Importing Into 🇯🇵 Japan
De Minimis Threshold
US$91
JPY 10,000
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Imported goods with a customs value at or below JPY 10,000 (approximately USD $91) are exempt from customs duty. Consumption tax (10%) may apply even below this threshold for some goods. Japan Customs has been strengthening enforcement on low-value e-commerce imports.
As of: 2014-01-01
VAT / GST on Imports
10%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Declaration Form (Form C) — for arriving passengers |
| 02 | Import Declaration (Customs Form C-5020) — for commercial imports |
| 03 | Commercial Invoice |
| 04 | Packing List |
| 05 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 06 | Certificate of Origin (for EPA/FTA preference) |
| 07 | Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate for controlled medicines) |
| 08 | Plant/Animal Quarantine Inspection Certificate |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms and swords (Firearms and Swords Possession Control Act — strict permit required)
- ⚠Certain prescription medications (allowances for personal use, 1–2 month supply)
- ⚠Over-the-counter medicines (up to 2 months supply without import notification)
- ⚠Certain foods and agricultural products (plant quarantine and animal quarantine inspections)
- ⚠Endangered species products (CITES permit)
- ⚠Certain electronic equipment (technical conformity mark required)
- ⚠Cultural properties (export from Japan restricted)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Stimulant drugs (kakuseizai — including many cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine above personal limits)
- ✗Narcotics and psychotropic substances
- ✗Counterfeit goods and goods infringing intellectual property
- ✗Pornographic material (obscene publications are prohibited)
- ✗Firearms without proper licensing
- ✗Explosives and chemical weapons precursors
- ✗Products from endangered species without CITES permits
Special Notes
- 01Japan has strict rules on stimulant drugs — some common Western medicines (Vyvanse, Adderall, certain cold medicines) are prohibited without a yakkan shoumei (import certificate).
- 02Customs Declaration Form (Form C) must be completed on arrival.
- 03Consumption tax is 10% (reduced rate 8% for food and non-alcoholic beverages, newspapers).
- 04Japan has FTAs with numerous countries including the EU, US, and CPTPP members.
- 05APA (Authorized Economic Operator) program facilitates trusted importers.
- 06Visitor duty-free shopping is available for purchases at eligible retailers in Japan.
Documented Import Rules
Cosmetics (Commercial)
🇯🇵 Japan
Personal imports limited to 24 items standard size
Food Supplements (Commercial)
🇯🇵 Japan
PMDA classification determines requirements
Mobile Phones (Commercial)
🇯🇵 Japan
Duty-free under ITA; consumption tax applies
Textiles (Commercial)
🇯🇵 Japan
Japanese labeling requirements mandatory
Toys (CE Marking)
🇯🇵 Japan
ST Mark safety certification recommended
Watches (Commercial)
🇯🇵 Japan
Consumption tax on all imports; ITA duty-free
Laptops
🇯🇵 Japan
Import duties and regulations apply for personal laptops
Used Cars
🇯🇵 Japan
Import duties and regulations apply for personal used cars
Motorcycles
🇯🇵 Japan
Import duties and regulations apply for personal motorcycles
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into Japan.
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