New Japan Customs Regulations: What You Need to Know Before Shipping Personal Effects

At Couriers & Freight, we keep our customers informed about regulatory changes that impact international shipping. Japan Customs has introduced new requirements for shipping personal effects, which must be followed to avoid unexpected charges and delays.

If you or your customers are sending personal belongings to Japan, here’s what you need to know.

Mandatory Customs Documentation for Duty-Free Clearance

To qualify for duty-free clearance, Japan Customs now requires two copies of the Japan Customs Declaration Form C No. 5360-B to be completed and submitted at the airport upon arrival. This form confirms that the personal effects belong to the traveller and allows customs to process shipments without applying duties and taxes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance

Before Departure:

• Travellers must complete two copies of Japan Customs Declaration Form C No. 5360-B. This can be done in advance or during the flight.

Upon Arrival in Japan:

• Present both copies of the form to Japan Customs.
• Customs will stamp one copy and return it to the traveller.

When the Shipment Arrives in Japan:

• The courier handling the shipment (such as DHL) will request the stamped customs form from the recipient.
• The recipient must submit the stamped form to Japan Customs either in person or by mail (email is not accepted).

Customs Clearance & Potential Charges:

• After submission, Japan Customs will review the shipment for duty-free release.
• Failure to provide the customs-stamped form will result in duties and taxes being applied, with no option for appeal.

How This Affects Couriers & Freight Customers

To avoid additional costs and shipment delays, we strongly recommend:
✔ Completing the required customs forms before travel.
✔ Submitting the form at the airport upon arrival to obtain the necessary stamp.
✔ Keeping the stamped copy in a safe place for when the shipment arrives.

Following these steps allows shipments to be processed without unnecessary fees.

If you need further assistance or have any questions about shipping personal effects to Japan, our team at Couriers & Freight is available to help.

Ship to Japan Without Extra Fees

Follow Japan’s new customs requirements to avoid unexpected duties and delays. Get expert guidance and reliable shipping with Couriers & Freight.

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