A closer look at Shopify’s multi-currency features in Canada
This article will go over how the multi-currency payments system works, how to set it up, and how you can use it with Wise to grow your business
Your guide to shipping products from Japan to Canada
You can reach new customers and grow your business on a global scale by shipping goods to Canada from Japan.
We’ve created a guide to shipping products from Japan to Canada, including essential know-how, restrictions and some of the best delivery companies.
We’ll also take a look at how to use Wise to save on all your international shipments!
What is the essential know-how on exporting goods from Japan to Canada?
There are a few things to think about before importing goods from Japan to Canada.
You need to declare your export to Japan’s Director-General of Customs®, including the quantity, type, and value of your products. You’ll also need an export permit to send your shipment.¹
You may need to pay goods and services tax (GST) for your shipment to Canada. The government charges this at 5% on most goods, but exempts some products, including prescription drugs and medical devices.
The Canada Border Services Agency® (CBSA) may also charge excise duty for certain goods, such as tobacco or alcohol – and the value of your goods can determine the cost of your shipment.²
What are the essential requirements for shipping goods from Japan to Canada?
It’s important to properly pack and label your shipment. As well as detailing the type and value of your goods, certain products may have specific requirements.
For example, you’ll need to specify the end-use of food products or plants when filling out your customs declaration form. You’ll also need to get an export and import certificate for commercial quantities of food.³
You’ll need a few key documents to ship your goods from Japan, including:
- export declaration (customs form C-5010)
- invoice
- any necessary certifications or permits¹
The CBSA also requires some documentation and information for imports, such as:
- your import/export business number and you can get this from the Canada Revenue Agency®
- verification of whether your goods are controlled, regulated or prohibited
- your shipping method
- a 10-digit tariff classification number
- certificates of origin⁴
The exact documents you need to provide may depend on the products you’re shipping and how you decide to send your goods.
Are there any restrictions on shipping goods from Japan to Canada?
You face some restrictions on what you can and cannot export from Japan..⁵
If you’re sending food to Canada, you’ll need to get a Safe Food for Canadians® (SFC) licence before importing your goods. If you don’t acquire this licence, your shipment may be refused entry.⁶
What are the typical costs of shipping goods from Japan to Canada?
A few factors can affect the cost of your shipment from Japan to Canada, including:
- weight of goods
- size and shape of goods
- air, sea, or land freight
- insurance
- customs duty and import tax
If you’re paying for your shipment in Japanese yen (JPY), you’ll also need to look into currency conversion costs.
Many banks tend to charge an exchange rate fee when sending money abroad – and these costs can add up!
You’ll also need to think about intermediary bank fees for international payments in the SWIFT network, especially if you’re sending regular shipments overseas for your business.
How to reduce costs on transactions between Japan and Canada
You can save money on foreign transactions with Wise.
You could use Wise’s multi currency business account to make stress-free payments between CAD and JPY, including multi-currency solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Use Wise Business to:
- send secure batch payments and automatic invoices
- pay for your shipping with a transparent fee structure
- hold money in CAD, JPY, USD, GBP, EUR and many other currencies
Whether you’re paying for a shipment from Japan or sending money to the US, a multi-currency account can help you save on currency conversion.
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for all foreign transactions. This is the ‘real’ exchange rate you’ll typically see on Google® – no markups or nasty hidden fees.
You can even use Wise to easily save your recipient’s details and avoid unexpected fees charged by intermediary banks. Get everything you need for full peace of mind!
Get your Wise business account in a few clicks
Shipping companies for exporting from Japan to Canada
Let’s take a look at some of the best Japanese shipping companies for exporting goods to Canada.
NYK Line
NYK Line® is an air cargo specialist, providing bulk shipping, liner and logistics services for companies shipping to and from Japan.
Founded in 1885, the service caters to a range of industries, including automotive, energy and real estate. NYK Line is committed to sustainability, helping to develop renewable energy-related businesses.⁸
Yusen Logistics
Yusen Logistics® is a popular shipping company if you want to send goods from Japan to Canada.
The company provides a range of shipping services, best recommended for industries like aerospace, food, retail, automotive, healthcare and technology.⁹
You can find Yusen Logistics locations across Canada and Japan. Let’s take a closer look at the services they provide in Canadian and Japanese cities.
| Country | City | Services accessible |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Tokyo |
|
| Saitama |
| |
| Chitose |
| |
| Niigata |
| |
| Yamagata |
| |
| Chiba |
| |
| Akita |
| |
| Kumamoto |
| |
| Takamatsu |
| |
| Hiroshima |
| |
| Okayama |
| |
| Sukagawa |
| |
| Toyama |
| |
| Komatsu |
| |
| Nagano |
| |
| Chuo |
| |
| Tsukuba |
| |
| Ota |
| |
| Utsunomiya |
| |
| Natori |
| |
| Kobe-city |
| |
| Yokohama |
| |
| Kyoto |
| |
| Osaka |
| |
| Shizuoka |
| |
| Yokkaichi |
| |
| Matsuyama |
| |
| Fukuoka |
| |
| Chiryu |
| |
| Nagoya |
| |
| Canada | Toronto |
|
| Vancouver |
| |
| Montreal |
|
You can send your goods by charter, air, and sea or air and truck. Let’s take a look at how long it’ll take to ship your products to Canada by air with Yusen Logistics.
| Service | Lead time |
|---|---|
| Express | 1 to 2 days |
| Standard | 3 to 5 days |
| Economy | 5 to 7 days⁹ |
Yusen Logistics can help you meet any specific requirements for your shipment. For example, you can send perishable goods or sensitive equipment abroad.⁹
Mitsui O.S.K. Line
Mitsui O.S.K Line® (MOL) is a multi-modal transport group that provides a range of freight services, including:
- air and ocean freight forwarding
- trucking
- customs clearance
- warehousing¹¹
You can access MOL’s services across the globe, with 247 locations in 26 countries.¹¹ Depending on the service you require, you can reach out to them via the contact page on their website.
Essential local know-how when shipping from Japan to Canada
You’ll need to look into any potential issues or delays before sending your cargo to Canada. For example, your shipping service may not deliver on public holidays or weekends.
Canada celebrates various public holidays each year, like New Year’s Day and Canada Day. Regional holidays can also affect your delivery time. For example, Québec celebrates Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in June.
Conclusion
Sending shipments overseas can be a complicated process. However, there are a few ways to make it a little easier for you and your business.
By choosing a reputable delivery provider and understanding your costs and fees, you can make the shipping process as smooth as possible.
To start saving on shipments to Canada, check out Wise.
Sources
- Japan Customs
- CBSA
- Japan Post
- CBSA
- Japan Customs
- CBSA
- NYK Line
- NYK Line
- Yusen Logistics
- Yusen Logistics
- Mitsui O.S.K Line
Sources verified on 17 June 2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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