Shipping
Available Shipping Methods
CDJapan offers seven different types of shipping methods listed below.
| Shipping Method |
Average |
Online Tracking |
Insured |
Signature |
Max Dimensions |
| FedEx
International Priority |
1-3 days |
|
Yes |
Required |
Up to 20kg |
| Express
Mail Service (EMS) |
3-6 days |
|
Yes |
Required |
Up to 20kg |
| Registered
Air Mail |
4-12 days |
|
Yes |
Required |
Width + Height + Depth = 900mm
Up to 2kg (Up to 5kg for printed matters) |
| Air Mail |
4-12 days |
None |
No |
None |
Width + Height + Depth = 900mm
Up to 2kg (Up to 5kg for printed matters) |
| Registered SAL |
1-3 weeks |
|
Yes |
Required |
Width + Height + Depth = 900mm
Up to 2kg (Up to 5kg for printed matters) |
| SAL |
1-3 weeks |
None |
No |
None |
Width + Height + Depth = 900mm
Up to 2kg (Up to 5kg for printed matters) |
| SAL
Parcel Post |
1-3 weeks |
|
Yes |
Required |
Up to 20kg |
Important Notification About Dimensional Weight
Starting from January 23, 2012, dimensional weight applies when shipping charge is determined for orders including external bonus posters. It applies only to orders only when a poster is included. It no longer applies once posters are no longer available, and it definitely won't affect regular orders that do not include any poster to begin with.
When dimensional weight is applied, the shipping charge increases approximately in the range of 200yen and 300yen in most cases, but it varies widely depending on the shipping method, the country where the order is sent, as well as on how many items are included in the order.
CDJapan has always been happy to send first press bonus posters without charging customers anything extra for them, and we would like to continue to do so. However, as posters are included with an increasingly large number of new releases, we needed to make this modification to prevent customer costs in general to rise.
Normally, we use compact packaging materials when sending regular sized CDs and DVDs as pictured below.
However, to send a first press bonus poster together with the product, we must use a large box as pictured below.
Both the post office and FedEx determine their postage based on the total weight of the package. So, sending a poster affects the postage because large box weighs significantly more compared to regular packaging materials.
Additionally, FedEx applies dimensional weight for sending large packages, which adds significant amount of extra weight when they determine the shipping charge. So, dimensional weight results in greater amount increase with FedEx in most cases.
The icon below is shown on the product page to warn customers when dimensional weight applies. It disappears as soon as the external poster it no longer available.
If you prefer not to have any poster included with your order, please select Envelope Option under the Shipping Address Gift Options step during the checkout.
Shipping FAQ
Q: How much is the shipping charge?
A: It depends on the shipping method you choose.
To calculate the shipping charge for any item or combination of items, use the
Shipping Charge Calculator in shopping cart in following steps.
- Add items to shopping cart
- Select your country under the Shipping
Charge Calculator
- Click on the Calculate button
Q: When will you ship my order?
A: We ship an order as soon as all items included become available. So, if your order includes an item that's going to be released on a future date, your order will be shipped when that item is released. At the checkout, our website shows an option to group items by release dates, or to send items separately if your order includes items with different release dates. Select the option that's most suitable for your preference. Please note that it is not possible to include an item if the release date is more than 60 days apart from the rest of your order, because it is not practically possible to store items for a prolonged period of time until the order becomes available for shipment.
Q: Can I edit my shipment?
A: Yes, if the payment method is credit card, because we won't finalize credit card payments until after shipping the orders. To move items to another order, or to send an item separately, sign in your Customer Account and click on the order you'd like to edit in your Order History. In the details page, click on the
Move items to another shipment button. To combine orders, select all items and move them all to another order.
To change your shipping address or the shipping method, please contact us by email (
info@cdjapan.co.jp).
*Please note that it is not possible to modify your order if it results in any change in the total amount, if the payment method is PayPal. This is because PayPal payments are finalized at the time when you place your order, and it is not possible to modify the amounts. The only practical solution is to cancel your orders and place them again after we process refunds.
