How to make a packing list for your international move from Japan. Packing list is a kind of shipping document in which the contents are described with declared value and quantity. You must indicate the contents in each package. They are needed whether you are shipping personal goods or commercial cargo from Japan. If you are moving from Tokyo or a nearby area and using the services of some international movers in Tokyo who offers the services of packing, they may make the list for you but if you pack yourself, then you will be responsible for packing the packing list. 1) Descriptions that are too general are not accepted. Obviously what you are shipping are personal effects. So, descriptions that are too general such as personal effects, household goods or furniture are not acceptable. If, for example, you are shipping from Japan Japanese customs would expect you to say what kind of furniture you are shipping. Therefore, you much give descriptions such as chest of drawers, tables or chairs. 2) You must declare some value. Some people may say these are just used personal goods or household furniture and have only sentimental value to them and try to declare zero yen or write “no value declared� but these are not accepted by the customs either. Some small values can be good. Declare some small value for each item. 3) Packing list are used for various purposes. They are used for customs clearance in Japan and at the country of destinations. Be sure to send them to your customs broker who will custom clear your shipment. It will be used at the time of insurance claim as well.
Here is a sample packing list which you may find useful: