1. Introduction
When planning a trip to Japan, it is important to understand the customs regulations of the country. Japan has strict laws regarding what items are allowed in the country and what items are prohibited from entry. Knowing what is not allowed to bring into Japan can help travelers avoid any potential issues at customs. In this article, Charles R. Tokoyama, CEO of Japan Insiders, will provide an overview of the items that are not permitted in Japan.
2. Japanese Customs Regulations
Japan has strict customs regulations for both import and export of goods. All goods entering or leaving the country must be declared upon arrival at a port or airport in Japan. Any undeclared goods may be confiscated by authorities and fines may be imposed on those who fail to comply with these regulations. It is also important to note that some items may require additional permits or documents before they can be brought into Japan.
3. Prohibited Items for Import
There are certain items that are strictly prohibited from entering Japan under any circumstances, including firearms and ammunition, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, ivory and endangered species products, as well as counterfeit goods and products related to child pornography or child exploitation. Additionally, some products may require an import license or special permission before they can enter the country such as certain types of food products and plants/seeds/bulbs/cuttings etc., precious metals, chemical substances etc., medicines (prescription drugs), cultural objects etc..
4. Prohibited Items for Export
In addition to prohibiting certain items from entering the country, there are also items that are prohibited from being exported from Japan without a permit or license including firearms and ammunition, explosives (including fireworks), narcotics, psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances as well as counterfeit goods and products related to child pornography or child exploitation. Additionally some cultural objects such as historical artifacts may require special permission before they can be exported from the country.
5. Food Items Not Allowed in Japan
Food items that cannot be brought into Japan include pork products (such as bacon) due to restrictions on animal-derived foods; dairy products due to restrictions on animal-derived foods; fresh fruits (except citrus fruits) due to quarantine requirements; fresh vegetables due to quarantine requirements; processed meats due to restrictions on animal-derived foods; processed seafoods due to restrictions on animal-derived foods; canned goods containing meat due to restrictions on animal-derived foods; alcoholic beverages over 1 liter per person due to import taxes; candy containing chocolate over 2 kg per person due to import taxes; confectionary containing nuts over 2 kg per person due to import taxes; candy containing cream over 2 kg per person due to import taxes; coffee beans over 2 kg per person due to import taxes ; tea leaves over 2 kg per person due to import taxes ; cookies over 5 kg per person due to import taxes.
6. Cultural Objects Not Allowed in Japan
Certain cultural objects are strictly prohibited from being imported into Japan without a permit or license including historical artifacts such as swords and armor, ancient coins/currency notes/bank notes/stamps/documents/books etc., religious images/statues etc., archaeological materials such as fossils/minerals etc., works of art such as paintings/sculptures etc., musical instruments such as drums / flutes / kotos / shamisens etc.. Additionally some cultural objects may require special permission before they can enter the country such as certain types of antiques (over 100 years old).
7 Medicines and Drugs Not Allowed in Japan
Certain medicines and drugs cannot be brought into Japan without a prescription or permit including narcotic drugs (opium derivatives), psychotropic drugs (anxiolytics / hypnotics / stimulants),antibiotics,vaccines,heart medicines,hormones,vitamins,dietary supplements,cosmetics with medicinal ingredients.Additionally some medicines may require special permission before they can enter the country such as certain types of medical equipment.
8 Other Items Not Allowed in Japan
In addition there are other items which cannot be brought into japan without a permit or license including second hand clothing / shoes / bedding / furniture / toys,used cars & motorcycles,jewelry & watches,cigarettes & tobacco products,hazardous chemicals & pesticides.Additionally some items may require special permission before they can enter the country such as certain types of electronic equipment.
9 Conclusion
It is important for travelers visiting japan understand what is not allowed in order avoid any potential issues at customs when entering or leaving japan.By understanding Japanese customs regulations it will ensure travelers have a smooth experience when traveling through japanese ports & airports.
What do you have to declare at customs Japan?
When departing or entering Japan, you will need to declare if you carry cash exceeding one million Japanese yen or its equivalent in total. This includes cash, checks, and gold of more than 90 percent purity.
Can I take food into Japan?
You do not need to go through import checks for highly processed food and wooden goods such as tea canned or bottled products. For example in Japan it is good to bring Tim Toms and chocolates or lollies. Customs / Quarantine will allow you to bring these goods into Japan without a certificate / permit.
Can I bring ibuprofen to Japan?
What OTC medicines do you have on hand? Passengers may carry a two-month (60-day) supply of vitamins equivalent to approved over-the-counter medications. So are contact lenses.
Can I bring toothpaste to Japan?
Travel Case Toothbrush Stream Toothpaste and Mouthwash. Body soap/shampoo/conditioner: Most popular hotels in Japan offer basic shower gel/hair and shampoo.
What are the baggage restrictions in Japan?
Business and First Class passengers can check in up to 3 pieces of checked baggage weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs). The overall dimensions of checked baggage must not exceed 203 cm (79.9 inches). Passengers weighing 20 kg (45 kg in First Class) can be checked in free of charge on domestic flights. Dimensions should not exceed 50 x 60 x 120 cm.
Can I bring snacks into Japan?
Store-bought canned or packaged foods that are highly processed and do not contain meat usually do not need to be declared. Some examples might include macaroni sweets tea crackers or coffee marmalade. On the other hand some products may be prohibited from import depending on the origin of the content.