Counterfeit Goods 🇯🇵 Japan
Strict IP enforcement; zero tolerance
Can I bring Counterfeit Goods into Japan?
Strict IP enforcement; zero tolerance
Any quantity prohibited under Trademark Law (Law No. 127 of 1959); Japan Customs (Zeikan) actively intercepts — even single items
- No permits available; Zeikan seizure notice issued
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Japan Customs enforces the Trademark Act and Customs Act against counterfeit imports. Personal-quantity counterfeit goods (single fake handbag, replica watch) are typically seized without prosecution but the Customs office issues a written destruction notice. Commercial quantities trigger criminal referral with fines up to JPY 10 million. Brand-rights holders can register surveillance with Tokyo / Yokohama Customs which heightens detection.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 10000000 JPY
- Imprisonment up to 120 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Available. Japan Customs (Zeikan) accepts voluntary abandonment of counterfeit goods at Red Channel. Written nintei haikisho submitted. Goods destroyed. Proactive surrender avoids prosecution under Trademark Law (Law No. 127 of 1959).
Do not carry counterfeit branded goods into Japan. Japan Customs seizes counterfeits at all ports of entry under IPR enforcement rules; commercial-quantity carriage attracts criminal-trafficking charges in addition to civil forfeiture.
Any quantity prohibited under Trademark Law (Law No. 127 of 1959); Japan Customs (Zeikan) actively intercepts — even single items
- No permits available; Zeikan seizure notice issued
Customs Act, Trademark Act
This page covers destination customs rules in Japan. Whether you can carry counterfeit goods through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Counterfeit Goods rules in other countries
Counterfeit Goods
🇺🇸 United States
Seizure and penalties for counterfeit goods
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Illegal to import counterfeit goods
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🇩🇪 Germany
EU-wide seizure regime applies
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🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Active IP enforcement at customs
Counterfeit Goods
🇨🇦 Canada
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited
Counterfeit Goods
🇦🇺 Australia
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited