Customs allowances for Japan

Alcohol and tobacco allowances apply only to travellers aged 20 and over, the legal age for both in Japan. For other goods, the allowance is calculated on the overseas market value of items bought abroad or received as gifts; clothing and personal effects in use are not counted. Children under six receive an allowance only for items clearly meant for children, such as toys.

Goods beyond the allowances are not forbidden but must be declared and are subject to duty and consumption tax. Separately shipped baggage counts together with accompanied baggage and must be declared on arrival.

Travellers carrying cash, cheques, securities or similar means of payment above the threshold in the key facts must declare them to customs on a separate form. Gold bullion above a set weight and purity must also be declared, and it is subject to consumption tax. Failure to declare is an offence.

Japan's animal quarantine rules ban meat and meat products, including sausages, ham, bacon, jerky and meat-filled snacks, from most countries unless accompanied by an official inspection certificate, which travellers' souvenirs rarely have. This applies to products from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well. Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds and soil are also restricted and must be presented to plant quarantine.

Packaged sweets, chocolate, bread without meat, coffee, tea and most processed foods are generally fine. When in doubt, travellers should declare the item and ask at the quarantine counter, where it can be inspected or surrendered without penalty.

Narcotics, cannabis and cannabis products containing THC, stimulants, firearms and ammunition, counterfeit money, goods infringing trademarks or copyright, and obscene material are prohibited. Swords, some knives, species protected under the Washington Convention and certain medicines require permits or are restricted. Medicines containing stimulants, including some common in Europe and North America, are banned entirely.