Send to Japan from $73
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Personal Effects Customs Clearance Japan
In order to be eligible for duty free clearance, the consignee will be requested to provide a copy of their passport along with their entry stamp confirming entry into Japan. Send My Bag will also provide a baggage declaration (5360) form, which will need to be completed and attached to the shipment prior to collection. Japanese customs also require that two additional copies of the baggage declaration form are completed and presented to customs in person by the consignee upon their arrival in Japan, one of which will then be returned stamped and sealed by customs. The stamped form will then need to be provided to Send My Bag or our courier partner directly to complete the clearance process. On some occasions, Japanese customs may request that the original stamped form is provided, in which case the form will need to be posted to our courier partner who will then submit this to customs on the consignee's behalf.
Blank copies of the baggage declaration form are normally issued whilst onboard your flight or are otherwise available from customs at the airport. Should the stamped form not be obtained by the consignee, or it is lost, then Japanese customs will not permit the shipment for duty free clearance.
As the entry stamp and stamped declaration are required, the consignee must ensure they arrive in Japan around the same time as their shipment to be eligible for duty free clearance. Shipments that require storage whilst missing paperwork is obtained may incur storage charges after three days of around 900JPY per day for smaller shipments, or 15JPY per kilo per day for larger shipments.
On some occasions, Japanese customs may permit the import of goods valued less than 10,000JPY ($85 USD, £65 GBP, 75€) without delays or additional paperwork being required however this is not guaranteed. Should customs stop a shipment believing its value has been under declared, then the full requirements will be applied.
In order to be considered for any duty relief, the shipment’s declared value must not exceed 200,000JPY (£1200, 1500€, $1600 USD). Shipments declared over this value will be treated as standard imports and require formal clearance arranged directly between the consignee and customs.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Japan
In order to be eligible for duty free clearance, the consignee will be requested to provide a copy of their passport along with their entry stamp confirming entry into Japan. Send My Bag will also provide a baggage declaration (5360) form, which will need to be completed and attached to the shipment prior to collection. Japanese customs also require that two additional copies of the baggage declaration form are completed and presented to customs in person by the consignee upon their arrival in Japan, one of which will then be returned stamped and sealed by customs. The stamped form will then need to be provided to Send My Bag or our courier partner directly to complete the clearance process. On some occasions, Japanese customs may request that the original stamped form is provided, in which case the form will need to be posted to our courier partner who will then submit this to customs on the consignee's behalf.
Blank copies of the baggage declaration form are normally issued whilst onboard your flight or are otherwise available from customs at the airport. Should the stamped form not be obtained by the consignee, or it is lost, then Japanese customs will not permit the shipment for duty free clearance.
As the entry stamp and stamped declaration are required, the consignee must ensure they arrive in Japan around the same time as their shipment to be eligible for duty free clearance. Shipments that require storage whilst missing paperwork is obtained may incur storage charges after three days of around 900JPY per day for smaller shipments, or 15JPY per kilo per day for larger shipments.
On some occasions, Japanese customs may permit the import of goods valued less than 10,000JPY ($85 USD, £65 GBP, 75€) without delays or additional paperwork being required however this is not guaranteed. Should customs stop a shipment believing its value has been under declared, then the full requirements will be applied.
In order to be considered for any duty relief, the shipment’s declared value must not exceed 200,000JPY (£1200, 1500€, $1600 USD). Shipments declared over this value will be treated as standard imports and require formal clearance arranged directly between the consignee and customs.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Japan.
- Military Equipment.
- Soil Samples.
- Toy Guns.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Japan.
- Military Equipment.
- Soil Samples.
- Toy Guns.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Japan.
- Military Equipment.
- Soil Samples.
- Toy Guns.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Japan.
- Military Equipment.
- Soil Samples.
- Toy Guns.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Japan?
Japan is such a big and varied country that you may be faced with several different activities that you want to participate in, as well as different types of weather if you’re planning to travel around. You could start your visit in the snowy mountainous areas, for which you will need ski boots or skis. You could then travel down to the south and the Pacific coast and spend time at the hot springs or do some biking and rock climbing – for which you will need a bike and hiking gear. Send My Bag can ship your skis, ski boots, bike or hiking gear to Japan so that you don’t have to rent any equipment when you are there.
Japan is an increasingly popular choice for students looking to study abroad. Send My Bag can help students relocate to Japan, allowing them to bring all the books, equipment and clothing that they need.
