Introduction

You need to move from Thailand or somewhere else to Japan? SIAM Relocationā€™s professional team helps you cope with all your logistic and relocation needs. We have acquired a lot of experience and knowledge in this domain and so we believe we are among the best qualified to deal with your relocation. In this article, you will find reliable information about the customs, the best methods of transportation, our best services and about your future life in Japan.

flag japan

You canā€™t avoid customs when you enter a country. SIAM Relocation can help you prepare this step of your relocation.

1.1 Customs process

First, you will have to write aĀ declarationĀ about the belongings you bring to Japan. You can obtain them in the plane, the ship, or at customs.

Consumption taxĀ is imposed on all goods imported in Japan, it is ofĀ 8% of the value of the goods in general and may vary according to the size of your shipment and the customs duties you will also pay.

According to what you import in Japan, theĀ duties to pay will be low or high. Japan has a very complete detailed tariff schedule based on HS codes. One example: Silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling (HS Code 5001.00) are submitted to a 2,968 yen/kg duty.

Here is a list of the documents required for your relocation as a foreign resident :

  • Copy ofĀ picture and information pageĀ of shipperā€™s passport
  • Copy ofĀ visa pageĀ of the shipperā€™s passport
  • Copy of shipperā€™sĀ most recent entry stamp into JapanĀ (it should be within 6 months of the shipmentā€™s arrival date)
  • Copy of theĀ visa of origin countryĀ of the shipper, if different than origin country of the shipment
  • Original Unaccompanied Articles Customs DeclarationĀ Form C. No.5360.

RedĀ andĀ GreenĀ Channels system

This system is easy to understand, it aims at simplifying the procedure with path to customs officers.

If you transportĀ dutiable goodsĀ and/or restricted/prohibited goods, you will have to take theĀ Red Channel. If you donā€™t, youā€™ll head to theĀ Green Channel.

In theĀ Red Channel, if the goods exceed 300,000 yen, custom procedures for commercial cargo will be engaged.

1.2 Taxes exemption

Your items can be exempted of duties if they consist ofĀ used household effects which are used by the owner and will be in his/her new residence in Japan. Of course, all the required documents need to be perfectly completed in order to benefit from duty exemption.

1.3 Vehicle importation

It is possible to import your car in Japan. Nevertheless, we wonā€™t advise you to do so because it will result in complicated and very expensive. Most of the time, expats choose to sell their car and buy a new one (or not) in Japan.

If you want to bring your car for no more than one year, you can use your Carnet de Passage en DouaneĀ (CDP)Ā which identifies the owner of the vehicle. If you own such a document, you have to address theĀ Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)Ā and they will give you an authentication in order to bring your car and not be too annoyed by customs.

Note: You also need to be working in Japan in order to bring your car.

This authentication is free and simple to apply for. All you have to do is transmit a copy of the front and inside page of the CDP and a list of persons who will be driving the vehicle in Japan to theĀ JAF.

Here are the documents you will need for importing your vehicle:

  • Original vehicle registration certificateĀ at origin country that proves the usage of the vehicle by the shipper
  • Bill of sale,Ā receiptĀ orĀ invoice
  • Original Unaccompanied Articles Customs declarationĀ form C-5360Ā or C-5360-2
  • Original passportĀ andĀ working VISAĀ in Japan
  • Alien registration cardĀ in Japan if you are a foreigner
  • Engagement letter not to resaleĀ the vehicle within two years
  • Declaration of customsĀ duty exemption.

In your origin country, you will need to go and see your mechanic to do some modifications to your vehicle. Indeed, all vehicles entering Japan have to meet the emission and safety regulations imposed by the Ministry of the Environment.

1.4 What duties and taxes will I pay for my personal effects?

Sample of a declaration for personal effect importation (this one is for Singapore but could work for Japan as well)

Declaration-of-facts-singapore-1

Customs contact in Thailand

thailand-customs-logo

Customs contact in Japan

japan-customs

Customs process

import-custom-clearance-process

Drug Contreband

drug-contraband

Explosives

Explosives

Biohazard

Biohazard

Chemicals

Chemicals

Corrosive

Corrosive

Counterfeit

Counterfeit

Ivory

Ivory

Batteries

Batteries

Flammable

Flammable

Firearms

Firearms

Drugs

Drugs

Counterfeit notes

Counterfeit notes

Poison

Poison

Pornography

Pornography

Knife

Knife

Tobacco

tobacco

Gambling

Gambling

Hazardous

Hazardous

 

SIAM Relocation - Best price moving company in Thailand !

 

Due to our attractive pricing, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop to overpay the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of removals, from small volume to full house, let us find the best and cost-effective option.

Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!

Interested in our services ?
Do you further information ?

Download our brochure (PDF) !

In order to move to Japan, you can use several way according to your budget. It can be by sea or air. Each one has advantages and drawbacks so our moving consultant will help you determine the most suitable solution for you.

MOVING BY SEA FREIGHT TO JAPAN šŸ‡ÆšŸ‡µĀ 

moving by sea freight

Overview

Long ago, the Japanese archipelago was aĀ land of fishermen. Still today, fishing is a very common activity on Japanese coasts. There is no fishing without ports. And with capitalism and the Japanese expansionist period came the Japanese big ports.

Today, Japan has theĀ 3rdĀ biggest GDP in this globalized world, so no need to say that they haveĀ extremely competitive ports.

Japan main ports

Japan main ports are very famous and form aĀ big competitive network. They are known for their complementarity. These are the ports ofĀ Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Yokohama. They benefit from the hyper-connectivity of the inland country. Indeed, thanks to the Shinkansen train and all the rest, these cities are very easily connected.

Transit time

Here are someĀ approximateĀ transit times from Bangkok to different ports in Japan:

Departure Arrival Transit Unit
Bangkok Niigata 12 ā€“ 15 Days
Bangkok Fukuoka 10 ā€“ 13 Days
Bangkok Akita 17 ā€“ 20 Days
Bangkok Osaka 11 ā€“ 14 Days
Bangkok Kobe 14 ā€“ 17 Days
Bangkok Tokyo 10 ā€“ 13 Days

Sea freight rates

Sea freight rates are hard to apprehend as they areĀ highly sensitive to many factors. The transported volume is the most important factor. According to what you ship, you wonā€™t choose the same size of container and so the freight cost will vary.

Fortunately for you, we are here to guide you in your choice so that you donā€™t make mistakes that could lead to a waste of money. We usually adviceĀ FCL choice when shipping more than 15 cubic meters and else, a LCL.

*According to your needs, we can provide you with a packaging and/or loading service which also has consequences on the total price.

Why choose us?

SIAM RelocationĀ provides dedicated services toĀ best respond to your specific needsĀ and has been doing so since many years. Our moving consultants are experts and want the best solution for you.

MOVING BY AIR FREIGHT TO JAPAN šŸ‡ÆšŸ‡µĀ 

moving by air freight transport

THAI Airways logo

JAL-logo

 

Overview

From Thailand, shipping to Japan by air is of course very ordinary.

Air freight will be theĀ fastest freight modeĀ and is veryĀ appropriate for shipping small volumesĀ up to 4-5 cubic metres. If you try to ship those small volumes parcels by sea, you will be very surprised by the amount of handling fees at ports. Besides being faster, air freight can also result cheaper according to your specific case.

Main Airports in Japan

The twoĀ busiestĀ airportsĀ of Japan are located inĀ Tokyo, the most populated city in the world : Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Then come Kansai Airport in Osaka and Fukuoka Airport on Fukuoka Island.

Eight airports transport more than 10 million passengers a year in Japan. Those airports are often big commercial airports too.

Transit time

From Bangkok to Tokyo,Ā the flight time is about 5h30-6h, without counting the time difference of +2 hours in Japan compared to Thailand.

Thus, you can count between 2 and 4 days for the entire delivery, from the picking up of the goods to their delivery in Japan. This estimation is only given for guidance. We canā€™t guarantee a precise delivery time as too many factors are involved in the process.

*Note that the flight does not include the whole logistics process, some parcel could be stuck in customs for X or Y reason.

Air freight rates

Air freight rates are highly sensitive toĀ weight and volume variations, meaning that the price really are inclined to vary according to what you ship. More, your shipment will have to go through custom clearance at the arrival and so what you ship will once more determine your expenses.

What can also influence your rate is your loading and destination airports.Ā The cost wonā€™t be the same if your flight is Chiang Mai ā€“ Tokyo than if it is Bangkok ā€“ Nagoya.

Why choose us?

SIAM RelocationĀ has a long experience in air freight transportation and is used to working with the best agents for years. Please contact our moving consultants and they will work to find outĀ the best solution to your needs.

Letā€™s see together how air freight are calculated. The most important aspect that you have to understand is the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight. Once you get it, you can understand your air freight quotations.

how-to-calculate-gross-weight-airfreight-shipments

airfreight-volumetric-weight-formula

*If the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight of your box, the carrier will quote based on this weight. You can use online chargeable weight calculators to make it easier, now that you understand how it works.

SIAM RelocationĀ has been dealing with relocations for a long time and always with the same perspective: the client comes first. That is why, through years of operations and observations, we decided to create specific offers in order to better fit your needs.

3.1 Moving insurance

International freight is not an exact science. Although our job is to anticipate the freight processing and planning it as well as it can be planned, freight always has a slight part of risks and surprises.

That is whyĀ moving insuranceĀ exist. It aims toĀ prevent basic risksĀ like those caused by weather or bad storage for instance.Ā  Most of the insurancesĀ cover those basic damagesĀ and other also choose to cover less common risks like piracy for instance.

Your choice should be done according to your specific shipment (Ā will it go through dangerous areas ?). Our consultants are here to help you make the good decision.

To subscribe to an insurance, you can choose to go through a standard insurance company, a specialist insurance broker, your bank or us,Ā SIAM Relocation.

*Our consultants are here to make sure you choose the service you need. feel free to contact him!

3.2 Moving with your pet to Japan

*The first thing to know is that from Thailand, you will go through a lot of difficulties in bringing your pet to Japan. Just keep in mind that this is for the future safety of your pet in Japan.

All animals must be inspected by Thailandā€™s government vet before leaving the country. For this reason,Ā exactly three days before your departure from Thailand, you must go to the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Custom and Animal Quarantine Office. Your animal has to be up to date about its vaccinations (especially Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza, and Bordetella bronchiseptica).

During this inspection, you will need several documents:

  • A rabies certificate, with all the contact details in English of the vet who made it. The pet must also have undergone a blood serology test to check for rabies antibody levels at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. The test result must be at least 0.5 IU/mL.
  • A copy of your valid passport
  • Your flight details
  • Your petā€™s microchip number.

Note: Then, once at the office, you will be asked to fill in an export request form.

After conducting the health check, the government vet will hand you theĀ documents you require for your travel and charge you 50 Baht per animal. Do not forget to have your original pet health certificate, the airport vet certificate, and the export permit with you when you travel, three days later.

That was what you have to do to leave the country with your pet regarding Thailand.

Now, letā€™s see what Japan imposes regarding pet relocation:

First, any dog or cat entering Japan must beĀ microchippedĀ with an ISO compliant chip.

40 days before importing your animal, you will have to file anĀ Advanced Notification FormĀ with the Animal Quarantine Service. This form will permit you to know the availability of facilities in Japan. If it is positive, you will receive anĀ Approval of Notification.

Your pet must beĀ vaccinated against rabies twiceĀ with an inactivated or recombinant vaccine, both times during the 12 months period prior to entry. The first rabies vaccination can not take place if your pet is not at least 3 months old. And the second must be given more than 30 days after the first.

Still to prevent rabies, your pet must have a Blood Titer Test processed by an approved laboratory. The result of the test will determine the time your pet will spend in the quarantine area.

Except from rabies, here are theĀ highly recommended vaccinationsĀ for your dog or cat:

  • Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis for dogs.
  • Feline Cat Flu-Feline Calicivirus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia Psittaci and Cat Enteritis-Feline Panleukopaenia for cats.

3.3 Packing service

The standard packing equipment is of courseĀ packing boxes. They are made of cardboard and can be very resistant depending on the quality of the cardboard. They exist in many different sizes which makes them convenient for any packing operation.

Bubble wrapĀ is useful to add cautiousness when transporting fragile items. For instance, you should use it for glasses and crockery in order to avoid all damages.

When a large packing size is required, we opt forĀ wooden crates. They are bigger and more resistant than packing boxes and can resist more phenomena like humidity for example.

3.4 Warehousing service

When you have an emergency, a setback or whatever could disturb your relocation organization,Ā a warehousing service can save your life. You may stock your goods in our warehouses before shipping them to Japan.

3.5 Office moves

Remember that we also have aĀ department dedicated to office moves.

In order to adapt our offer to the customer, to his needs but also to his budget, we created three moving packages : from the simple package to the complete package.

Package-international-move

5.1 Visa & Business

Visa

There are many visas available for entering and staying in Japan. But only few of them are suitable for long term staying and working.

TheĀ Long term stay with certificate of eligibility (COE)Ā is made for people who will perform a paid work in the country. To obtain the COE, you have to apply to a Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.

Then there are categories among the Employment Visas, made according to the type of job you will perform in Japan.

Business

*Japan is the 3rdĀ biggest GDP in the world.

The Japanese culture imposes a very particular work environment. Japanese are often stressed by their job and oppressed by their colleagues, in a way that the whole society understands. There are many interesting articles and books about it. It is quite hard for a foreigner to fit into this system.

Because it is an aging country, for the last years, the business has turned more and more towards theĀ Silver Economy (services driving dedicated to the elderly).

5.2 Living in Japan

Overview

Japan is a veryĀ wealthyĀ country with an amazing culture to which you need to adapt.Ā Adapting to the societyĀ may be the most difficult you will have to do.

Cost of life

Being a region of the Triad, Japan is obviously a very expensive place to live in but also a land full of opportunities.

The basic consumption prices areĀ 61% higher in Tokyo than in Bangkok but the purchasing power is 156% higher in Tokyo too!

Job

Japan offers all type of jobs. If you are graduated and well skilled, you can getĀ high ranked positionsĀ in big societies as well asĀ starting your own start-up, etc.

The most active sectors in Japan includes of course theĀ servicesĀ (more than 75% of the GDP) and also some industrial sectors like those ofĀ automotive, electronic equipment,Ā machineĀ tools, chemicals and nautical sector.

5.3 Local contacts

 

SIAM Relocation - Best price moving company in Thailand !

 

Due to our attractive pricing, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop to overpay the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of removals, from small volume to full house, let us find the best and cost-effective option.

Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!