General
- GENERAL INFORMATION ON CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
- ANIMAL AND PLANT QUARANTINE
- IMPORTING MEDICINE
- Opium, cocaine, heroine, hemp, stimulant drugs, psychotropic substances
- Pistols and other firearms, ammunition for firearms
- Obscene or immoral magazines, videotapes etc.
- Counterfeit brand name products, other articles which infringe upon rights in intellectual property etc.
- Animals and plants that require quarantine (please undergo inspection at Animal/Plant Quarantine Counter)
- Air guns, swords, smoke bombs etc.
- Pharmaceutical products, cosmetics (subject to quantitative restrictions)
- Animals and plants stipulated by the CITES (the Washington Treaty)
- Fresh Products Plants and Plant products are subject to plant quarantine to prevent a possible invasion of pests which may inhabit these plants. It is stipulated by Japanese law that a phytosanitary certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture be attached to the plants.
- Canned Products Canned meat, fruit or vegetable products are allowed.
- Dried Products Dried fruit or vegetable products are allowed, as long as they are commercially dried (not home-dried) and remain in their original, unopened packaging.
- Other Processed Foods Items such as biscuits, crackers, sweets, cereals, dried noodles, etc. may be brought into Japan. Most types of nuts (with the exception of walnuts, which are prohibited may be brought into Japan, particularly if they are salted, dried or roasted.
- Plants and Plant Materials The importation of any soil is strictly prohibited-including soils attached to the roots of living plants.
ENTERING JAPAN
GENERAL INFORMATION ON CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
Arrival Quarantine Inspection Immigration Inspection Animal/Plant Quarantine Customs Access into Japan.
You are required to make an oral or a written declaration to Customs about the goods that you bring into Japan.
When the amount of your goods exceeds the limit of tax exemption, please submit the declaration of your accompanied and unaccompanied baggage.
✽ Limits of Tax Exemption (for One Adult)
✽ Attention: Commercial goods and commercial samples are taxable and are not subject to tax exemption indicated below.
Name of Product |
Amount or Price Value |
Alcoholic Beverages |
3 bottles |
Tobacco |
400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 500 grams of other tobacco products |
Perfume |
2 ounces |
Others |
200, 000 yen (total of overseas market prices) |
✽Main Items Prohibited from Importation
✽Main Items Restricted for Importation
ANIMAL AND PLANT QUARANTINE
In an effort to reduce the occurrence of rabies, new regulations for dogs, cats, raccoons, foxes and skunks entering Japan have taken effect since November 6, 2004. By following these new regulations, the waiting period for entry into Japan can be made substantially shorter. However, please note that the pre-import preparations are extensive and require considerable time. A procedure manual and all necessary forms are available on the Animal Quarantine Service's website at http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/index.htm. The United States has not been designated as a rabies-free country. Therefore, procedures for "countries other than a designated region" apply.
The certificates required import must be endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Veterinary Services after being issued by a licensed veterinarian. For details of obtaining USDA endorsement, please contact you local USDA/APHIS office.
New regulations also require blood testing to measure rabies antibody levels. Blood must be sent to a laboratory designated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Please contact the laboratory before you send the blood samples.
In addition, contacting your airline company about the animal well in advance of your travel date is advised since they may have separate requirements as well.
Questions concerning the quarantine procedures can be answered by visiting of FAQs section of the Animal Quarantine Service's website at http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/index.htm or by sending an email directly to the Animal Quarantine Service.
✽ Taking Plants and Food Products into Japan
✽ For more information, please check website of Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Plant Protection Station ( http://www.pps.go.jp/english/ ).
IMPORTING MEDICINE
✽ Taking Medication into Japan
An importer of medication (drug, quasi-drug - iyakubugaihin, cosmetic or medical device for business purposes needs a License from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. There is no need for a License for individual importing or bringing medication into Japan for personal use. An individual can import the following restricted quantities of medication without special procedures. Medication imported or brought into Japan for personal use must not be sold or given to others. For more information regarding Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs etc. or if you need to bring more than the restricted quantity of medication into Japan for personal use please go to the website below.
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
✽Disclaimer: The Consulate General of Japan does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of this information and expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in this information. No warranty of any kind, implied, express or statutory, is given in conjunction with this information.