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What procedures are required for exporting glass cups from Shanghai to Japan?
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Our company is located in Shanghai. Recently, we received an order from a Japanese client to purchase glass cups, with a total value of approximately $50,000. This is our first time exporting to Japan, and we have no idea what procedures we need to follow or what special customs supervision requirements there might be. Are there any risks of our goods being detained at the customs? Could you please provide detailed guidance on this matter?
Grace WangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Foreign Trade ConsultantStart a Chat
When exporting glassware to Japan，it is first necessary to confirm the HS code. Ordinary glassware is typically classified under 7013.49，while vacuum insulated mugs may fall under 9617.00. The most critical point is to verify whether the product comes into contact with food—Japan has extremely strict regulations on food contact materials，which must comply with the Food Sanitation Law. You need to prepare in advance。
1) Product ingredient descriptions and testing reports (it is recommended to conduct JIS testing in accordance with Japanese standards)。
2) Japanese-language labels (must include material information，heat resistance temperature，and usage precautions)。
3) For exported food contact products，you must declare them to customs. Although Chinese customs do not mandate pre-shipment inspections，it is recommended to voluntarily conduct third-party testing to prepare for Japanese inspections。
Risk points include: Japan has a high customs inspection rate. If the labels or materials do not comply with regulations，the products will be directly returned or destroyed. It is essential to confirm the sample’s compliance with regulations with the client before shipment and retain written confirmation records.
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
Shipping by sea from Shanghai to Japan is the most economical option. It typically takes 3-4 days to reach Tokyo/Yokohama ports, and 2-3 days to Osaka. We recommend using the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) terms, which allow you to control the logistics process.
Operational process:
1) After booking the shipping space, provide the commercial invoice, packing list, and customs declaration form.
2) Glassware is a fragile item, so the packaging must be reinforced and the outer box labeled with "fragile" stickers.
3) For Japanese import customs clearance, you need the original copies of the invoice and packing list, along with the bill of lading.
4) Goods valued over 1 million Japanese yen are subject to import duties (tax rate for glass products is approximately 3.9%-5.4%) and consumption tax.
Note: Japanese customs clearance agencies require 100% accuracy of the documentation. Any discrepancies will result in additional amendment fees. We recommend allowing 5-7 working days for customs clearance and controlling the overall door-to-door delivery time within 10 days.
For air freight, the delivery time is the same day but the freight cost is 8-10 times higher than sea freight, making it suitable only for urgent replenishment needs.
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
Japanese clients place the utmost importance on compliance and attention to detail, so you need to proactively demonstrate professionalism during negotiations. First, explicitly stipulate in the contract that the product quality standards shall refer to Japanese JIS standards, and agree that the reports from Japanese inspection agencies will serve as the final basis for verification. This will not only alleviate clients' concerns but also help avoid potential disputes in the future. For payment terms, suggest a 30% down payment followed by a 70% payment upon presentation of the bill of lading copy, which is highly acceptable to Japanese clients. Key communication strategies include: "We understand the stringent requirements of the Japanese market for food contact materials and have already prepared inspection reports and Japanese-language label templates that comply with the Japanese Food Sanitation Law. Please have your legal department review and confirm these documents." This approach demonstrates professionalism while clearly defining compliance responsibilities. Additionally, proactively offering to purchase transport insurance for the goods and assuming all risks until customs clearance at the port will greatly enhance client trust and lay a foundation for long-term cooperation.