Japan
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Kumamoto
Kumamoto has become a major semiconductor production location with new chip fabs.
Services in Kumamoto
- Air freight in KumamotoAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in KumamotoFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in KumamotoImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Kumamoto
- AirportKumamoto
KMJ - AirportFukuoka
FUK - SeaportHakata and Yatsushiro
Kumamoto's airport is Aso Kumamoto Airport (KMJ), east of the city near the semiconductor cluster in Kikuyo and Ozu. It mainly serves domestic flights and a small number of international routes, so most international air freight for Kumamoto moves via Fukuoka Airport (FUK) or is connected through Tokyo or Osaka. For sea freight, Hakata Port in Fukuoka is the main container gateway, while Yatsushiro Port and Kumamoto Port on the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas serve regional and bulk traffic. We plan routings for Kumamoto shippers around the airports and ports that best fit each consignment.
The Kyushu Expressway links Kumamoto with Fukuoka to the north and Kagoshima to the south, giving direct road access to Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Port. The Kyushu Shinkansen runs parallel. Local roads connect the expressway with the industrial parks around Kikuyo, Ozu and Koshi east of the city, where most semiconductor-related sites are located.
Industries in Kumamoto and how we support them
Kumamoto Prefecture has become one of Japan's most important semiconductor locations. A new contract chip fab of a Taiwanese foundry joint venture started production in Kikuyo in 2024, next to existing image sensor production and semiconductor equipment manufacturing, and many material and equipment suppliers have followed. The area also hosts motorcycle production and electronics. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with On-Board Courier and Next Flight Out for fab equipment spare parts, air freight under our own air waybills via FUK and the Tokyo hubs, sea freight via Hakata, and customs clearance through our Japanese network partner team.
Operational logistics facts for Kumamoto
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Kikuyo and Ozu semiconductor cluster | Chip fabs, image sensors, equipment and materials suppliers | Pick-up and delivery directly at fab and supplier sites |
| Aso Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) | Domestic connections, small urgent consignments | Airport located close to the semiconductor cluster |
| Fukuoka Airport (FUK) | International air cargo for Kyushu | Reached via the Kyushu Expressway for international departures |
| Hakata Port and Yatsushiro Port | Containers via Hakata, regional cargo via Yatsushiro | Sea freight options for heavy equipment and materials |
Customs clearance in Japan
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Japan is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Japan we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Japan need an importer code registered in NACCS (recommended) and, for some goods, product-specific notifications.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do you use for urgent shipments from Kumamoto?
For international shipments we usually truck cargo to Fukuoka Airport (FUK) or connect via Tokyo or Osaka, because Aso Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) has limited international cargo connections. For hand-carried On-Board Courier shipments, KMJ can be used with domestic connections. We confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Can you deliver fab equipment spare parts directly to plants in Kikuyo?
Yes. We arrange delivery to the gate of fabs and supplier sites in Kikuyo, Ozu, Koshi and the wider Kumamoto area. For production-critical parts, Next Flight Out or an On-Board Courier keeps transit as short as the flight schedule allows.
Can sensitive wafers or materials be shipped by air from Kumamoto?
Yes. We plan packaging, handling and, where needed, temperature control with you before booking. Hazardous process chemicals are shipped in line with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations on airlines that accept the relevant class.
Who handles customs for semiconductor equipment imported into Kumamoto?
Clearance is done by a dedicated partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. Declarations are submitted to Japan Customs via NACCS, whether the goods arrive at Fukuoka, Tokyo or Osaka.
Do semiconductor materials need special documents for import into Japan?
Some chemicals and gases need safety data sheets, and certain substances are subject to chemical control regulations or other permits. We check product data and HS classification with you before shipping, as release depends on complete documentation.
Can you help with export controls for equipment leaving Kumamoto?
We prepare export declarations through our Japanese network partner team and check with you whether goods may fall under Japanese export control rules. The exporter remains responsible for any licence, but we make sure the documents match the declaration.