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🇩🇪Shipping from Germany to Japan🇯🇵
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
$26.78/kg
7-20 days
Fastest option
TNT (FedEx)
1-4 days
$71.03/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 10%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$20.09
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
7-20 d
Clothing 2kg
$38.83
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
Box 5kg
$66.95
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
Heavy 10kg
$112.48
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
from $26.78/kgfrom 1 days7 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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7 results
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket✓ VerifiedCheapest4.0 ★postal
DHL Packet International
★ 1.5(6.8K)Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$26.78
Tracking: Yes
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
DHL Parcel International
★ 1.5(6.8K)Delivery Time
7–20 days
Estimated Price
$26.78
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified5.0 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
DPD✓ Verified4.0 ★regional
DPD Classic
★ 1.6(18.3K)Delivery Time
3–6 days
Estimated Price
$37.13
Tracking: Yes
DPD✓ VerifiedFastest4.0 ★regional
DPD Express
★ 1.6(18.3K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$37.13
Tracking: Yes
TNT (FedEx)~ Estimated4.0 ★international
TNT Express
★ 1.4(3.1K)Delivery Time
1–4 days
Estimated Price
$71.03
Tracking: Yes
TNT (FedEx)~ Estimated4.0 ★international
TNT Economy Express
★ 1.4(3.1K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$71.03
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 8, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Post / DHL PaketDHL Packet International | $28.12 | $26.78 | -4.8% |
| Deutsche Post / DHL PaketDHL Parcel International | $28.12 | $26.78 | -4.8% |
| EMSEMS Express | $31.82 | $32.14 | +1% |
| DPDDPD Classic | $39.36 | $37.13 | -5.7% |
| DPDDPD Express | $39.36 | $37.13 | -5.7% |
| TNT (FedEx)TNT Express | $77.42 | $71.03 | -8.3% |
| TNT (FedEx)TNT Economy Express | $77.42 | $71.03 | -8.3% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: Japan
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 5-13.4% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 17-30% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 3-50% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 0-5.8% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-3.9% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
Japan Customs uses NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) for electronic processing. Personal imports use simplified postal customs via Japan Post. Commercial shipments require AMS/AFR filings.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for JP: $67. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for Japan →Japanese customs is highly efficient and well-automated. Express shipments clear within hours. Japan Post parcels go through customs in 1-2 days. Duty-free threshold of ¥10,000 is relatively low. Strict food and pharmaceutical regulations may cause delays for those categories.
Required Documents
✓For export from DE: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓EUR
✓1 movement certificate (for EU FTA partners)
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration (Einfuhranmeldung)
✓EORI number for businesses
✓For import into JP: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration (Yunyushinokoku)
✓Food Sanitation Law notification (for food items)
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under RCEP, CPTPP, Japan-EU EPA. Self-certification accepted under newer agreements. Import licenses: Import quotas and licenses for certain agricultural products (rice, wheat, dairy), fishery products, and hazardous materials. Pharmaceutical imports require PMDA approval. Food imports need notification under the Food Sanitation Act.
Trade: Germany & Japan
Limited direct trade data between DE and JP. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into JP: Petroleum, natural gas, electronics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, food products, machinery, chemicals. Key exports from DE: Vehicles, machinery, chemical products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, precision instruments. Japan charges 10% consumption tax on all imports. Items with duty under JPY 10,000 may be exempt. Japan Post handles last-mile delivery efficiently with SMS notifications. Customs clearance is generally fast (1-2 days). Labeling in Japanese can speed up processing.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from DE to JP in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from DE: Narcotics
⚠weapons and ammunition without permit
⚠Nazi memorabilia
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food products without EU approval
⚠fireworks without certification
⚠Prohibited for import into JP: Stimulant drugs (amphetamines)
⚠firearms
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠products infringing intellectual property
⚠certain fresh fruits and vegetables without inspection
⚠pornography containing minors
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
DE and JP are both members of the following trade agreements: EU-Japan EPA, WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 10%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 8% for food and beverages (excluding alcohol and dining out).
Shipping from Germany to Japan: Overview
We found 7 shipping options from Germany to Japan. The cheapest option is Deutsche Post / DHL Paket (DHL Packet International) starting from $26.78 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is DPD in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for Japan
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
Average duty rate
4.5%
Note: De minimis abolished in 2026. 10% consumption tax applies to all imported goods regardless of value
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from Germany to Japan?
The most affordable option for shipping from Germany to Japan is typically Deutsche Post / DHL Paket (DHL Packet International), starting from approximately $26.78 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from Germany to Japan take?
Delivery times from Germany to Japan range from 1 to 20 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-4 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from Germany to Japan?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from Germany to Japan. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to Japan?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to Japan. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (10%) and import duties (average 4.5%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to JP?
Items prohibited for import into JP include: Stimulant drugs (amphetamines), firearms, counterfeit goods, products infringing intellectual property, certain fresh fruits and vegetables without inspection, pornography containing minors. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from DE to JP?
To ship from DE to JP you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, certificate of origin, import declaration (Yunyushinokoku), Food Sanitation Law notification (for food items). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between DE and JP?
Yes, DE and JP share the following trade agreements: EU-Japan EPA, WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to JP?
Japan charges 10% consumption tax on all imports. Items with duty under JPY 10,000 may be exempt. Japan Post handles last-mile delivery efficiently with SMS notifications. Customs clearance is generally fast (1-2 days). Labeling in Japanese can speed up processing. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for JP?
The de minimis threshold for JP is $67. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into JP?
VAT/GST rate: 10%. CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 8% for food and beverages (excluding alcohol and dining out).
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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