Sea groupage to Japan. Pay only for the space you use.
When your goods do not fill a container we ship them to Japan as groupage: they travel with other exporters' cargo and you pay only for the cubic metres they take up.
Japan, in a shared container.
Groupage (LCL, Less than Container Load) combines several shipments in the same container. We collect the goods from you or receive them at our Brescia hub, prepare them, handle export customs and deliver them to the consolidation warehouse. The main ports of arrival are Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe.
LCL consolidation
Your goods travel in a container shared with other loads: no empty space paid for, even for a few pallets or packages.
Ports of arrival
Arrival at Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe; from there delivery to the consignee or collection at the deconsolidation warehouse.
Rules on arrival
Japan applies the AFR rule: shipment data must be filed with the authorities at least 24 hours before loading. For the preferential duty, the statement on origin under the EU-Japan agreement is needed.
Export customs in-house
Export declaration under simplified procedure at our warehouses in Brescia, as an AEO operator.
Packing and ISPM 15
At our Brescia hub we check, pack and label the goods; wooden pallets and crates are treated and marked to ISPM 15.
Dangerous goods in groupage
Dangerous goods can also travel as groupage under the IMDG Code, subject to the consolidator's acceptance: we start from the safety data sheet.
See also: Shipping to Japan · Sea freight · Container guide · ISPM 15 guide · Customs · Request a quote
Other groupage countries: China · South Korea · United States · All countries
In the glossary: Groupage · LCL · FCL · Consolidator · Bill of lading · ISPM 15
Groupage to Japan, step by step.
Four steps, one contact.
Request
Weights, dimensions, number of packages and stackability: with these we calculate the chargeable volume.
Pickup and packing
Pickup at your premises or delivery to our Brescia hub, with packing if needed.
Customs and consolidation
Export declaration and delivery to the consolidation warehouse at the port.
Loading and delivery
Loading, deconsolidation at destination and delivery to the consignee in Japan.
Groupage to Japan.
How is the cost of groupage to Japan calculated?
Groupage freight is charged on weight or volume, whichever is higher under the weight/measure (W/M) rule: usually 1 cubic metre equals 1,000 kg. Consolidation charges at origin and deconsolidation charges at destination are added, and we show them in our proposal.
When is a full container better than groupage?
When the volume approaches that of a container, a full container is often cheaper and reduces handling of the goods. With the shipment dimensions we compare both options for you.
What documents are needed for groupage to Japan?
Commercial invoice, packing list with the weight and dimensions of each package and export declaration, which we prepare. Japan applies the AFR rule: shipment data must be filed with the authorities at least 24 hours before loading. For the preferential duty, the statement on origin under the EU-Japan agreement is needed.
Do you ship dangerous goods as groupage to Japan?
Yes, under the IMDG Code and subject to acceptance by the consolidator and the shipping line. We start from the safety data sheet to check class, packaging and labels. For firearms and ammunition we assess each shipment against the applicable authorisations.
