Japan

JAPAN

Japan Flag

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Passport for every member of the family (clear copy of all the pages which have Japanese entry stamps) and copy of page with photograph

Residence and Working Visa (valid for over one year)

Original and two copies Declaration for Unaccompanied Baggage stating number of pieces in each shipment (Form C 5360-2 for non-Japanese and Form 5360 for Japanese).

Forms are obtained on the airplane travelling to Japan or at the Airport in Japan upon arrival.
Two originals required
Can be used to declare any other shipments arriving within six months.
If this form is not presented at time of arrival, Customer must prepare a "Letter of Apology" to Customs office which will delay clearance and Customer may have to pay import duty

Inventory (detailed in English or Japanese)

PBO - "packed by owner" and miscellaneous are NOT ACCEPTABLE!
Air shipments require a detailed list with carton numbers and items in each carton, along with the total number of pieces

Keys to locked trunks/suitcases

Delivery address and telephone number

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

CUSTOMER MUST BE IN JAPAN AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free provided the goods have been in owner's possession and utilization for at least one full year

Most shipments inspected

Shipment must arrive within six months of Customer

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

Alcohol, tobacco, rice and video cassettes

Items must be stowed for easy access in the container
Large quantities require separate clearance as a commercial shipment
Must be clearly noted on inventory (including the weight of the rice)
Detailed list of video cassette tapes

New items (less than a year old), especially furniture

It is recommended that new items be re-packed
Invoices required

Electrical appliances

RESTRICTED GOODS

The following items may be imported duty free in limited quantities:

Three (3) bottles (around 760cc) alcoholic beverages

400 pieces of cigarettes per adult

100 pieces of cigars (if there is no other tobacco)

500 grams pipe tobacco

If there are more than 2 kinds of tobacco, up to 500 grams in total weight

2 ounces perfume

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Rice, flower seeds/bulbs, flour, straw and straw items

Fresh fruit, meat products and vegetables (pineapples, green bananas excluded)

Items requiring Quarantine Certificate are rooted plants, furs, straw products, shells, meats and stuffed animals

Wildlife products from protected and endangered species

Narcotics and drugs (including over the counter cold medicines containing Pseudoephedrine)

Counterfeit or altered currency

Pornographic or politically sensitive material such as books, pictures or sculptures

Firearms and other lethal weapons particularly swords, spears, blowpipes, daggers, bolos, bows and arrows if the blade is more than 15 centimeters in length

Importation and/or possession of any type of weapon is strictly prohibited and will result in fines

If above items are included in the shipment, they will either be shipped back to origin or abandoned; additional costs for either option will be charged to Customer.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Duty-free for foreigners establishing residence

Must not be sold for two years after date of Import Permit

Must meet import requirements

Documents required:

Original Passport
Alien Registration Card
Form C 5360-2 or 5360
Original Registration
Engine & Chassis Number
Purchase receipt
Proforma invoice
Drivers License (copy)
Car Manual
Documents stating vehicle has been in owner's use and possession abroad
Affidavit stating that you will not sell your auto while in Japan

NOTE: Foreign cars must be modified to meet Japanese emission and safety regulations; charges are very high and for customer’s account

If the above requirements are not met, import duty will be assessed at 5% of the depreciated assessed market value.

PETS

Dogs and cats:

Health and Resident Certificate from Quarantine Office at origin endorsed by USDA/APHIS/VS required (certificate issued by private veterinarians not acceptable)

Original Rabies Certificate issued by the pets veterinarian - must be issued within past 6 months but more than 1 month old

Quarantine at least 15 days required for dogs

Pets must be shipped aboard direct non-stop flights, from origin city where certificate was issued to destination

Pets not meeting these requirements will be returned to origin (at owner's expense)

NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers.
Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, we cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.