Hi, sorry if this has been answered, but I absolutely couldn’t find the exact information I am looking for.
My wife and I will soon move to Yokohama from Germany. We bring almost everything on the flight, except for one box with personal belonings that we would like to ship. Either as unaccompanied baggage or to a friend already living there.
We got a shipping quote from DHL that was cheap and seemed good (150 Euro) however I can’t figure out how to declare it regarding customs…
Do I check <Gift> and describe the contents and then pay import duties on my own stuff or can I just write personal belonings and not give any further details regarding value.
Regarding the alternative, unaccompanied baggage route I am completly lost and couldn’t find up to date information on the correct procedure.
Thank you all for your help!
4 comments
I did this with my skies! Checked gift and then wrote personal belongings on the box and “used personal boots” “used personal ski” etc. also declared approximate value (for insurance purposes). Arrived no problem and no import duties. Also shipped from Germany to Japan with dhl.
You’ll check it on [the form](https://www.customs.go.jp/kaisei/youshiki/form_C/C5360-B.pdf) under section 3, “yes, I have unaccompanied articles,” not as gift. On the back, you can just say a few items in the box, it does not have to be exhaustive, but it should match a few things of what you filled out when you sent it off. And you’ll need to fill out the customs forms twice, and keep a copy. DHL (or any shipping middleperson you choose) will need to use that extra copy to release your box from customs, you can usually just email a good photo of it.
On the form you fill out when you send your package is where you will be super specific about what is in it, like you mention in your post.
As an ex airline employee, my understanding is that household items are listed under non-commercial as Personal Effects and should not be taxed (Unless the customs find a reason to). Keep in mind that you should try to list every items in the box and its value to avoid unnecessary hassle with the customs.
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Here are some information from the Japan Customs
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/keitaibetsuso/7301_e.htm
Out of curiosity, did you check how much it would cost to bring one more luggage with you ?
For example JAL is 20 000 yen for 23kg ANA is 150 euro, so on par with the DHL quote. Not sure on what airline you would fly, buy it would be worth checking. And yes, airline usually do accept cardboard box as checked luggage.
And if it is too much to move from the airport, then you can always use luggage forward service to Yokohama.
So for about the same price you do have the option to bring it yourself and not have to worry about shipping, customs and all that stuff. Not saying it is wrong to ship it, just not the only option.