Do you offer support for countries other than Japan and Hawaii / U.S.?

While we have experience exporting/importing with other countries, we currently limit our support exclusively to trade between Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland. Our philosophy is to provide deep, specialized services rather than broad, superficial ones.

Can you ship packages under 100 kg?

Yes, but both air and ocean freight have minimum charges. Since 100 kg generally falls below this threshold, it is often more cost-effective to use individual parcel delivery services for lighter shipments. However, we are happy to assist with any volume, so please feel free to contact us.

What is a U.S. Agent?

To sell food in Hawaii (U.S.), you must comply with FDA regulations to import the products. One requirement is having a "U.S. Agent"—a designated contact person residing in the U.S. to handle communications and resolve any issues that arise. If you use our services, we will act as your U.S. Agent. The FDA also has other requirements, such as Food Facility Registration and ingredient/labeling compliance.

Can you tell me the total estimated cost?

Providing an exact total upfront is difficult. Freight rates and fuel surcharges fluctuate monthly, and minor details vary depending on whether the shipment is from Japan to Hawaii (U.S.) or vice versa. Therefore, we secure three quotes per project and provide you with a detailed breakdown so you can review the total cost before proceeding. However, the final amount is usually close to expectations, and we can provide rough estimates during our initial meeting.

How much are the tariffs and consumption taxes?

Tariff rates are meticulously categorized for each specific product. Finding the exact classification for your product can be very difficult, so please leave that to us. We will investigate and provide the specific tariff rates during our consultation. Consumption tax is generally 10% (unless a reduced tax rate applies) calculated on the total value of the product price plus shipping costs.

Can you declare a lower value than the actual price?

We fully understand the desire to reduce high tariffs and taxes. However, declaring a value lower than the actual price is "undervaluation" and constitutes tax evasion. Therefore, we strictly decline such requests. We will, however, do everything possible to help you cut costs by finding the most affordable shipping options.

Import & Export Support - HiJapan | Japan-Hawaii Business Expansion, Global eCommerce & Trade Support

About Import & Export Support

Securing overseas sales channels is just the beginning; without a system for continuous transactions, you risk shrinking margins and one-off contract terminations.
As active players in international trade, we leverage our deep expertise to select cost-effective services and navigate complex procedures.
We offer optimal solutions and fully delegated import / export support at highly competitive prices, comprehensively managing trade regulations, local currency payments, multilingual dispute resolution, and customs returns.

Services

Consultation

Hearing your product requirements
Researching import and export details
Document and procedure guidance

Shipping Arrangements

Arranging air and ocean freight
Arranging domestic cargo delivery
Broker selection and declarations

Import & Export Procedures

FDA-related application proxies
Customs and legal documents
Broker selection and clearance

Import & Export Support Fees

HiJapan’s Fees

Note: We obtain three quotes for each vendor and allow you to choose. Fees apply equally to shipments bound for Japan or Hawaii (U.S.). FDA registration and a U.S. Agent are only required when exporting food from Japan to Hawaii (U.S.).

Air / Ocean Freight Rates

Weight (KG / LB)	Air Freight	Ocean (LCL)	Ocean (20ft)	Ocean (40ft)
100 kg / 220.3 lb	$250	$200	–	–
200 kg / 440.5 lb	$500	$400	–	–
300 kg / 660.8 lb	$750	$600	–	–
400 kg / 881.1 lb	$1,000	$800	–	–
500 kg / 1101.3 lb	$1,250	$1,000	–	–
1000 kg / 2202.6 lb	$2,500	$2,000	–	–
2000 kg / 4405.3 lb	$5,000	$4,000	$4,000	–
3000 kg / 6607.9 lb	–	–	$4,000	–
4000 kg / 8810.6 lb	–	–	$4,000	–
5000 kg / 11013.2 lb	–	–	$5,000	–
6000 kg / 13215.9 lb	–	–	$6,000	$4,800
7000 kg / 15418.5 lb	–	–	–	$4,800
8000 kg / 17621.1 lb	–	–	–	$4,800
9000 kg / 19823.8 lb	–	–	–	$5,400
10000 kg / 22026.4 lb	–	–	–	$6,000
Rate Calculation	$2.5 / kg	$2 / kg	$1 / kg (Flat up to 4000kg)	$0.6 / kg (Flat up to 8000kg)

Note: These are estimated figures based on past freight rates. Final figures will be determined by obtaining three quotes. Additional expenses, such as various overheads and whether the base is weight or volume, will add approximately 50% to 75% to the final actual freight cost.

