Customs at Narita Airport

Whether you need to declare, how much is duty-free, and what you cannot bring into Japan.

Do you need to declare?

"Cash etc." means cash (yen or foreign currency), checks (including traveler's checks), promissory notes and securities. Gold bullion means 90% purity or higher.

Duty-free allowance (per person)

• Above ¥200,000, the items that fit within ¥200,000 are duty-free and the rest is taxed.
• A single item worth over ¥200,000 is taxed in full (e.g. a ¥250,000 bag is taxed on the full ¥250,000).
• Items whose total per item type is ¥10,000 or less are generally duty-free (e.g. nine ¥1,000 boxes of chocolate).
• Under 20: no duty-free alcohol or tobacco. Under 6: only items clearly for the child (such as toys) are duty-free.
• Carried goods and unaccompanied baggage are counted together.

Prohibited and restricted items

Prohibited

Narcotics, cannabis, stimulants and designated substances; firearms such as pistols; explosives and gunpowder; counterfeit currency and cards; child pornography; counterfeit brand goods and other items that infringe intellectual property. Some herbs, aroma oils and bath salts sold as "legal" contain narcotics or designated substances.

Medicines and cosmetics (for personal use)

For more, you need an import confirmation certificate from a Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare in advance. Shampoo and toothpaste also count as quasi-drugs or cosmetics.

Meat products and eggs

Beef, pork, chicken and other meat — including cooked jerky, ham, sausages, bacon and meat buns — cannot be brought in without an inspection certificate issued by the exporting country's government. Souvenirs rarely come with one, so assume they are almost never allowed. Eggs are also covered.

Illegal import can lead to a fine of up to ¥3 million or up to 3 years' imprisonment. Even with a certificate, a product opened before inspection cannot be brought in.

Fruit, vegetables and plants

Fruit, cut flowers, vegetables, rice and soil on roots are subject to plant quarantine. Have them inspected at the animal and plant quarantine counter before customs. Check item by item with the Plant Protection Station (Japanese) ↗.

Baggage you shipped from abroad (unaccompanied baggage)

• When shipping, write "Unaccompanied Baggage" on the package and the waybill (the customs declaration label for post), and address it to yourself.
• On arrival, submit two copies of the declaration form. Keep the one stamped by customs until you receive the baggage.
• You cannot declare unaccompanied baggage after you have entered Japan. Without a declaration it is treated as an ordinary import and the duty-free allowance cannot be used.

The order of procedures at Narita

1. Quarantine
2. Immigration
3. Animal and plant quarantine (if you carry meat products, fruit, etc.)
4. Customs If you declared electronically, use an electronic declaration terminal or joint kiosk; if no inspection is needed, walk through the electronic declaration gate. See How to use Visit Japan Web.

Pack souvenirs together where possible, and keep receipts and card slips for purchases abroad ready — you may be asked to show them.

For the full arrival flow see the Arrival Guide.

FAQ

Do I need to submit a declaration if I am within the allowance?

Yes. Since July 2007 everyone entering or returning to Japan submits the "Declaration of Accompanied and Unaccompanied Articles". Declare electronically through Visit Japan Web, or use the paper form available on the plane and in the customs area.

How is the ¥200,000 allowance counted?

It is the total normal retail price abroad (overseas market value). Above ¥200,000, the items that fit within ¥200,000 are duty-free and the rest is taxed. A single item over ¥200,000 (e.g. a ¥250,000 bag) is taxed in full. Items whose total per item type is ¥10,000 or less are generally duty-free.

Can I bring jerky or sausages bought abroad?

Almost never. Meat products, even cooked, cannot be brought in without an inspection certificate issued by the exporting country's government. Illegal import can lead to a fine of up to ¥3 million or up to 3 years' imprisonment.

Can I bring my regular medicines?

For personal use, up to 24 units per item of topical medicines, up to 1 month of prescription drugs and up to 2 months of other medicines can be brought in without special procedures. Beyond that, you need an import confirmation certificate from a Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare in advance.

What about baggage I shipped from abroad?

Submit two copies of the declaration form on arrival and keep the one stamped by customs. You cannot declare unaccompanied baggage after entering Japan. When shipping, write "Unaccompanied Baggage" on the package and waybill.