Q: My order hasn't arrived. How long will it take?
A: Depending on how congested the customs office or the post office are, it may take some extra time for your package to arrive. In general, it is not unusual for it to take
up to 8 weeks for Air Mail and up to 12 weeks for SAL. Based of our experience, congestion at the customs office is the most prevalent cause of the delay, especially in Europe and South America.
Visit
Japan Post's News page for information on known delays and conditions that are officially made available.
If you experience any delay, please contact us by email. We will request Japan Post to make inquiries from our end. However, please note that it won't be possible to do so if you contact us more than 2 months after your order was shipped. So, please allow about 3-4 weeks and then contact us by email (info@cdjapan.co.jp) if it still doesn't arrive.
Q: Why did my shipping charge change?
A: We tried to avoid that by covering extra costs on our end, as much as possible. However, the post office and FedEx determine the postage primarily based on the total weight of the package while accurate weight and dimensions of items do not become available until they are actually available physically. So, in case the difference proves to be too great, we will update the shipping charge and then contact you by email for your approval before proceeding to ship your order. Please note that if we do not hear from you in one week after we contact you, we will send your order to prevent delays.
FedEx International Priority
FedEx International Priority is the fastest shipping method that CDJapan offers. With FedEx International Priority, you can send packages across the world to over 220 countries and territories. Moreover, FedEx provides an online tracking service, so you can easily keep track of the package status any time at your finger tips. FedEx offers a top quality, reliable service and the rates available to CDJapan customers represent great value for money.
- Tracking Number will become available when your order is shipped, and it will be included in the shipping confirmation email sent to you automatically.
- FedEx is not an available option in Russia, Philippines, and Brazil due to a lot of customs issues experienced by many of our customers.
- Delivery cannot be made to a P.O. Box.
- Delivery cannot be made to a US military base (APO or FPO).
Important Notes About Customs Fees
In order to speed up the customs clearance, FedEx normally pays the customs fees upfront on your behalf, and then collect it from you when they deliver your package. If you refuse to accept the delivery of your order for any reason, they are not able to get reimbursed from your government for the amount they paid upfront, and these fees will be billed on us, along with the return postage. If that happens, the amount we will be able to reimburse you is:
Item Price Subtotal - Customs Fees - Return Postage. Make sure to read about
Customs Duties and Import VAT.
EMS (Express Mail Service)
EMS (Express Mail Service) is the fasted service provided by post office,
and it is available in many countries as
listed in this page. In some countries, courier consigned by the post
office may carry out the actual delivery. For example, they are delivered
by Chronopost in France and by Parcel Force in the UK.
- Tracking Number will become available when your order
is shipped, and it will be included with the shipping confirmation email
you receive automatically
Air Mail
Air Mail is a standard shipping method provided by post office, and it is available for sending packages all over the world.
Registered Air Mail
We also offer registered service for customers who prefer more reliable delivery for an additional fee of 410yen. Average delivery time is same as regular Air Mail, but your signature will be required for delivery, offering more assurance.
- Registered Air Mail Label Number will become available when your order is shipped, and it will be included with the shipping confirmation email you receive automatically.
- Max Dimensions for Air Mail: Width + Height + Depth = 900mm
- Max Weight for Air Mail: 2Kg (5Kg for orders consisting only of printed matters, including books and calendars)
- When we actually package your order and it exceeds the max dimensions or max weight for Air Mail, the shipping method will need to be changed to EMS or FedEx. If that happens, we will contact you by email for your approval before actually shipping your order and charge you for it.
SAL (Surface Air Lift)
SAL (Surface Air Lift) is an economical shipping method provided by post
office, available in many countries as
listed on this page.
Registered SAL
We also offer registered service for customers who prefer more reliable delivery for an additional fee of 410yen. Average delivery time is same as regular SAL, but your signature will be required for delivery, offering more assurance.