Domestic Delivery Rates

Japan

Type	~15km	~20km	~25km	~30km	~40km	~50km	50km~
Light Truck (350kg)	6,000 JPY	6,825 JPY	7,650 JPY	8,475 JPY	10,125 JPY	11,775 JPY	11,775 JPY＋165 JPY/km
2-Ton Truck (2000kg)	20,000 JPY	20,825 JPY	21,650 JPY	22,475 JPY	24,125 JPY	25,775 JPY	25,775 JPY＋165 JPY/km
4-Ton Truck (4000kg)	26,000 JPY	26,825 JPY	27,650 JPY	28,475 JPY	30,125 JPY	31,775 JPY	31,775 JPY＋165 JPY/km
Drayage (20ft)	29,000 JPY	29,000 JPY	29,000 JPY	29,000 JPY	29,000 JPY	–	–
Drayage (40ft)	38,000 JPY	38,000 JPY	38,000 JPY	38,000 JPY	38,000 JPY	–	–

Note: Loading/unloading fees may apply for trucks depending on the situation, and are strictly required for drayage (approx. 25,000 to 80,000 JPY).

Hawaii (U.S.)

Type	Rate
Cargo Van (equiv. Light to 1-Ton Truck)	$80 – $120 / hour charter
Box Truck (equiv. 2 to 4-Ton Truck)	$100 – $150 / hour charter
Drayage (Standard for 20ft / 40ft)	$400 – $600 / shipment

Note: If loading/unloading for drayage exceeds 2 hours, an additional $100 to $150 per hour will be charged.

Customs Brokerage Fees

Note: In addition to the above, import storage fees (free for approx. 3 days for air freight and 1 week for ocean freight), customs inspection fees, tariffs, and consumption taxes will be billed at actual cost.

Import & Export Support Process

Consultation and Procedure Guidance

We will ask for details about the products you wish to import or export.

As shipping methods and necessary procedures vary by product, we will provide you with specific guidance.
Initiating Import / Export Support

We will request quotes from candidate vendors for international transport, domestic delivery, and customs clearance between Japan and the U.S.

If you are exporting food from Japan to Hawaii (U.S.), we will also handle FDA registration and U.S. Agent procedures.
Document Preparation

We will prepare all documentation required for international shipping.

Depending on the product, we may need your cooperation to provide documents such as an “Ingredient List” or “Manufacturing Process Chart.”
Product Transportation

Once documents and products are ready, international transport will commence.

Upon arrival at the bonded area of the destination airport or port, we will process the customs clearance.
Product Arrival

Upon receiving import clearance, a domestic carrier will transport the goods.

Please receive your products at your designated delivery address.

Our Strengths

Consistently Securing Fair Prices

There are countless options for shipping methods and procedures.
While prices sometimes remain the same across vendors, they can also vary by two to three times.
The optimal shipping method differs for each project—shipping costs may be determined by volume rather than weight, and vendors have different areas of expertise.
We always obtain quotes from three companies for every request, thoroughly comparing service quality, speed, and pricing to present you with the best proposal.

Over 10 Years of Import / Export Experience

As a trading company connecting Japan and Hawaii, we routinely handle our own import/export operations.
Because of this hands-on experience, we can preemptively prevent common issues, such as goods being held at customs incurring exorbitant storage fees, or imports being rejected due to incomplete ingredient lists or manufacturing process charts required for food inspections.
We also offer flexible support for customs-related procedures, including FDA registration, U.S. Agent applications, and advance consultations.

Import / Export Support FAQs

Q Do you offer support for countries other than Japan and Hawaii / U.S.?: A

While we have experience exporting/importing with other countries, we currently limit our support exclusively to trade between Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland. Our philosophy is to provide deep, specialized services rather than broad, superficial ones.

Q Can you ship packages under 100 kg?: A

Yes, but both air and ocean freight have minimum charges. Since 100 kg generally falls below this threshold, it is often more cost-effective to use individual parcel delivery services for lighter shipments. However, we are happy to assist with any volume, so please feel free to contact us.

Q What is a U.S. Agent?: A

To sell food in Hawaii (U.S.), you must comply with FDA regulations to import the products. One requirement is having a “U.S. Agent”—a designated contact person residing in the U.S. to handle communications and resolve any issues that arise. If you use our services, we will act as your U.S. Agent. The FDA also has other requirements, such as Food Facility Registration and ingredient/labeling compliance.

Q Can you tell me the total estimated cost?: A

Providing an exact total upfront is difficult. Freight rates and fuel surcharges fluctuate monthly, and minor details vary depending on whether the shipment is from Japan to Hawaii (U.S.) or vice versa. Therefore, we secure three quotes per project and provide you with a detailed breakdown so you can review the total cost before proceeding. However, the final amount is usually close to expectations, and we can provide rough estimates during our initial meeting.

Q How much are the tariffs and consumption taxes?: A

Tariff rates are meticulously categorized for each specific product. Finding the exact classification for your product can be very difficult, so please leave that to us. We will investigate and provide the specific tariff rates during our consultation. Consumption tax is generally 10% (unless a reduced tax rate applies) calculated on the total value of the product price plus shipping costs.

Q Can you declare a lower value than the actual price?: A

We fully understand the desire to reduce high tariffs and taxes. However, declaring a value lower than the actual price is “undervaluation” and constitutes tax evasion. Therefore, we strictly decline such requests. We will, however, do everything possible to help you cut costs by finding the most affordable shipping options.

Import & Export Support