Shipping
Shipping From Japan
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Introduction
Shipping from Japan is pretty complicated since there are a lot of rules and options, but really if you only need to know a few basic things to do it properly. A vast majority of the packages will fall under a handful of options and the rest of the options are so obscure that you really don't need to spend time learning about them.
The easiest way to think about shipping is to divide all packages into two groups, small and large.
Small Packages
The smaller packages are under 2 KG (4.4 lbs) in weight and under 90 cm in total size (L+W+H). If you buy some CDs, or cartridge games, or other smaller items then you'll use one of these shipping options:
| Type | Time | Insurance? | Tracking? | Price |
| EMS | 3-5 days | Yes | Yes | High |
| Airmail Small Packet (SP) | 7-10 days | No | No | Moderate |
| SAL Small Packet (SP) | 15-21 days | No | No | Low |
The "small packet (SP)" designation is for smaller items. Therefore, "SAL" and "SAL Small Packet" are two different things. Airmail SP and SAL SP don't use labels and have no insurance. You just write the name and address right on the package and attach a small customs label.
Large Packages
Larger packages are ones that are either over 2 KG (4.4 lbs) in weight or 90 cm in size. Being over in one means you are shipping a larger package. This is what you'll use for game consoles, bundles, really anything else you buy that's bigger than the size of two shoe boxes put together. The options are:
| Type | Time | Insurance? | Tracking? | Price |
| EMS | 3-5 days | Yes | Yes | High |
| SAL | 15-21 days | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| SEA | 60-90 days | Yes | Yes | Low |
All of the options for larger packages have tracking and use a shipping label. You can only get insurance for SAL and SEA if you bring your package to a main city post office. A smaller satellite office cannot offer it.
EMS is called Global Express Mail in the US.
General Prices
Below is a chat with sample prices by weight. The prices are for a package going to the UK using an exchange rate of 100 yen/dollar.
You can also see a list of sample prices for specific items. Each console page will also have information about weight and shipping prices.
| Weight | EMS | Airmail | Airmail SP | SAL | SAL SP | SEA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 g | $18 | $25 | $10 | $27 | $6 | $18 |
| 1,000 g | $28 | $34 | $19 | $27 | $11 | $18 |
| 1,500 g | $37 | $42 | $23 | $39 | $16 | $24 |
| 2,000 g | $46 | $51 | $28 | $39 | $21 | $24 |
| 2,500 g | $54 | $59 | x | $50 | x | $29 |
| 3,000 g | $62 | $68 | x | $50 | x | $29 |
| 4,000 g | $78 | $85 | x | $62 | x | $35 |
| 5,000 g | $94 | $102 | x | $73 | x | $40 |
| 7,000 g | $123 | $132 | x | $94 | x | $51 |
| 10,000 g | $162 | $176 | x | $126 | x | $68 |
| 15,000 g | $227 | $225 | x | $161 | x | $85 |
| 20,000 g | $290 | $270 | x | $196 | x | $103 |
| 25,000 g | $357 | $320 | x | $230 | x | $120 |
| 30,000 g | $422 | $367 | x | $265 | x | $138 |
Warning
Be careful with packages near 2 KG
Since you lose the option of Small Packet for packages heavier than 2 KG and larger than 90 cm, the minimum shipping price can suddenly jump up even if you've only added a small amount of weight. Adding a few more CDs to a combined order can make this happen pretty easily. For example, to the USA:
| Weight | EMS | Air (SP) | SAL (SP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 KG | $40 | $20 | $11 |
| 2.1 KG | $47 | x | x |
Adding just 0.2 KG (less than 0.5 lbs) changes the minimum shipping from $11 to $47.
One way around this is to send items in two separate boxes with each box under 2 KG in weight. If the item is larger than 90 cm there is no way around the price. You will have to use EMS or SAL or SEA. With a low weight (2-3 KG) you won't save much with SAL or SEA.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Most of the countries in the world used what's called the Harmonized Tariff Schedule that identifies a tax identity for each item imported and exported. There are different tax numbers and customs duties are assigned to these categories.
Video games are covered in Chapter 95. The first 6 digits are identical worldwide. What follows may sometimes change for each country. If you need to know what your country classifies it as, start with 9504.00 and read from there. The full numbers listed below are for the United States.
| Video Game Console: | 9504.10.00 |
| Video Game (coin op): | 9504.30.10 |
| Video Game (pinball, bells): | 9504.30.20 |
| Video Game Parts & Accessories: | 9504.30.60 |
| Video Game (other): | 9504.90.40.00 |
| Playing Cards: | 9504.40.00.00 |
| Board Games, Mahjong: | 9504.90.60.00 |
| Laserdisc Player: | 8519.99 |
| TV: |