Customs

The most reliable information on regulations regarding pets in Japan can be obtained from the Animal Quarantine Service website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

Alcoholic Beverages

Limited to 3 bottles per adult (20 years of age). A bottle contains approx. 760 c.c. If the 3-bottle duty-free allowance is surpassed, the following duties will be charged per each additional bottle:

• Whiskey: 975 yen/bottle (750cc)
• Brandy: 910yen/bottle (700cc)
• Gin, Vodka, Rum, & other Spirits: 300 yen/bottle (750 cc)
• Wine & Others:150 yen/bottle (750 cc)

Tobacco Products

Persons under 20 years of age must pay duties on all tobacco products brought into Japan.

• For non-residents of Japan, there is a duty-free allowance of 500 grams total of tobacco products consisting of either 400 foreign cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 500 grams of other forms of tobacco, or any combination of the above - provided that the total quantity does not surpass the 500- gram limit. In addition, 200 Japanese cigarettes will be allowed in duty-free.
• For residents of Japan, there is a duty-free allowance of 250 grams total of tobacco products consisting of either 200 foreign cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of other forms of tobacco, or any combination of the above - provided that the total quantity does not surpass the 250 gram limit. In addition, 200 Japanese cigarettes will be allowed in duty-free.

Perfume

• Limited to 2oz.

Other Items

• The total overseas market value of all the articles other than the above items must be under 200,000 yen to avoid duty. Any item whose total overseas market value does not exceed 10,000 yen is always free of duties and/or taxes and is not counted in the calculation of the total overseas market value of 200,000 yen (e.g. Two ties worth 5,000 yen each).

Clothing, Toiletries, and Other Personal Effects

• Such items intended for your own use, as well as portable professional equipment that will be used during your stay in Japan, are free of duties and/or taxes if they are considered appropriate and are not for sale.

There is no limit to the total amount of means of payment that may be brought into or taken out of Japan. However, if you transport means of payment exceeding JP 1,000,000 yen or its equivalent or precious metal (more than 90% purity gold only) exceeding 1 kg. of total weight, you are required to report this to Japanese Customs.

For more information, please contact the Japanese Customs Service:
Tokyo Customs HQ 5-30 Konan 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108 (T) 011-81-3-3742-7001

For detailed information, please see the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website.

Fresh Products

• You should avoid bringing fresh fruit, vegetable, or meat products to Japan. In general, if you do intend to bring these items into Japan, you will need to get the appropriate sanitary documentation from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Please note that the following fresh fruits are prohibited from importation into Japan: Apple, Pear, Quince, Nectarine, Peach, Plum, Apricot, Cherry.

Canned Products

• Canned meat, fruit, or vegetable products are allowed.

Dried Produce

• Dried fruit or vegetable products are allowed, as long as they are commercially dried (not home dried) and remain in their original, unopened packaging.

Dried Meat

• Dried meat may be brought to Japan. It must be commercially prepared, and in its original, unopened packaging. In addition, a special label is required on the packaging of dried meat products to be brought into Japan. The label should read:
  "The meat contained herein is for personal use only, and not for sale. It is derived from animals that received ante mortem and postmortem inspection and were found sound and healthy, and has been inspected and passed as provided by law and the regulations of APHIS/USDA."
• For more information on the labeling of meat products, please check the US Department of Agriculture website. Please note that shipping dried meat products (as opposed to carrying them in personal luggage) is strictly prohibited.

Other Processed Foods

• Items such as cookies, crackers, candies, 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.