Forwarding from Japan to Hong Kong: Fees, Customs & Restricted Items

Shipping Options from Japan to Hong Kong

DHL Japan to Hong Kong

DHL Express offers expedited shipping from Japan to Hong Kong, typically delivering within the next day or 1-2 business days, ideal for urgent shipments. For example, shipping a standard 0.5kg A4 document starts at approximately 7,873 JPY, equivalent to about 414 HKD. The service includes full tracking with MyDHL+, allowing you to monitor your package’s status online, along with professional customs clearance support and receiver-paid options for added convenience, especially for business clients. DHL clients also benefit from exclusive discounts and import express arrangements. 

DHL is particularly suitable for urgent items, important documents, sensitive or high-value goods, and even offers Saturday delivery to meet flexible needs. For B2B customers, DHL’s advantages include expert assistance with customs clearance, Breakbulk consolidated clearance services, and discounted rates based on bulk agreements, effectively reducing operational costs.

DHL Express Commerce integrates with platforms like Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and eBay, enabling bulk order management, one-click generation of shipping and customs documents, and real-time tracking and cost estimation, delivering an efficient logistics experience for businesses.

Don’t miss this dynamic market! Open a DHL Express business account now to streamline imports from Japan to Hong Kong and expand to more international markets. We’ll help you reach new customers and confidently grow your global business.

Japan Post to Hong Kong

Japan Post offers multiple shipping options from Japan to Hong Kong, each varying in cost and delivery time, allowing flexibility based on your budget and needs. For the fastest option, EMS is the go-to option. For a 0.5kg document, the cost is around 1,900 JPY, with delivery to Hong Kong expected in about 3 days.

If budget is a priority but speed is still desired, airmail is a cost-effective alternative, costing approximately 770 JPY for the same weight, though delivery is slightly slower than EMS, making it suitable for non-urgent documents or small items. For senders with no time constraints and seeking the lowest cost, surface mail (sea or land transport) is the most economical option at around 790 JPY, but it requires patience, as delivery may take about a month, ideal for larger or non-urgent items.

Notes on Specific Items Forwarding

When shipping specific items from Japan to Hong Kong, you must comply with relevant regulations to avoid legal issues or shipment delays. Items like perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and electronics are subject to strict restrictions due to their special components or structure, requiring advance documentation or appropriate shipping methods.

Shipping Perfume from Japan to Hong Kong

Most perfumes contain alcohol, classifying them as flammable hazardous goods, and are generally not accepted for shipping from Japan to Hong Kong. For commercial trade purposes, strict import procedures must be followed, such as submitting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and obtaining approval, which is highly challenging and not recommended. For personal shipments, consider alternative legal channels or purchasing directly in Hong Kong to avoid the risk of returns.

Shipping Medicine from Japan to Hong Kong

Products containing medicinal ingredients, such as Western or Chinese medicines, eye drops, or anti-inflammatory creams, are fully restricted and typically not accepted by DHL. Some health supplements or vitamins may be permissible if unopened with complete ingredient labels, but it’s strongly advised to consult DHL customer service beforehand to confirm the latest regulations and avoid returns or seizures.

For DHL registered WMX shippers, prescription drugs, medical devices, or biological samples may be allowed, but both sender and recipient must complete qualification reviews and strictly adhere to import/export regulations, which can be a complex process.

Shipping Electronics from Japan to Hong Kong

Electronic products containing lithium batteries (such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras) must comply with international safety standards (such as UN38.3 certification), with strict requirements for certain models/categories.

Courier declarations must include detailed product information, such as brand and model, functions, and factory certificates (some high-end or bulk shipments may require them).

What you need before importing

Identify your products and suppliers

When sourcing from Japan, clear communication, patience, and a willingness to understand local business etiquette can go a long way in overcoming language barriers and cultural differences.

Start by clarifying what Japanese goods you want to import and who you’ll source it from. B2B platforms like Alibaba Japan and JETRO, can connect you with pre-vetted manufacturers and wholesalers. However importers should still look for suppliers with verified trade history and certifications. 

Many Japanese brands, such as Shiseido, also work with authorised export partners, which are often listed on their corporate websites under international sales or global distributor sections. In addition to mainstream products, Japan’s rich tradition of craftsmanship offers unique handmade goods and artisanal items that are highly sought after for their quality and cultural value.

. To build closer relationships, trade fairs are great for networking and product discovery, while also providing an opportunity to meet suppliers in person, inspect samples, and negotiate better terms.

Events like Tokyo International Gift Show and FOODEX Japan draw thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world, offering a direct line to manufacturers across industries—from lifestyle goods and textiles to food, beauty, and electronics.

For regulated items like supplements or beauty products, it’s especially important to work with licensed suppliers. This ensures that what you import is legally manufactured, properly labeled in both English and Chinese where required, and compliant with Hong Kong’s import regulations.

Understand import documentation

To keep your shipment on track, ensure you have all the required paperwork. Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of customs delays. Something easily avoided with a bit of preparation. 

Essential documents for international shipping from Japan to Hong Kong include:

• Commercial invoice
• Airway bill (AWB)
• Packing list

If you're unsure about the process, DHL Express offers support with preparing and verifying documents, minimising delays, and ensuring that customs clearance is smooth.

Ensure product compliance

Certain product categories, like food items, cosmetics, and electronics, may require licences or certifications before entering Hong Kong. Importers must check with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department to confirm any specific requirements.

Failing to comply can cause delays or lead to penalties during import clearance. Proactive compliance is key, and working with a reliable international trade logistics partner like DHL Express helps you stay ahead by identifying regulated items, reviewing documentation, and flagging potential issues before your shipment even leaves Japan..

Customs duties and taxes when importing to Hong Kong

Is there import duty on Japanese goods?

Hong Kong operates as a free port, meaning most goods are duty-free. That said, exceptions apply. Items like tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol are subject to duties and must follow the correct import procedure.

Even if your goods are exempt from duties, you still need to provide accurate documentation and make a proper declaration to customs as part of the import clearance procedure.

Declare correctly to avoid delays

Be meticulous when declaring your shipment. Undervaluing goods or misclassifying items can result in customs holds or financial penalties.

To avoid complications, ensure that your commercial invoice reflects the true transaction value, includes a clear and specific item description, and uses the correct Harmonised System (HS) code. 

Keep in mind that customs authorities may request additional documentation to verify the shipment’s contents, so it's best to be as transparent and precise as possible from the outset.

Shipping options from Japan to Hong Kong

Packaging and handling tips

When importing fragile or sensitive items such as electronics, ceramics or bottled goods, protective, well-structured packaging is essential to prevent damage in transit. Use cushioning materials like bubble wrap, foam inserts or molded pulp to absorb impact, and seal everything in durable, double-walled outer boxes that can handle the rigours of shipping.

For more valuable shipments it is worth considering using two different types of inner packaging material. If you have an odd-size shipment, you should opt for a box that fits your item comfortably while leaving room for inner packing material.

At the same time, sustainability is becoming just as important as protection in logistics. Where possible, consider eco-friendly alternatives such as recyclable corrugated cardboard, cornstarch packing peanuts or PHA plastics. These materials are gaining traction in logistics for offering reliable performance while helping to reduce environmental impact.

Start importing from Japan with DHL Express

Japanese goods have long held a special place in the hearts—and carts—of Hong Kong consumers. For import businesses, this presents a compelling opportunity: tap into a market that already understands the value of Japanese craftsmanship and is willing to pay a premium for authenticity and quality.

But capitalising on this demand takes more than just sourcing the right products. As we've explored, successful international shipping hinges on choosing credible suppliers, preparing the correct documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and navigating customs with care. The process may be straightforward, but precision at every stage makes all the difference.

Our knowledge of import regulations in Hong Kong means we can flag potential compliance issues before your shipment even leaves Japan—whether it’s a food item needing proper shelf-life documentation or an electronic device that must meet safety certification standards.

We also support importers with tailored documentation review, pre-clearance checks, and commodity code classification to ensure accurate declarations. With a dedicated team familiar with the nuances of both Japanese export processes and Hong Kong’s import clearance procedures, we help businesses avoid costly delays and streamline every step of the shipping journey.