes between 38 to 42 days, depending on the specific route and any transshipment points involved. When cargo is shipped by sea from Japan to the United Kingdom, it may pass through Singapore, a key hub port.
Container ships traveling from Japan to Europe stop at a number of ports along the way and also go via the Suez Canal. Before landing at Southampton, UK, container ships stop at various European ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and others. As a result, when estimating delivery time from Japan to the United Kingdom, add two to three weeks to the actual sailing time.
4.3. Multimodal transport
This method combines sea and rail, reducing transit times to around 28 days. This approach optimizes the shipping process by integrating different transport modes, significantly shortening delivery times compared to traditional sea freight alone. By leveraging the efficiency of rail transport in addition to sea routes, you can achieve faster delivery while still benefiting from the cost-effectiveness of maritime shipping.
5. What Items Can’t Be Delivered?
Based on domestic and international restrictions, the following products are prohibited that you cannot import from Japan to UK. To prevent making trading blunders, you should consult attentively.
- Drugs, addictive substances, narcotic substances, nerve stimulants
- Weapons, ammunition, military equipment
- Depraved and reactionary cultural products, publications, and documents with defiant contents cause insecurity, undermining national solidarity
- Explosive substances, dangerous substances, or unhygienic, polluting the environment
- The products are not allowed to circulate, trade, export, or import
- Living organism
- Prohibited items from import according to the World Postal Union (UPU)
- Currency, checks, and papers of value such as money
- Letter in the parcel
- Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum…), gemstones, or other products made from precious metals
- Publications for the blind
- Types of medical equipment that are not yet allowed to be used
- Medicines for human treatment, vaccines, medical-biological, cosmetics, and chemicals for insecticidal and bactericidal in the field of household and medical use have not been permitted for use
- Authorities will confiscate illegal items or things with an unknown provenance that cannot be proven and will not be reimbursed
- The types of medical cosmetics that have not been announced to the competent authority
>>> Read more: How To Buy From Japan – Janbox Proxy Shopping Service
Conclusion
Japanese products are constantly assessed for quality in order to ensure the safety of human health. Because the Japanese take such special care of their things, even secondhand Japanese items are in great buying demand.
When buying overseas products in difficult situations, the best thing to do is consult a reputable Japanese proxy buyer like Janbox. It is not difficult to import from Japan to UK. Visit our website right now to get your favorite Japanese things dispatched swiftly.
- Website: https://janbox.com
- Email: support@janbox.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janbox.com.en
