Guide to shipping from Thailand to Japan

Shipping from Thailand to Japan offers Thai businesses a significant opportunity to access a stable and robust market. As of early 2025, the strong trade links between the two nations continue to underscore the potential for Thai businesses to expand their customer base. For instance, in February 2025, Japan recorded exports worth ¥340 billion to Thailand and imported goods valued at ¥312 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of ¥28.3 billion. Compared to the same month in 2024, Japan’s exports to Thailand rose by ¥19.6 billion (6.12%), while imports from Thailand grew by ¥6 billion (1.96%).¹ Japan's strong economy, high consumer purchasing power, and appreciation for unique Thai products make it a lucrative market for many businesses looking to export to Japan.

This potential is further enhanced by favourable trade agreements. The Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) aims to eliminate tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade, offering an even more enticing prospect for Thai businesses. A new certificate of origin data exchange system under JTEPA is set to launch in 2025 to increase the convenience of traders and facilitate trade between both countries.²

Additionally, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), part of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further reduces trade barriers and fosters economic cooperation, including digital and green initiatives crucial for modern shipping. These agreements pave the way for Thai businesses to effectively penetrate the Japanese market.

Identifying the size and diversity of Japan’s market 

Japan’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by high internet penetration and widespread smartphone usage. In 2024, the market reached USD 258.0 billion and is projected by IMARC Group to hit USD 692.8 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.02%.³ Similarly, Statista forecasts Japan's ecommerce revenue to reach US$190.53 billion in 2025, with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 8.05%, reaching US$259.68 billion by 2029.⁴

This strong upward trend highlights Japan’s readiness to embrace digital shopping, positioning it as a prime market for international online sellers. For Thai businesses—whether offering traditional crafts, Naraya bags, or electronics—Japan’s evolving e-commerce space presents a golden opportunity to boost visibility and sales.

Latest trends in Japan's e-commerce landscape:

• Mobile Commerce (M-commerce) Dominance: A very high percentage of online transactions (often cited as over 70%) occur via mobile devices, underscoring the need for mobile-optimized platforms.
• Social Commerce Growth: Platforms like Instagram, LINE (though LINE Pay services in Japan are set to terminate by April 2025, with balances transferable to PayPay)⁵, and TikTok are increasingly becoming direct shopping destinations. Social commerce sales are projected to grow significantly, potentially exceeding US$25 billion in 2025.
• Omnichannel Experiences: Japanese consumers value seamless integration between online and offline shopping (e.g., Buy Online, Pickup In-Store - BOPIS).
• Rise of AI and Personalization: AI-driven recommendations, chatbots, and personalized marketing are crucial for engaging Japanese consumers.
• Contactless and Diverse Payments: While credit cards remain popular (around 63% of online purchases), digital wallets (like PayPay, Rakuten Pay), QR code payments, and even convenience store (konbini) payments for online orders are widely used. The government aims to increase cashless transactions significantly.
• Cross-Border E-commerce: Japanese consumers are increasingly purchasing from international retailers, particularly seeking unique items, luxury brands, and health supplements.
• Sustainability Focus: There's a growing consumer interest in eco-friendly, ethically sourced products and sustainable packaging.
• Live Shopping and AR/VR: Live streaming commerce and the use of Augmented Reality (AR) for virtual try-ons or product visualization are gaining traction to enhance the online experience.
• Subscription Models: Subscription services for various goods (digital content, beauty boxes, meal deliveries) continue to expand.

This dynamic e-commerce landscape creates an ideal environment for Thai sellers looking to expand their reach through online sales. The thriving Japanese e-commerce market offers Thai businesses a lucrative platform to increase their visibility and sales.

Understanding Japan's consumers

For Thai businesses looking to successfully export to Japan, gaining an in-depth understanding of the Japanese consumer is crucial. They are known for their high expectations regarding product quality, innovative features, unique offerings, and exceptional customer service, including detailed product information and meticulous packaging.

