Customs in Japan
Before even thinking of moving to Japan, a quick tour of the customs regulations is necessary. What products are allowed in the passenger compartment and in the hold, and in what quantities? Can you bring fruit, meat or alcohol? Here is the essential information you need to know about customs in Japan to avoid unpleasant surprises upon your arrival.
Filling out the Customs Declaration Form before landing in Japan
On the plane, you will receive a customs declaration form that you need to fill in carefully. It should include the cash, type and value of goods carried. Like other countries, Japan has restrictions on what and how much can be imported.
Products that are tax-exempt when purchased and imported into Japan
A number of items are available for duty-free purchase and shipping, but you will be limited in quantity:
- Alcohol: 3 bottles (75 cl)
- Perfume: 60 cl
- Tobacco: 500 grams
- Cigars: 100 cigars
- Cigarettes: 400 cigarettes
- Other types of tobacco: 500 grams
All other products' value must not exceed the total of 200,000 yen.
When authorized quantities are exceeded
If you are planning to buy or import more than the allowed quantities, you will have to file a declaration, and a tax will be applied. Find more information on tax-free goods at the end of the article.
Restricted and prohibited products in Japan
Be wary of products that are prohibited from being imported. If you bring any, you risk serious legal consequences.
Products prohibited from importation into Japan
- Drugs, stimulants and narcotics: this includes some prescription medications. Contact Japanese customs if in doubt.
- All firearms, including parts and ammunition.
- Explosives
- Chemical weapon materials
- Germs for use in bioterrorism
- Counterfeit, altered, or imitated coins, bank bills, bills, or credit cards that are counterfeit
- Materials considered obscene or immoral
- Items that infringe on intellectual property rights
Products authorized in Japan with strict restrictions
- Plants and animals
- Meat, fruits and vegetables (if you plan to import food products, it is best to check if they are prohibited or restricted)
- Beauty products
Bringing medication into Japan
You can bring up to one month of medication. For more information, contact the health services at Narita, Kansai, and Naha airports.
Importing animal products into Japan
On July 1, 2020, the law on “Domestic Animal Infectious Disease Control" came into effect in Japan. From now on, anyone who illegally imports animal products is liable for imprisonment for up to 3 years, or a fine of 3 million yen for individuals (50 million yen for legal entities). So be careful with any souvenirs you might buy at the airport. If you have come to Japan with this type of product, make sure to declare it to the customs. You can find more information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the useful links at the end of this article.
Other mandatory customs declarations in Japan
Some items, even if they are not prohibited or restricted, require a declaration to be imported into Japan. For example, you must declare all your foreign currency, and specify if the amount exceeds 1,000,000 yen.
Airport procedures in Japan
All visitors to Japan are required to complete a declaration form. This form is usually given to passengers on the plane before their arrival but can also be picked up at the customs department. You are legally bound to fill in the form; otherwise, you risk a fine.
Once the form is completed, you can go through two types of channels: one reserved for those who have nothing to declare (no items subject to tax, restricted or prohibited items). The other is for passengers who have goods to declare.
Useful links:
