Send a parcel to: Japan

• In order to ensure a delivery on time, please ensure that your parcel has the full, correct address, an email address in the correct format and a mobile or landline number for the intended recipient. This will help the delivery partner to ensure the parcel is delivered correct first time. This should be clearly marked on the parcel. 
• Timescales shown above do not include delays caused by destination country customs processes. Please be aware that customs could add additional time to your parcel delivery.

• The definition of 'working days' and other important information can be found here

• To avoid delivery / customs issues, our carrier partners request that a full name is mandatory for globalexpress parcels (e.g. Mr John Smith)
• Items deemed as "personal effects" cannot be sent to Japan via our globalexpress service
• globalexpress transit times are based upon collection times, sender and recipient locations.
• For details, please use the globalexpress calculator in the section at the end of this page.

[Note for awareness: the globalexpress calculator illustrates delivery speeds for parcels sent by account customers; parcels sent by retail channels may take longer and depend on posting method]

• Exporting to Japan requires customs paperwork for most items
• In order to check that your items are not prohibited or restricted, please check our dedicated page here
• Should you require specific customs advice and the latest rules please visit the Japanese customs website
• Certificates of origin are sometimes needed when claiming preferential trade rates. They are always required for coffee, glutamine and human hair over 10 inches long.
• Certain goods are subject to a quota system, and the importer may need to get a quota allocation from the relevant ministry in Japan.
• Plants, rice, grain and cereals may require the importer to get an approval certificate.
• Alcohol needs to be accompanied by a Customs certificate of age.
• Machine tools less than twelve months old need a certificate of date of manufacture.
• Hay, straw, chaff etc are prohibited as packaging materials and wooden crates or boxes should not be used

• The Japanese Government agency MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), has updated its guidance on sending plants to the country stressing the importance for MAFF to inspect and regulate the movement of all plants into the country, regardless of the number of items or the purpose of the plants (e.g. commercial, research, personal consumption etc.).
• Senders should note the following points:
  • Confirmation of import conditions: senders should confirm the applicable import conditions, as provided in the MAFF database.
  • Attachment of inspection certificate: an inspection certificate issued by the plant quarantine authority of the exporting country must be attached to the mail item. Depending on the exporting country and the plants in question, clearance for import will not be granted unless special notes are included on the inspection certificate. Senders are asked to provide the inspection certificate inside the mail item or to attach it to the outside of the mail item.
  • Import in parcels or small packets only: the import of plants by mail is limited to parcels and small packets only.
  • Label recommendation: it is recommended that a label be affixed to the outer packaging of mail items, bearing the wording “Contains plants”, “Requires plant inspection”, “Plants”, “Plant seeds” or similar.
• Meat:
• In accordance with the Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control Act the following may not be imported into Japan:
  • Any meat and meat products which are from, or have come via, a prohibited area (see www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/news/im_prohibit.html);
  • Any meat and meat products without an inspection certificate issued by a government agency of the exporting country.
• Anyone found to be contravening these rules are likely to face significant fines and terms of imprisonment.

This is for information only and should not be considered to have legal basis. Where doubt exists appropriate legal advice should be sought.