Table of Contents
With Japan’s growing e-commerce market, Amazon warehouse China to Japan shipping has become a crucial logistics solution for global sellers. Many Amazon FBA sellers are sourcing products from China and delivering directly to Japan’s fulfillment centers to reduce costs and improve speed.
However, the process involves more than just booking a shipment. You need to consider shipping methods, cost, transit time, customs clearance, and FBA compliance. This guide will help you understand the entire process step by step — making it faster and more profitable.
Why Ship from China to Amazon Japan Warehouses?
Shipping directly from Chinese suppliers to Amazon FBA Japan can save both time and money. It eliminates the need for middlemen, reduces storage costs, and speeds up inventory restocking.
Main Advantages:
- ✅ Lower freight costs compared to shipping via third countries
- ✅ Faster delivery with reliable air and sea routes
- ✅ Simplified logistics and customs handling
- ✅ Better inventory management for FBA sellers
- ✅ Increased profit margins due to reduced overhead
In addition, Japan has one of the most efficient customs systems in Asia, making FBA delivery smoother than in many other countries.
How Amazon FBA Works in Japan
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows sellers to store their inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Once products are received, Amazon handles storage, picking, packing, and delivery to customers.
For international sellers sourcing from China, the process typically follows this path:
- Manufacturer or supplier in China prepares the products.
- Cargo is shipped to Japan via air or sea freight.
- The shipment goes through Japanese customs clearance.
- Goods are delivered to the designated Amazon warehouse (FBA center).
- Amazon takes care of domestic delivery to customers.
Therefore, choosing the right shipping method and forwarder is critical for efficiency and compliance.
Main Amazon FBA Warehouses in Japan
| Warehouse Code | Location | Region | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRT1 | Chiba | Kanto (Tokyo area) | Largest hub with excellent connectivity |
| KIX1 | Osaka | Kansai | Strong link to central & western Japan |
| HND1 | Tokyo | Kanto | Close to major airports and sea ports |
| FUK1 | Fukuoka | Kyushu | Ideal for southern distribution |
| NRT2 | Chiba | Kanto | High capacity and automation |
Shipping Methods from China to Amazon Japan Warehouses
Choosing the right shipping method depends on your cargo size, delivery urgency, and budget.
| Method | Transit Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 3–7 days | $$ | Urgent, small to medium shipments |
| Express Courier | 2–5 days | $$$ | Small parcels & sample shipments |
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | 7–15 days | $ | Bulk or large volume shipments |
| Rail + Truck (Hybrid) | 10–18 days | $$ | Cost–time balance shipments |
For most Amazon FBA sellers, air freight and sea freight are the preferred methods. Air freight offers faster delivery, while sea freight is more economical for larger orders.
Air Freight vs Sea Freight: Which is Better?
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 3–7 days | 7–15 days |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Volume | Best for smaller loads | Best for large shipments |
| Reliability | Very reliable | Stable but weather dependent |
| Amazon FBA Compatibility | Excellent | Excellent |
Transit Time from China to Japan (Port & Airport Comparison)
Transit time depends on the route and transportation method.
| Origin (China) | Destination (Japan) | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | Tokyo (NRT) | 3–5 days | 8–12 days |
| Shenzhen (SZX) | Osaka (KIX) | 4–6 days | 9–13 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Fukuoka (FUK) | 3–6 days | 8–14 days |
| Ningbo | Chiba | 4–7 days | 10–15 days |
Note: These timelines include customs clearance and FBA appointment scheduling.
Customs Clearance: What You Should Know
Shipping to Amazon Japan warehouses involves two customs processes — export clearance in China and import clearance in Japan.
Export Documentation in China:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Export Declaration
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Import Documentation in Japan:
- Invoice & Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Import Declaration
- HS Code Classification
- FBA shipment ID / delivery booking
Working with an experienced freight forwarder ensures that your documents are prepared correctly and your shipment doesn’t get delayed.
FBA Delivery Appointment and Labeling
Unlike regular deliveries, Amazon FBA shipments require appointments for warehouse delivery.
Key steps:
- Create an FBA shipment plan in Seller Central.
- Generate FBA labels and carton markings.
- Book an appointment with Amazon Japan’s inbound team.
- Ensure on-time delivery within the scheduled slot.
Labeling Tips:
- All cartons must have FBA shipment labels.
- Carton information must match the FBA plan.
- Pallet shipments must follow Amazon packaging guidelines.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to rejection at the FBA warehouse.
Cost Structure: Shipping to Amazon Japan Warehouses
The total shipping cost depends on multiple factors such as weight, volume, route, and method.
| Cost Component | Air Freight (USD) | Sea Freight (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Cost | $3 – $8 / kg | $100 – $300 / CBM |
| Customs & Documentation | $50 – $150 | $50 – $150 |
| FBA Delivery | $0.3 – $0.8 / kg | $100 – $250 / shipment |
| Insurance (Optional) | 1–2% cargo value | 1–2% cargo value |
Sea freight offers the best cost advantage for larger shipments, while air freight is preferred for urgent stock replenishment.
How Top China Forwarder Supports FBA Shipping
At Top China Forwarder, we specialize in Amazon warehouse shipping from China to Japan with:
- ✅ Competitive air and sea freight rates
- ✅ One-stop customs clearance service
- ✅ Professional labeling and repackaging support
- ✅ Direct FBA delivery to Amazon warehouses
- ✅ Real-time shipment tracking and updates
With years of FBA experience, we help sellers save costs and deliver inventory to Amazon faster.
Conclusion
Amazon warehouse China to Japan shipping can be fast, affordable, and reliable with the right logistics partner. By choosing the best shipping method, preparing documents correctly, and scheduling FBA appointments properly, you can avoid delays and keep your business running smoothly.
Top China Forwarder offers one-stop solutions for FBA sellers — from supplier pickup to Amazon warehouse delivery.
Need a quote?
Ready to get started? Contact us now to request a free shipping quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does shipping from China to Amazon Japan take?
Transit time is usually 3–15 days depending on air or sea freight.
Q2: Which Japanese Amazon FBA warehouses are best for China shipments?
Chiba (NRT1, NRT2) and Osaka (KIX1) are the most common entry points.
Q3: Can I ship small parcels to Amazon Japan?
Yes, express and air freight are ideal for small or urgent shipments.
Q4: What documents are required for customs?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, and import declaration.
Q5: Can freight forwarders handle labeling?
Yes, professional forwarders like Top China Forwarder can label and prepare goods for Amazon FBA.