How to Ship to Japan from Australia

“I was quoted over $200 to send a 3kg box to Japan. Is there any cheaper way?” one Reddit user asked while trying to post a parcel overseas. Many Australians are surprised by how expensive it can be to ship to Japan from Australia. Even a small care package or gift box can cost hundreds to send.

This guide explains the cheapest and fastest ways to ship from Australia to Japan including real costs, delivery times, and tips to avoid overpaying.

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Shipping from Australia to Japan

Need to ship a parcel to Japan? Here’s a quick overview of the main options based on budget and delivery speed:

• Cheapest: Economy sea freight, around 2-3 months.
• Fastest: International express couriers like FedEx, DHL, and Toll, 1-5 business days.
• Balanced: Economy air freight, 7-10 days.
• Cost range:  $60-$200 for parcels between 1-5 kg.
• Paperwork: Customs declaration and commercial invoice required for all shipments

Compare rates and book through Couriers & Freight to find the ideal mix of price and speed for parcels heading to Japan.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Japan? 

The cost to ship from Australia to Japan depends on parcel weight, dimensions, and delivery speed. Sending a small gift costs far less than shipping a large box of products, and choosing express delivery can double the price.

Rates below are from official calculators for Australia Post, DHL Express, and FedEx (as of October 2025).

1 kg parcel

• Australia Post International Standard: About $38, delivery in 6-10 business days
• DHL Express Worldwide: Typically starts around $90-100, delivery in 2-4 business days
  FedEx International Economy: Around $70-80, delivery in 4-6 business days

5 kg parcel

• Australia Post International Standard: Around $100-120, delivery in 6-10 business days
• DHL Express Worldwide: About $180, delivery in 2-4 business days
• FedEx International Economy: Around $150-170, delivery in 4-6 business days

10 kg parcel

• Australia Post International Standard: Around $170-190, delivery in 6-10 business days
• DHL Express Worldwide: Around $280-320, delivery in 2-4 business days
• FedEx International Economy: Around $240-260, delivery in 4-6 business days

Japanese customs apply import duties and a 10% consumption tax on goods valued above ¥10,000 (around AUD $100).

Note: Rates are estimates from carrier calculators and may vary by origin, size, and service level. Always confirm costs through each carrier’s online quote tool before booking.

Best Ways to Ship from Australia to Japan

The right shipping method depends on what you’re sending and how fast it needs to arrive. You can also compare carrier rates instantly with Couriers & Freight.

International Express Couriers (FedEx, DHL, Australia Post)

A small coffee brand fulfilling online orders to Tokyo might use an express courier such as FedEx, DHL, or Australia Post. These are the fastest and most reliable services, usually delivering within 1–5 business days with full end-to-end tracking. They cost more, but for time-sensitive or high-value products, the speed and customer experience are worth it.

Pros:

• Fastest transit time (1–5 days)
• Reliable tracking and delivery guarantees
• Best for urgent or high-value items

Cons:

• Most expensive shipping method
• Less suited for large or heavy boxes

Economy Air Freight

A small business shipping 50 kg of stock to Osaka might choose economy air freight, a balance between cost and speed. Most carriers deliver within 7–10 days, making it ideal for SMEs that need predictable, affordable shipping without long sea freight delays.

Pros:

• Lower cost than express
• Practical for medium-sized shipments
• Reasonable delivery times (7-10 days)

Cons:

• Slightly slower and less flexible than express
• Limited support for irregular or oversized cargo

Sea Freight (Full Container Load/Less-than-Container Load)

For large-scale shipments, sea freight is the most economical choice. A full or shared container from Sydney to Yokohama or Kobe typically takes 2–3 months. It’s best for planned stock or non-urgent cargo.

Pros:

• Lowest cost per kilogram
• Ideal for heavy or bulk goods

Cons:

• Long delivery time (up to 3 months)
• Requires customs coordination and storage planning

Parcel Forwarding Services

Expats or online shoppers sending gifts to Japan can use parcel forwarding. Services like Australia Post or private forwarders combine multiple orders into one shipment - handy for personal use, though not designed for commercial freight.

Pros:

• Good for sending personal gifts or online purchases
• Can reduce combined shipping costs

Cons:

• Added service fees
• Less reliable for commercial shipments

Customs, Duties & Restrictions in Japan

All shipments entering Japan must go through customs clearance. Taxes and duties depend on the item type (HS code), value, and the shipment’s CIF value (cost, insurance, freight). Low-value relief can apply in some cases, but rules change. Always check the latest guidance on the Japan Customs website before you book.

Documents you will need:

1. Commercial invoice with accurate descriptions, HS codes if known, currency and value
2. Packing list with quantities, weights and dimensions
3. Receiver details, including phone and email for delivery updates
4. Any permits or certifications required for regulated goods
5. AusPost CN22/CN23 form if using postal services

For Example: Sending branded coffee beans to a customer in Tokyo may require a clear description (“roasted coffee beans, not instant”), net weight, and HS code. Cosmetics and supplements may need prior approval or risk rejection if misdeclared.

Items that are restricted, regulated or prohibited

• Drugs and controlled substances, drug paraphernalia
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapon parts
• Counterfeit items, forged documents, obscene materials
• Agricultural products such as fresh fruit, plants, seeds, meat and dairy
• Cosmetics and medicines beyond personal-use limits or without approvals
• Batteries and hazardous materials (e.g., loose lithium cells, magnets)
• Food products with ingredients or labelling that do not meet local rules

Taxes and duties at a glance

• Consumption tax in Japan is generally 10%.
• Customs duty varies by HS code and trade agreements.
• De minimis and exemptions can change. Avoid relying on outdated thresholds as Japan regularly updates its customs and tax rules.
• Use Japan Customs’ Tariff and Duty Rates tool to check your item before shipping.

Tip: Declare honestly and include the correct value. Under-valued invoices and vague descriptions are common reasons for delays or penalties.

How Couriers & Freight Helps Australians Ship to Japan

An Australian skincare brand that exports to Tokyo boutiques once spent hours comparing courier websites and completing customs forms by hand. Each carrier had different prices and requirements, and one incorrect HS code could stall their shipment in Japanese customs.

With Couriers & Freight, your entire Japan shipping process happens in one simple dashboard. The team enters shipment details once and instantly compares quotes from leading carriers like FedEx, DHL, and Australia Post. After selecting the best option, the platform generates all customs paperwork automatically, ready to print or share with the freight forwarder.

Why Australian exporters choose Couriers & Freight for Japan shipments:

• Compare multiple carriers instantly and find the best rate for each export order
• Book shipments, print labels, and complete customs documentation in one step
• Access tracking, duty estimates, and support for Japan’s import regulations
• Save shipment templates for regular exports to repeat customers

Couriers & Freight helps Australian exporters ship to Japan with confidence, simplifying international delivery, reducing admin time, and keeping every shipment on schedule.

Expand Your Exports to Japan

Reach new customers faster with trusted air and freight solutions. Compare top carriers and simplify your export process through Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now