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Customs usually functions as a gatekeeper, imposing tariff or tax on goods arriving and departing from the airports, especially for foreign visitors. Here is an overview covering the customs declaration procedure, the duty-free procedure, and the regulation of prohibited articles for import or export. For more information, you may visit the Japan Customs Website.

Customs Declaration Procedure and Duty-Free allowances

As a visitor to Japan, you are required by law to proclaim your belongings in the Customs Declaration form available on the plane or ship or at the Customs office.

Personal effects, such as clothes and toiletries, as well as portable professional equipment that will be used in your stay in Japan, will be considered free of duties or tax, if they are not for sale and within the allowable quantity.

*With regards to the amount of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, including prescription and non-prescription drugs and food supplements (vitamin and mineral supplements), a visitor may bring them one time but only limited.

Customs Declaration Procedure and Duty-Free allowances

The following articles are prohibited by law, and restricted to be brought in Japan:
-Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis, stimulants, psychotropic substances, and other narcotic drugs (excluding those designated by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Ordinance);
-Firearms (pistols, etc.), ammunition (bullets) thereof, and pistol parts;
-Explosives (dynamite, gunpowder, etc.);
-Precursor materials for chemical weapons;
-Germs which are likely to be used for bio-terrorism;
-Counterfeit, altered, or imitation coins, paper money, bank notes, or securities, and forged credit cards;
-Books, drawings, carvings, and any other article which may harm public safety or morals (obscene or immoral materials, e.g., pornography);
-Child pornography; and
-Articles which infringe upon intellectual property rights