Moving To Japan
Britannia in Japan
Britannia can offer you a door to door service to Japan, and can either ship your effects by sole use container, or for smaller shipments in a wooden crate (LCL). In addition we can offer a door to door airfreight service to most destinations in Japan. Our agents in Tokyo will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.
Importing Personal Effects
For non citizens, shipments of used household and personal effects are duty free providing they are owned and used longer than 12 months, and the owner has a visa valid for at least one year. The effects must be imported within 6 months of shippers arrival. A customs form C-5360-2 must be provided. This is normally completed on the flight to Japan, and stamped by customs on arrival. There are different requirements for Japanes Citizens. Your local Britannia Member will provide you with detailed customs regulations.
Documentation
Britannia and our agents will assist you with completion of customs formalities. To assist us with this please let us have a copy of your passport (and visa if applicable). The required documentation will be supplied to you on arrival. To avoid any potential additional charges and delays it is advisable that relevant forms are completed and returned promptly to our Agents.
Prohibitions and Restrictions
In general it is in your interest not to import the following items:
- Firearms & ammunition
- Inflammable goods & substances
- Plants & plant material
- Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise
- Alcohol, narcotics and dangerous goods
- Offensive material
Transit Times
Sole use containers take an average of 7 – 8 weeks. Crated consignments may take longer, on average between 8 and 10 weeks.
Computer Tracking
Through satellite and computer technology we are able to monitor the progress of your consignment.
Bar Coding
All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
Domestic Pets
Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures.
Motor Vehicles
Currently Motor Vehicles are subject to a 5% tax and may need extensive modifications to meet Japanese emission and safety requirements. We do not recommend shipment of vehicles to this destination.
click here to download PDF of Japan brochure