Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Feathers & Plumage → Japan
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-08-22
Feathers & Plumage restricted; documentation or permits may apply
Details
Feathers & Plumage restricted; documentation or permits may apply. Documentation: Check destination requirements. Enforcement in Japan carries fines from JPY 100,000 to JPY 5,000,000 under Customs Law (Kanzeihō) Art. 110, Art. 111 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Restricted status means compliant carriage is achievable with the right paperwork and quantities; the practical risks are seizure, duty, and delay rather than criminal liability for a good-faith traveller. Arrival checks are carried out by Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Japan with feathers & plumage is a separate question: restricted — Feather export from Japan depends on the species — most wild-bird feathers are protected under CITES or national bird laws; farmed and craft feathers move freely.
Documentation required
- Check destination requirements
Leaving with this item
Feather export from Japan depends on the species — most wild-bird feathers are protected under CITES or national bird laws; farmed and craft feathers move freely.
Practical advice
Japan restricts import of Feathers & Plumage. Cultural-property protection is bilateral: both origin export rules and destination import rules apply. Carry provenance documentation demonstrating lawful acquisition and (where applicable) origin-country export licence. Museum-loan and dealer-import categories operate under separate frameworks with pre-approved dealer registration.
Customs authority
Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance) · https://www.customs.go.jp