Consulting on correct destination port, reference rates, transit real-world for 5 main port pairs: HCM/HP → Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya
Response within 4 hours · Free consulting on destination port + CO form
Public market rate range for 4 container types — contact ShipAsia for accurate quote theo shipment + timing book.
Cat Lai → Tokyo Port · Transit 8-10 days · 4-5 sailings/week
Cat Lai → Osaka (near Tokyo Bay) · Transit 10-12 days · 2-3 sailings/week
Haiphong → Tokyo Port · Transit 5-7 days · 2-3 sailings/week direct
⚠️ Public market rate range late 2025-early 2026, excludes port surcharge + LSS + BAF/CAF + peak season surcharge. Rates vary by space availability, fuel fluctuation, and timing book. Contact ShipAsia to have accurate quote for shipment specific.
$358M · shrimp/squid/tuna
40'RF · Q3-Q1 · NAFIQAD + MAFF
$511M · +21.8% YoY
40'HC · Phyto + JAS + ISPM-15
~$2.5B · industrial + automation
40'GP/HC · Q1-Q3 · PSE if electrical
~$3B · spare parts + xe complete units
20'GP/40'GP · JIS strict
$4.57B · 18% trade volume
40'HC · Q2-Q3 · Form VJ optimal
Many slot agreement held by the carrier → flexible book individual space when high demand.
3-4 sailings/week direct cho HCM-Osaka/Kobe. Avoid transship via Tokyo if can.
3-4 sailings/week direct, ~2.700 nautical miles, transit shorter than HCM 2 days.
5-6 sailings/week direct for HCM-Tokyo + 4-5/week HCM-Yokohama. Tokyo Bay congestion Q4 needs book early.
Client: a company textile exporting Japan via route HCM-Tokyo.
Issue: Declare CO form AJ (AJCEP) — duty still 3-5%, while VJ (VJEPA) = 0% for together with HS code. Loses 3-5% value shipment, client Japan require reduces price to compensate.
Consulting use form VJ for cargo bilateral VN-Japan (preferential deepest). Raw materials cumulated from ASEAN use AJ; cumulated RCEP use form RCEP. Prepare set C/O via eCoSys 1-3 days in time for the vessel.
Client: a company exporting shrimp frozen to Tokyo Port.
Issue: Is MAFF inspect antibiotic residue at Tokyo, container hold 5-7 days, container storage fee + electrical reefer >$1,500. Shipment have risk is destruction if fail inspect.
Test antibiotics independent before load + Health Certificate complete + connect broker Japan quen MAFF to clear fast. Special with tuna must test additional histamine.
Client: a company exporting furniture interior to Yokohama Port.
Issue: Container wood issue current insects at port Yokohama → fumigation again at Japan $800-1,200 + delay 7 days. Other Japan complain slow delivery.
Fumigation correct standard Methyl Bromide IPPC ISPM-15 at VN before load + Phytosanitary Certificate valid from The Department of BVTV. Other tier-1 require additional FSC/PEFC.
Other Japan premium (IKEA Japan, Muji, Nitori) require certificate FSC or PEFC outside Phytosanitary + ISPM-15 basic. JAS mandatory for wood processing. Prepare from early to open door client tier-1.
Must have data logger mounted inside the container, not only record the temperature at the door. MAFF + import Japan require proof of temperature maintain throughout transit. Pre-cool 6-8h before load is mandatory.
The New Year Holiday (Jan 1-3) + Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5) → Tokyo Bay congestion 2-3 days. Recommend book in advance 3-4 weeks. Yokohama free time longer Tokyo 1-2 days, saved container storage fee.
Nagoya direct port serves region industrial Toyota + Aichi. Tokyo → Aichi trucking ~350km costs $400-600/cont. To Nagoya direct total door-to-door cheaper than Tokyo $200-400/cont.
VJEPA (bilateral VN-Japan) preferential deepest 0% for most HS textile + agricultural. AJCEP (multilateral ASEAN-Japan) usually still 3-5%. RCEP only preferential when raw materials cumulated many countries.
| Route | Cut-off SI | Transit (sea) | Total door-to-port HQ | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCM (Cat Lai) → Tokyo | Mon before 12:00 | 9-11 days | 10-12 days | 5-6 sailings/week |
| HCM → Yokohama | Mon before 12:00 | 9-11 days | 10-12 days | 4-5 sailings/week |
| HCM → Osaka/Kobe | Tue before 12:00 | 8-10 days | 9-11 days | 3-4 sailings/week |
| HP → Tokyo/Yokohama | Wed before 12:00 | 7-9 days | 8-10 days | 3-4 sailings/week |
| HCM/HP → Nagoya | flexible | 9-11 days | 10-13 days | 2-3 sailings/week |
* Nagoya suitable end customers at region Aichi/Toyota. Contact ShipAsia to confirm direct or transship for shipment specific.
80% case use form VJ (VJEPA) — 0% preferential deepest for cargo bilateral VN-Japan.
Form AJ (AJCEP) and RCEP only preferential more than when raw materials cumulated from many countries ASEAN/RCEP and not enough RVC from specific VN. ShipAsia support prepare set C/O via eCoSys 1-3 days, send version original DHL in time for the vessel.
To Osaka/Kobe direct much cheaper vs Tokyo + inland trucking Japan. Trucking Tokyo→Osaka ~500km costs $400-600/cont.
To Osaka direct total cost usually cheaper than $300-500/cont 40′. Similar client Aichi/Nagoya should to Nagoya direct, client Fukuoka/Kyushu should to Hakata.
Have. Japan inspect antibiotic residue, heavy metals, histamine (tuna) very strict. Container can held 5-7 days fee $1,500+ if fail.
Recommend: (1) test independent before exporting, (2) Health Certificate NAFIQAD + MAFF registration, (3) data logger inside the container proof of temperature, (4) business with broker Japan quen MAFF to clear fast.
Longer distance (~3,500 nautical miles vs ~2,000 nautical miles), Tokyo Bay congestion higher than Busan, port charges Japan more expensive than.
Rates HCM-Tokyo usually higher than HCM-Busan 20-30% for together with container type (e.g. 40’HC: $800-1,400 vs $650-1,100). Tuy natural with customers late at Tokyo Bay, to Tokyo direct still total door-to-door cheaper than to Busan + trucking 800km.
4 steps to prepare:
ShipAsia connect broker Japan quen Customs to clear container fast, avoid fumigation again at Yokohama ($800-1,200 + 7 days delay).
Get a quote within 4 hours + consulting exempt fee port destination suitable + CO form VJ complete
View rate details, transit time, cut-off and Top 3 industry for each pairs port (4 pairs)
