Overview of Importing Casting Parts from China to Japan
As today’s global supply chain continues to optimize, China has seized market share in various industries with efficient production efficiency, high-quality casting products quality and preferential prices. Especially in the casting industry, China has a great advantage in the price of metal raw materials.
Furthermore, it has strong price competitiveness in the international market, which also makes many countries actively import casting parts and products from China. Through this article, we will completely show you how to import casting products from China to Japan.
The Background
Through the introduction of advanced casting technology and independent technological innovation, Chinese foundry companies have greatly improved the quality of casting parts, reaching or even exceeding international standards. Japan benefits from its geographical advantage. Importing high-quality casting products from China not only ensures a stable and high-quality source of goods, but also reduces logistics and transportation costs.
Types of Casting Parts Commonly Imported from China
Since Japan’s industrial characteristics and needs are diversified, the application of imported casting products is summarized below based on the material classification of different casting products.
Stainless Steel Casting Parts
Stainless steel castings are widely used in Japan’s automotive automation industry and construction industry. The corrosion resistance, stainless steel and high strength of stainless steel are obtained by the wide range of applications in automobile parts. In Japan’s infrastructure construction, stainless steel castings are also supplied to bridge beams, tunnel supports and other fields, ensuring the long-term stability of the project.
Gray Iron Casting Parts
Gray iron castings are mainly used in Japan’s municipal industry, construction industry and automobile manufacturing industry. In the municipal industry, the casting properties of gray iron allow the production of components such as complex-shaped pipe connections and valves that meet the stringent requirements of municipal water supply and drainage.
In the construction industry, gray iron castings are used as supporting components in building structures, such as beam-column connectors, etc. Their high strength can provide solid support. In the automotive industry, gray iron castings are often used in the manufacture of engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankcases and other components. Its high strength and wear resistance can withstand high temperature and high pressure working environments while effectively reducing noise and vibration.
Ductile Iron Casting Parts
Japanese ductile iron castings are imported to a certain extent in China. Common models include FCD500, FCD400, FCD350, etc.
Ductile iron castings have a wide range of applications in Japan. In terms of pressure pipes and accessories, it is adopted by many industrial countries due to its excellent pressure resistance and construction convenience. In the automotive field, it is often used to manufacture motor parts, gears, bushing parts, brakes and special equipment parts for the automotive industry. In terms of agricultural machinery, because it can meet the long-life requirements of agricultural machinery, it is often used in the manufacture of related components.
Top Casting Parts in Demand
Japan imports many types of castings from China. Among them, Dawang Metals’s factory in Dandong has exported construction machinery castings to Japan. There are also machine tool castings.
Some Chinese casting companies have successfully entered the Japanese market by continuously improving product quality and technical level. While meeting the domestic demand of the market, my country’s foundry companies actively expand overseas markets and continuously enhance the competition and influence of my country’s foundry industry in the international market.
Key Considerations before Importing
Law
The customs declaration of Japanese imported castings requires the preparation of commercial contracts, packing lists, commercial related documents, customs declaration and inspection authorization, quarantine certificates, import and export rights, certificates of origin and other information, and the name, quantity, packaging, weight and volume of the goods should be prepared.
Japan import die casting products must also do pre-shipment inspection and quarantine, in addition to the second-hand mold import customs inspection rate is higher, in view of the price problem, it is recommended to prepare the purchase list, payment certificate and other can prove the value of the information.
Tax and Duty
The tariff rate for imported castings in Japan ranges from 0% to 30%, with an average rate of 4.49%. However, with the exception of CIF, certain duties are levied in different units of measurement. For example, “a tax rate of 30% or 4,300 yen per pair, the higher of the two,” or a certain amount of yen per unit weight.
Industrial Standard
Japan’s industrial standards mainly refer to Japanese industrial specifications (JIS), while China’s industrial standards are often referred to as China’s national standards (GB). In the field of mechanical specialties, such as materials, there is a certain difference between Japanese industrial specifications (JIS) and Chinese national standards (GB).
In terms of material classification, China’s national standard (GB) divides steel into low carbon steel (carbon content less than 0.25%), medium carbon steel (carbon content 0.36%-0.6%), high carbon steel (carbon content 0.6%-1.3%) and so on. According to the Japanese industrial specifications (JIS), steel is divided into special very mild steel (carbon content less than 0.08%), very mild steel (carbon content less than 0.08%-0.12%), mild steel (carbon content less than 0.12%-0.2%), semi-mild steel (carbon content less than 0.2%-0.3%), semi-hard steel (carbon content less than 0.2%-0.3%) 0.3% – 0.4%), hard steel (carbon content less than 0.4% – 0.5%), the hardest steel (carbon content less than 0.5% – 0.6%), high carbon steel (carbon content less than 0.8% – 0.16%).
Transportation
For large parcels weighing 22kg and above, the special line sea express is very convenient. The price of sea transportation is relatively low, which can meet the demand for space for the transportation of large goods. And China and Japan across the sea, shipping conditions are superior, the overall signing time is usually 7-10 days, in the case of good climate conditions, the signing time may be further shortened.
China’s main export ports to Japan are Dalian Port, Qingdao Port, Tianjin port, Shanghai port. The main Japanese ports are Nagoya Port, Yokohama port, Osaka port, Tokyo port.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Casting Parts from China
Step 1: Research and Analyze Market Needs
Forecast domestic market demand, evaluate casting quality, and analyze costs, including transportation and tariffs. Assess supplier reliability, including production and delivery capabilities, and review trade relationships and policies to ensure smooth imports.
Step 2: Find Reliable Suppliers
Use online platforms, industry associations, exhibitions, and tools like JETRO’s B2B platform to find reliable suppliers. Conduct factory audits and background checks to ensure their production capabilities meet your needs.
Step 3: Evaluate Supplier’s Sample Testing
Test samples from suppliers to meet strict Japanese standards, including material composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional accuracy. Japanese experts may inspect the production process to ensure quality control.
Step 4: Negotiate Contract Terms and Prices
Negotiate payment methods, such as letters of credit or TT, and choose delivery terms like FOB or CIF based on costs, risks, and trade practices.
Step 5: Develop Production Plan
Ensure smooth coordination by establishing communication channels to share detailed information on order requirements, production capacity, and raw material supply.
Step 6: Schedule Quality Inspection
Conduct thorough quality inspections during production and before shipment, often involving third-party inspectors to ensure all standards are met.
Step 7: Logistics and Transportation
Prioritize timely, safe, and cost-effective logistics, using sea transportation for large items and air transport for high-value, time-sensitive castings.
Step 8: Handle Export and Import Customs Clearance Formalities
Use import agencies to handle customs clearance, ensuring all necessary documents, such as contracts, invoices, and certificates, are in order.
Step 9: Excise Taxes and Duties
Calculate consumption tax, typically 10%, based on the price of metal castings, and account for any local taxes that may apply.
Step 10: Final Delivery and Inspection
Conduct a comprehensive inspection upon arrival in Japan, checking for defects and ensuring all dimensions and appearance meet the required standards.
Step 11: After-Sales Service and Continued Cooperation
Maintain strong after-sales service and evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery time, and service to foster long-term cooperation.