Send Luggage to Japan
You can save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by sending your luggage to Japan and thus avoiding the need to wait in line at bag drop or luggage carousels. You can easily send your luggage and boxes to Japan with Send My Bag. If you are moving to Japan, this means you can bring lots of your cherished things with you to make you feel at home. With your luggage taken care of, you can enjoy exploring your new surroundings. To learn more about sending luggage to Japan, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Japan
If you are going to live in Japan permanently or for a prolonged period of time, you will have to consider international removals to Japan in order to move your possessions. Before you give anything to the movers, however, ensure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they arrive in one piece. Use suitable packaging for your items and tape everything up well.
Student Shipping to Japan
Japan has many top universities, including Kyoto University, the University of Tokyo and Osaka University. If you fancy studying in Japan to widen your horizons and to learn about a different culture, Send My Bag can help you set up home by shipping your possessions to Japan. Read more about student shipping on our student removals page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Japan
If you left something behind at home when you moved to Japan, you can ask a friend or family member to put the item in a box and send it on to you - it couldn’t be easier to send a parcel to Japan with Send My Bag. Just make sure you choose a sturdy box when sending a parcel and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Find out more about sending a parcel to Japan and learn what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Japan
Whether you are travelling to Japan to study, to take part in outdoor activities or to go on a sightseeing tour, you should make yourself aware of the various options available for shipping to Japan. Some options will be more appropriate for you than others, depending on what you want to ship. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Japan.
Send Golf Clubs to Japan
Japan has around 2500 golf courses. Among the best are Hirono, Kawana and Naruo. If you fancy trying some of these courses, it’s easy to do so using your own clubs, rather than having to rent some when you arrive. You can send your clubs with Send My Bag and thus make your journey much more enjoyable, since you won’t have to wait around at bag drop or luggage carousels, or have to drag large golf bags with you onto public transport. You can read more on how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how best to package your golf clubs.
About Japan
Japan is one of the top tourist destinations in Asia, attracting more than 10 million visitors each year, and it’s easy to see why. With a mixture of bustling cities, ski resorts, hot spring hotels and cultural scenes (including 16 World Heritage Sites) there’s something for every type of holidaymaker to enjoy.
Japan has a generally temperate climate. Winter can range in temperature from the dry and sunny Pacific coast, where temperatures sit above freezing, to the more northern regions that regularly experience snowfall. Summer in Japan is characterised by a four-week rainy season, during which time it is hot and humid, often soaring up to the high 30°Cs (90°Fs). Spring is renowned as the perfect time to visit, when the weather is warm with little rain and when the cherry blossoms flower.
The official language and main spoken language in Japan is Japanese, which has a variety of regional dialects. The currency used is the Japanese Yen.
The main cities of Japan are Tokyo and Kyoto, the latter of which is particularly favoured among tourists seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture, whereas Tokyo is known for its cheaply-priced electronics and goods. The countryside of Japan is also known for its cultural, sites such as Mount Fuji, and for the many outdoor activities you can take part in, ranging from rock climbing at Ogawayama, cycling in Shimanami Kaido, bungee jumping in Gunma and surfing in Ichinomiya.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Japan.
Send your Bike to Japan
Although cycling isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan, there is a growing appreciation of the sport. Visitors can enjoy many pleasant cycling routes in Japan, and can do so using their own bike, if they send it to Japan with Send My Bag. You can have your bicycle arrive at your first hotel, cycle around Japan and then have it picked up again on your return home. Sending your bike to Japan is much easier than checking it into the hold of your plane. You will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to carry the bike to and from the airport. Your bike will need to be taken apart and properly packaged before being sent to Japan. Check out our information on bike shipping to learn more.
Send Skis to Japan
Japan is an excellent skiing destination. The best resorts are found in the north of the country, and include Niseko, Furano and Sapporo. You can enjoy the slopes using your own skis by sending them with Send My Bag. This also removes the hassle of dragging skis behind you at the airport and onto public transport. Find out more about sending skis with Send My Bag and how to safely package them by clicking here.
Air Freight to Japan
You could try air freight to send large items to Japan, which normally takes around one to two days. This is usually faster than sea freight shipping, but typically more expensive. The amount you will have to pay when shipping by air freight is determined by the weight and size of your shipment. You will probably also have to pay for the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. Another cost is getting your items to and from the airport. The price could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Japan, your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Tokyo’s Narita Airport, Kansai Airport in Osaka or Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Japan
Instead, you could go for sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions to Japan. This service can take a number of weeks. Again, sea freight is normally used when shipping large bulky items, such as a table or armchair, which are loaded onto cargo ships in containers. This option can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports. This means the cost could be more than expected. When using container shipping to Japan, your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports, such as Yokohama, Yokkaichi or Kobe.
Shipping Goods to Japan
You must research current customs rules when shipping brand new goods to Japan. Make sure you know about any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Japan, which items are restricted, and which aren’t allowed at all. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.