Japan post has a reliable mail service to Canada but shippers often contact our team seeking faster, more reliable alternatives.

Postal Option: The Best Option for Individuals

Despite having alternative solutions, it is important to point out that Japan Post shipping options to Canada - especially their surface solutions - provide the absolute lowest cost for parcels from Japan. We expect service to resume in the coming months but, until then, the best option is economy express either direct to Canada or via post to the USA and then to Canada.

Read our blog: Shipping from Japan to Canada

Clearance in Canada: Postal versus commercial clearance

Although technically subject the same import processes, postal shipments from Japan (and in fact all postal shipments) seem to benefit from easier import processing and fees than commercial shipments. Often, shippers in Japan can be surprised by higher than expected import fees to Canada.

Benefit of Commercial Shipping from Japan: Duty Free Import via CPTPP

One benefit of shipping via commercial carriers is having access to preferential duty free import for goods that are made in Japan. The CPTPP free trade agreement allows for simpler country of origin (COO) declarations for shipments valued under $3,300. Having said that, many personal shipments are not necessarily "made in Japan" and, in addition to duty, federal and provincial may apply.

Understanding the difference of being shipped from Japan versus Japan origin goods.

If shipping from a business address, the VAT/ Tax is necessary. Provide a Corporate Number published by the National Tax Agency that is either:

• 13 digits
• 17 digits (Corporate Number plus 4 digit NACCS Branch Code)

Export from Japan Import to Canada via the USA

For regular shipments, it may be possible to import goods to the USA via low cost surface and then have the shipment forwarded to Canada. This is more a theoretical option and, in practice, we find it better to ship directly to Canada from Japan via an economy express option.

Shipping to Japan from Canada

Border closures and restricted flight capacity to Japan has impacted shipping times and Canada Postal services to Japan. However, Canada Post packet and parcel services are still officially being offered. We still most often recommend Canada Post for individuals shipping to Japan but can provide economy air options to Japan upon request.

Things to consider when shipping to Canada from Japan include:

• Importer of record: The importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number. If to direct to consumers, the consumer can be the importer of record
• Federal and provincial sales taxes (read about Canadian import fees)
• Provincial licenses may be required even if selling direct to consumers
• Health Canada approvals for related products
• Safe Foods for Canadians Act certifications for some food items
• Tariff classification for all imports (read more about HS Codes)
• Country of Origin must be declared for all imports
• Valuation is an important part of the declaration to the CBSA (read more about valuation)
• Labeling for goods to Canada may require both French and English
• Certification of origin if duty free import requested under CPTPP

Shipping from Japan and clearance cost to Canada

As mentioned above, shipping alternatives to Japan post involved commercial clearance which can be more restrictive and costly. Jet Worldwide can assist with providing an estimated costs if the HS Code is known.

Postal Shipping from Japan to Canada

We support all post offices in their critical mission of providing low cost delivery solutions and hope Japan Post is able to resume services as soon as possible. If you need assistance with shipments that are time sensitive and when you simply need a shipping solution to Canada, contact Jet's team.

There are several shipping options available for sending goods to Canada besides Japan Post:

• Air freight: This is the fastest shipping option with door to door integrated solutions.
• Ocean freight: Economical option for shipping large bulk orders from Japan
• Commercial carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.

CPTPP shipping between Japan and Canada for duty free clearance

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement that Canada shares with Japan. The agreement reduces barriers to trade and provides preferential duty free import between each other. Postal shipments are not able to take advantage of this agreement due to special clearance provisions (specifically acertification of origin).

Read more about the benefits of CPTPP shipping to and from Japan - Canada

Note: This post and all Jet Worldwide content is for general information only. We are proud to be a leading online resource for international shipping. Our best advice is emphasize the importance of confirming compliance with the exporter/ importer and regulatory authorities prior to shipping.