Transport is usually the second-largest cost in an import after the product itself, and the choice between air and sea shapes lead times, cash flow and packaging. Fujisan works with DHL and specialised forwarders on both modes and chooses with the maker for each product.
From Tokyo or Osaka to Milan Malpensa or Zürich, air freight takes a few days door to door including customs. It suits samples, launches, high-value and light products, chilled goods and urgent reorders. Costs are calculated on the greater of actual and volumetric weight, so dense, compact packaging matters. Express services such as DHL Express add door-to-door customs handling and tracking, which simplifies the maker's side considerably.
A container from Japan to the port of Genova, about three hours from Lugano, takes several weeks. Sea is unbeatable on cost for volume: pallets of shelf-stable food, beverages, ceramics or textiles. Less-than-container-load consolidation lets a maker ship a few pallets without filling a container. Reefer containers are available for temperature-controlled products.
Goods are insured for the international leg under the terms agreed in the Incoterm. The forwarder issues the air waybill or bill of lading; the maker provides the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. Fujisan tracks every shipment and informs the maker at each milestone.
Have a product for this market? Send us a short presentation. We reply within a few working days with a first assessment, in English or Japanese.
Contact FujisanThis guide is general information prepared by Fujisan Sagl and is not legal advice. Regulations change; we verify the applicable requirements for each product before import.