- Packages sent by SAL are forwarded through a combination of air and surface to make the economic shipping charge possible. Post office forwards a SAL cargo once it is full. So, depending on the timing and situation, it may take a lot of extra time for the package to arrive.
- Max Dimensions for SAL: Width + Height + Depth = 900mm
- Max Weight for SAL: 2Kg (5Kg for orders consisting only of printed matters, including books and calendars)
- When we actually package your order and it exceeds the max dimensions or max weigh for SAL, the shipping method will need to be changed to EMS or FedEx. If that happens, we will contact you by email for your approval before actually shipping your order and charge you for it.
SAL Parcel Post
SAL Parcel Post is a suitable shipping method offered by the post office in many
countries as listed on this page for sending large orders if you are not in a hurry enough to select EMS or FedEx. Unlike regular Air Mail and SAL, there are no dimensional or weight restrictions. So, it is possible to send anything available at CDJapan using this shipping method. Also, online tracking is available for SAL Parcel Post and your signature will be required.
In summary, it is an alternative to EMS and FedEx, if you do not prefer them for cost reasons or for any other reason.
On the other hand, it is more expensive compared to Air Mail and SAL. In terms of average delivery time and how the post office handles them, it is essentially the same as the Registered SAL. So, wherever Air Mail and SAL are available, this shipping method does not appear as an option. This shipping method appears as one of the shipping methods only when your order exceeds the dimensional or weight restrictions for Air Mail and SAL.
*
Tracking Number will become available when your order is shipped, and it will be included with the shipping confirmation email you receive automatically.
Shipping within Japan (Yamato Courier Service)
We use Yamato Courier Service for sending packages domestically within Japan for a flat shipping charge of 399yen.
Average delivery time is 1-2 days, and your signature is required for delivery.
Shipping Charge
Calculate shipping charges for any item or combination of items using the
Shipping Charge Calculator in
How to Use Shipping Charge Calculator
- Add items to shopping cart
- Select your country under Shipping Charge Calculator
- Click on the Calculate button
Shipping Within Japan
We use
Yamato Courier Service for sending packages domestically
within Japan for a flat shipping charge of
399yen.
How CDJapan Shipping Charges are Determined
Post Office determines shipping charges based on the package
weight. Similarly, our shipping charge is determined based on the weight of
the order in two steps as listed below.
Step 1: Calculate Order Weight
When determining the shipping charge, our website calculates the weight of
the order first, based on the item weight, quantity of items, and the package
weight.
Order Weight = Item Weight + Package Weight
Item Weight for each item is listed on the item details view page.
Regular CD: 120g
Regular DVD: 130g
Cardboard Sleeve CD: 80g
Package Weight is 33g per order and it increases by between 30 and 50g per
each additional item, depending on the size of items.
Notes:
- If more than one disc is included with a CD, the weight of that CD
increases by 80g per each additional disc. Similarly DVD increases
by 100g per each additional disc, and cardboard sleeve CD increases
by 40g.
- Our website list above weights by default. The actual weight of
the item will be different. If more accurate details about
weight are available, then we list them instead.
- For collectibles and apparels, we list approximate weights
based on information provided by suppliers or past data of
similar products.
- Most of the time, the actual weight of items won' t become
available until the item actually comes in. In some cases,
the shipping charge may be subject to an update at the time of shipping.
When that happens, we will contact you by email for your approval before
proceeding to ship your order and charge you for it.
Step 2: Determine Shipping Charges Corresponding to Order Weight
Once the order weight is calculated, our website determines the shipping
charge based on the tables listed below.
Online Tracking
FedEx Tracking
EMS Tracking
Tracking number is confirmed at the time your order becomes available for shipping, and we'll include in the shipping confirmation email we send right after your order is shipped.
- It may take 1-2 days before the EMS online tracking number becomes active on the Japan Post website. Until then, it may say "The EMS item number was not found. Please check the item number once again." Once your package enters your country, it will be possible to track it also with the post office/courier in your country.
- Tracking numbers aren't provided for packages sent by Air Mail and SAL. Online tracking is possible only with FedEx and EMS.
Shipping Restrictions
In order to ensure that customer orders are packaged properly,
and to prevent shipping problems, items may have shipping
restrictions as detailed below.
:
This icon is displayed for items that may be ordered only one at a time on its own.
Types of items listed below may have this restriction.
- Items that are too large to be sent more than one at a time,
or together with any other item
- Items that take more than a month to be manufactured
It is not possible to order more than one of them, order them together
with any other item, or to combine orders including them.
:
This icon is displayed for items that may not be ordered together with different types
of items due to how orders are processed. It is OK to order more than one of them at the
same time and together with same types of items, but please order them separately from
any other types of items.
:
This icon is displayed for items that may be shipped only by FedEx or EMS.
Types of items listed below may have this restriction.
- Items that are known to exceed size limits for Air Mail and
SAL (Max Dimensions: Width + Weight + Depth = 900mm)
- Cool Japan Now items that cost 20,000yen or more
- Fragile Items
It is not possible to send items to countries where EMS is not available
if this icon is displayed. Please also note that an order needs to be sent by
FedEx or EMS if the package exceeds weight limits (Max Weight: 2Kg)
for Air Mail and SAL, even if this icon is not displayed for items individually.
Prohibited Items and Export Restrictions
: This icon is displayed for items that are known to be prohibited in specific countries,
and it is not possible to send them to those countries.
Some types of items available at CDJapan may be prohibited in some countries.
Before placing your order, please make sure that items you plan to order are lawful in
the country where you plan to send your order to.
Whenever possible, we identify items that are prohibited in specific countries and prevent them to be exported to those countries as listed below.
| Prohibited Items | Countries |
|---|
| Imitation Katana | Korea, United Kingdom |
| Footwear | United States of America |
| Some Food products | Germany / United States of America |
Even if they are not prohibited, there may be customs restrictions for some items.
For example, green tea may have problems clearing customs inspection in some countries,
including United States. Our website does not have any restrictions for these items.
In case you have any problem receiving your order due to customs restrictions,
please contact CDJapan Customer Support by email for cancellation.
Undeliverable Packages
Sometimes, packages are returned to us by post office as undeliverable.
This means either the shipping address was incorrect, attempts by the local
post office/courier to deliver the package failed, the package was
unclaimed, the recipient did not pay customs tax, or the package was
refused by the recipient.
We refund only the item price subtotal when an order is returned to us as
undeliverable. In case the payment method of the order is either International
Postal Money Order or Cash, the item price subtotal will be added as Frequent
Shopper Points on your Customer Account.
Items that have been returned to us as undeliverable will be restocked
immediately, and we are not able to ship them again. If you would still
like to purchase the items, please place your order online again.
We send shipping confirmation e-mails upon shipping orders. It mentions the
span of time estimated for delivery. If you do not receive your package
within the span of time, please call your local depot/post office to see if
they might be holding the package for you. In case you are absent at the
time of delivery, the package may be taken back to the depot/post office
until you claim it. Sometimes
a note with contact information will be left in your absence, but
occasionally the postal service/courier may simply repeat attempts to
deliver the package without leaving any note to make you aware that
attempts have been made.
Important Notes About FedEx
In order to speed up the customs clearance, FedEx normally pays the customs fees upfront on your behalf, and then collect it from you when they deliver your package. If you refuse to accept the delivery of your order for any reason, they are not able to get reimbursed from your government for the amount they paid upfront, and these fees will be billed on us, along with the return postage. If that happens, the amount we will be able to reimburse you is:
Item Price Subtotal - Customs Fees - Return Postage. Make sure to read about
Customs Duties and Import VAT for details.
Shipping to APO/FPO Address
If your shipping address is an APO/FPO address (US military base), please
either select Registered Air Mail, Air Mail, or SAL as shipping method of
your order. EMS parcels can not be delivered into US military bases. Also,
there may be restrictions on types of items that can be delivered into the
military bases. Before placing your order, please make sure that the items
included in the order are not restricted or prohibited.
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