Moving to Japan
Japan has a reputation as a country where everything follows procedure – and a move confirms it. A single form completed at the airport decides whether your belongings enter tax-free. We prepare moves to Japan so that you know about this form before you leave Poland. We do the packing, inventory and loading in Wrocław, and the voyage, clearance and delivery in Japan are handled by a partner from the FEDEMAC network.
Form C5360 – a step you cannot skip
On arrival in Japan you submit to customs at the airport the declaration of personal effects and unaccompanied articles, Customs Form C No. 5360. On it you state that some of your belongings will arrive later. The form is submitted in two copies – one, stamped by customs, stays with you and is needed to clear the container. If you do not declare unaccompanied baggage on entry, you may lose the exemption from duty and tax.
Before you fly
Print the form and the list of items shipped by container. Once it is stamped at the airport, take a photo and send it to our partner.
The exemption applies to used items intended for personal use. The container should arrive within a few months of your arrival – a six-month limit usually applies.
Ports and voyage time
| Region | Port | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo and Kanagawa | Tokyo, Yokohama | the most connections from Europe |
| Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe | Kobe, Osaka | Kansai region |
| Nagoya and Aichi | Nagoya | industrial district |
| Fukuoka and Kyushu | Hakata | often with transshipment |
From Hamburg or Bremerhaven the container sails through the Suez Canal, usually with transshipment in Asia. The voyage takes five to seven weeks, and including clearance and arranging the delivery date – around two to three months.
Our partner agrees the delivery date with you a few days in advance. In many buildings you also need to notify the management and neighbours, because the crew occupies the entrance and stairwell for a few hours.
Delivery in a Japanese city
Small trucks
Residential streets are narrow, so the contents of the container are transferred at the warehouse to small trucks and delivered in several trips.
Small lifts
In a typical residential building the lift holds a few people. Large furniture is carried up the stairs or brought in from outside via the balcony.
Small flats
A flat in Tokyo is often under 50 m². A king-size bed or a corner sofa from Poland may simply not fit.
What not to ship
- Medicines in quantities beyond a short-term supply – a larger supply requires a Japanese import certificate.
- Cured meats, meat and dairy products – the sanitary inspection will hold them.
- Weapons, including bladed weapons and replicas – swords and decorative knives are subject to strict regulations.
- 230 V equipment without checking – the voltage in Japan is 100 V and the plugs are different.
When preparing the quote we help you weed out what will not fit or will not work, and the rest you can leave in our storage. We describe how we protect furniture for such a long voyage under sea freight for furniture.
Japan – questions about your move
What if I forget to submit Form C5360 at the airport?
Contact customs and our partner as soon as possible. Failing to declare on entry may mean your belongings are treated as an ordinary import subject to duty and tax.
Do I need a residence card to receive my belongings?
Our partner usually asks for a copy of your passport with the entry stamp and your residence card. We confirm the requirements before shipping.
Will a Polish washing machine work in Japan?
Not without a converter. The different mains voltage and frequency mean that large household appliances are better bought locally.
How long does a move to Tokyo take?
Usually eight to twelve weeks from packing in Wrocław to carrying your belongings in in Tokyo.
A move to Japan with no paperwork mistakes
We will prepare the list for Form C5360 and a free shipping quote.
Free quote