Several Thai export sectors have successfully aligned with these demands, achieving consistent growth in the Japanese market. Based on recent trade data from 2023 and early 2025 from OEC World, the top-performing Thai exports to Japan include:

• Food products (Other prepared meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, sugar, tapioca products)
• Automotive parts and accessories
• Machinery and electrical equipment
• Rubber and rubber products
• Chemical products
• Apparel and textiles
• Gems and jewellery

In February 2025, Thailand’s leading exports to Japan included:

• Other prepared meat (¥16.8B)
• Motor vehicle parts & accessories (¥13.5B)
• Telephones (¥13.4B)

Japan’s top exports to Thailand in the same period included:

• Commodities not elsewhere specified (¥31.8B)
• Motor vehicle parts & accessories (¥22.4B)
• Integrated circuits (¥14.4B)

Moreover, Thai seafood, furniture, clothing and textiles, and gems and jewellery sectors have made significant inroads into the Japanese market. As reported by The Nation, unique Thai products such as fresh bananas and their processed products are also making waves, projected to generate up to 1.07 billion baht in revenue.

In addition, the popularity of Thai souvenirs in Japan, including items like Naraya bags, dried mango, herbal inhalers, and silver accessories, offers further insights into Japanese consumer preferences. Understanding these trends can guide Thai sellers in strategising their market entry and product offerings. By focusing on major import sectors in Japan and aligning their products accordingly, Thai businesses can maximise their export potential to Japan. 

By identifying key trends and aligning with Japan’s top import sectors, businesses can tap into opportunities for shipping popular Thai products overseas. 

Ready to explore your shipping options from Thailand to Japan? Calculate your shipping costs with DHL Express now!

Shipping to Japan: Things Thai exporters need to know

Understanding Japan's international shipping regulations and processes is paramount when sending packages from Thailand to Japan. This involves grasping Japan's de minimis value, knowledge of restricted or prohibited items, compliance with customs rules, and a clear idea of how cross-border sales tax operates. Additionally, specific criteria must be met when shipping goods into Japan.

Customs clearance in Japan

Familiarising yourself with local customs clearance processes and regulations in Japan is essential. This includes understanding which products require additional certificates or import licenses. It's also important to remember that customs regulations may vary from those applicable for shipping from Japan to other countries.

1. Restricted and prohibited imports

Before shipping to Japan, ensure your packages contain goods that are not prohibited or restricted for import. Prohibited items may be confiscated or returned, while restricted items might require special licenses or permits. Here are some categories of items and their associated shipping regulations according to the Trade Gov:

Remember that the importer’s full name, contact number, and address are mandatory per Japan Customs regulations. Insufficient information can lead to clearance delays. Private shipments will require not only a declaration but customs inspection as well before delivery to the receiver.

2. Essential shipping documents required

Understanding Japan's shipping regulations is more than knowing what you can or can't import. When shipping from Thailand to Japan, you’ll also have to prepare the following documents:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading or air waybill (AWB)
• The certificate of origin (applicable for a WTO rate)
• Generalised system of preferences, certificates of origin (if preferential rates apply)
• Packing lists, freight accounts, insurance certificates
• Licenses and certificates required by laws and regulations other than the Customs Law (when the import of certain goods is restricted)
• Statement on reductions of, or exemption from customs duties and excise tax (if applicable)
• Customs duty payment slips (when goods are dutiable)

Proper documentation is just one part of successful shipping. Ensuring your items are well-prepared and correctly labeled is equally important—refer to a detailed packing guide for international shipping to avoid delays or damage during transit.

Ship and Export to Japan with DHL Express Today

Building reliable local business partnerships is a crucial step. This might involve distributors, delivery agents, or inventory managers. A strong local network and understanding of Japan's intricate market dynamics, like those offered by DHL Express, can significantly bolster your business prospects and simplify your international shipping needs.

DHL Express is ideal for Thai businesses seeking to streamline their shipping process to Japan. With DHL Express, customs clearance preparation and goods declarations are handled on your behalf, helping your shipments move seamlessly through customs, minimizing delays and unexpected costs.

DHL Express offers an expansive network spanning over 220 countries and territories, including comprehensive coverage in Japan, along with easy-to-use international door-to-door shipping solutions. Benefit from rapid transit times, often including next-day delivery options from Thailand to Japan, robust tracking tools like MyDHL+, and flexible On-Demand Delivery (ODD) options for your customers.

Ready to simplify your exports and delight your Japanese customers? Calculate your shipping costs & ship with DHL Express today!