Sea freight (LCL or FCL) is usually the most economical option, especially for heavy or bulky shipments. Use the Instant Quote Tool to compare sea vs air side by side.

Select UK → Japan, optionally enter your UK collection postcode, then add the weight and dimensions. You do not need a Japanese address just to see prices.

No. A Japanese address is only required at booking time. For pricing, we just need route (UK → Japan), pallet size, and weight.

Prices depend on the pallet’s weight/volume, service type (air or sea), and whether you choose door or port delivery. The Instant Quote Tool shows live rates for your exact shipment.

Yes. Japan → UK rates depend on origin region, local handling costs, and chosen mode (air/sea). Use the quote tool with Japan as the collection country, or contact us for a tailored import quote.

Yes, provided your weight, dimensions, and shipment details are accurate. Extra charges only apply if under-declared, incorrect, or if there are failed collections/deliveries.

Often yes. Combining pallets into one shipment or container usually lowers the average cost per pallet.

• Air freight: typically 3–6 working days to major cities • Sea freight: several weeks, depending on route and port, plus clearance and inland delivery Exact ETAs are displayed beside each service in the quote tool.

Yes. You can send small parcels, single pallets, multi-pallet shipments, and container loads through the same online booking system.

Yes. Around major Japanese holidays (New Year, Golden Week, Obon) and global peak seasons, air capacity and sea space can tighten. Booking early helps secure better rates and schedules.

Use a strong pallet, stack evenly, secure with straps, and shrink-wrap from base to top. Label at least three sides and the top. Fragile items need additional cushioning and protection. See How to Pack a Pallet.

Yes. Wooden pallets and wood packaging for Japan must comply with ISPM-15 (heat-treated and marked). Non-compliant pallets may cause delays or re-palletisation.

Yes. Plastic pallets are acceptable, provided they are strong, stable, and suitable for mechanical handling.

Yes, within carrier and container limits. Oversized or overhanging pallets must be accurately measured and declared in the quote tool so they can be priced correctly.

We accept standard UK (120×100 cm) and Euro (120×80 cm) pallets, as well as custom sizes, provided they fit within aircraft or container dimensions.

Weight limits vary by service, but most routes allow up to ~1,000–1,200 kg per pallet. Pallets over ~750 kg require forklifts at both collection and delivery points.

For lighter pallets, tail-lift vehicles and pump trucks are often enough. For heavier or oversized pallets, a forklift may be required.

Yes, as long as they are professionally packed with internal cushioning, corner protection, and secure wrapping. Insurance is strongly recommended for fragile or high-value goods.

Yes. Items like engines and gearboxes must be fully drained of fluids, cleaned, and firmly secured to the pallet.

At minimum: clear address labels, contact numbers, and any required handling marks (e.g., “FRAGILE” or “THIS WAY UP”). For certain goods, Japanese labelling requirements may also apply; your importer can advise if needed.

Japan restricts or prohibits items such as narcotics, firearms, explosives, certain agricultural products, endangered species products, and some chemicals. Always check our Prohibited & Restricted Items list before booking.

Some shelf-stable, packaged foods may be allowed, but Japan has strict sanitary and import regulations. Meat, dairy, and many fresh foods are heavily restricted. Check requirements before shipping.

Yes, but lithium batteries and battery-powered devices must follow strict UN, IATA, and carrier rules. MSDS and correct packaging/labelling are required.

Some dangerous goods can be shipped under DG rules (air/sea), subject to carrier approval. See Hazardous Goods (ADR) and contact us before booking.

Alcohol is highly regulated and may require special licences and duties. We generally do not carry consumer alcohol via standard pallet services; ask us if you have a specific use-case.

Yes, but personal effects often face stricter scrutiny, and import rules depend on residency status and declarations. Insurance cover on used personal goods is limited.

Some medicines and cosmetics are tightly controlled in Japan and may require local approvals or import licences. Contact us before shipping these items.

In many cases, yes, but sensitive items (cultural artifacts, protected species products) may require export licences or be restricted. Always check compliance before sending.

They may be seized, returned, or destroyed by customs, and additional costs may apply. Always declare accurately and check restrictions in advance.

Normally: a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, HS codes, and full shipper/consignee details. Proforma Invoices are used for personal/non-commercial shipments.

Yes. A UK EORI number is required for export declarations.

Japan applies customs duties and consumption tax (similar to VAT) based on HS code, value, and origin. Some goods benefit from reduced tariffs under trade agreements.

Yes, if your goods meet rules-of-origin requirements. Under CEPA and CPTPP, many UK-origin goods can be imported with reduced or zero tariffs, subject to correct declarations and documentation.

The most common Incoterm is DAP (Delivered at Place), where the buyer pays duties and taxes at the destination. Always confirm Incoterms with your consignee before booking. See our Incoterms 2020 guide.

HS codes classify goods for customs. They determine duty, tax, and regulatory requirements. Use the UK Trade Tariff or our tools to classify correctly.

Most commercial imports require a local customs broker or import agent. For many services, our carrier network coordinates with brokers, but your consignee must be prepared to act as Importer of Record.

The IOR is the entity in Japan responsible for customs clearance, duties, taxes, and compliance.

Certain categories (food, chemicals, medical devices, telecoms, etc.) may need extra permits or approvals. Always check before shipping regulated goods.

Provide complete and accurate documentation, correct HS codes, realistic values, and clear product descriptions. Respond quickly if customs or the broker asks for more information.

Yes. A local contact and telephone number for the consignee helps delivery and customs communication and is often required.

Yes. You can add extra insurance during booking for goods valued up to a specified limit (e.g. £50,000).

Yes. Higher-value consignments can be insured via a manual quote. Our team typically responds within 15–20 minutes with cover options.

Usually not. Many insurers restrict or exclude used personal items; cover may be limited. Ask us if uncertain.

Loss or damage in transit for professionally packed goods, subject to policy terms. Exclusions include poor packing, inherent vice, and prohibited goods. See Pallet Insurance.

Yes, but it’s limited under international conventions (e.g., by weight), and often much lower than your goods’ actual value.

Note issues on the delivery receipt, take photos, keep packing materials, and notify us immediately. Then follow the steps in our Claims Process guide.

We collect from all UK postcodes, including mainland and islands, subject to vehicle access.

Yes. We cover Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe, Fukuoka, and most other commercial regions. Very remote or island locations may need extra time or cost.

Most services focus on business addresses. Some courier-based options can serve residential addresses, but extra charges and requirements may apply.

Yes, as long as they accept third-party freight and you provide all required booking references and slot details.

Yes. We can collect from multiple UK suppliers and consolidate pallets into a single air or sea shipment to one consignee in Japan.

Subject to service availability, yes. We can import into the UK and then redistribute pallets to multiple UK locations.

Yes. Major holidays (New Year, Golden Week, Obon) can reduce capacity and slow clearance and delivery. Booking in advance around those dates is strongly recommended.

The carrier will follow local procedures (re-attempt, depot hold, etc.). Storage or re-delivery charges may apply.

We offer air freight (express/economy), sea freight (LCL/FCL), pallet delivery, parcels, and containerised solutions for both exports and imports.

Yes. Most services include online tracking for key milestones such as collection, departure, arrival, customs clearance, and final delivery.

Choose air for urgent, high-value, or time-critical goods. Choose sea for heavy, bulky, or non-urgent freight where cost is the main priority. Our International Shipping Guide can help.

We use a mix of premium couriers and freight lines (e.g. DHL, FedEx, UPS and major ocean carriers) via our partner network. The exact carrier depends on your route and service.

Yes. We support both FCL and LCL shipments. We can advise whether FCL or LCL is more economical based on your cargo volume.

Use the Instant Quote Tool to compare air and sea prices, then follow the steps to book, upload documents, and arrange collection. Our team is available if you need help at any stage.