Japan Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Japan customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or door-to-door shipping to Japan. Japan applies strict rules on unaccompanied personal effects, motor vehicles, pets and restricted goods, and accurate documentation is essential.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Japan, including export packing, ocean and air freight, customs paperwork and final delivery to major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and beyond.

1. Moving to Japan – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Personal Effects

Japan allows the duty-free import of used household goods and personal effects as “unaccompanied baggage” if:

You are entering Japan on a valid visa or residence status
Goods are for personal use and not for resale or commercial purposes
Items have been owned and used abroad before shipment
Shipments arrive within a reasonable period of your own arrival

Important: To qualify for duty-free entry, you must complete and stamp the unaccompanied baggage declaration on arrival and list your incoming shipments.

1.2 Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration

When you land in Japan, you must submit a customs declaration form and indicate that household goods will follow as unaccompanied baggage. Customs uses this to match your future shipments to your personal arrival record.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport (photo and entry stamp pages)
Visa / residence card details (where applicable)
Stamped unaccompanied baggage declaration form
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list / inventory in English

2.2 Inventory Rules

List items room-by-room with clear descriptions
Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous” or “personal stuff”
Identify high-value items and electronics separately
Ensure box numbers on cartons match your packing list

H-H Relocations Tip: Japan customs officers appreciate clear, structured inventories. Well-labelled cartons and a clean list help avoid delays and inspections.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Japan

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing cars and motorcycles into Japan is tightly regulated and can be costly. Vehicles must comply with Japanese safety and emissions standards.

Vehicles may require testing and modification to meet Japanese regulations
Import duty, consumption tax and other fees may apply
Left-hand drive vehicles face additional restrictions in some cases

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration and ownership documents
Bill of lading
Proof of overseas use and ownership
Insurance and purchase documents

Important: Vehicle importation to Japan is often more expensive than buying locally. Many expats choose not to ship their car and instead rely on Japan’s excellent public transport.

4. Bringing Pets to Japan

Japan has strict animal quarantine rules, especially for dogs and cats, to control rabies and other diseases.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccinations according to Japanese timelines
Rabies antibody (titer) test from an approved laboratory
Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service before arrival
Health certificate and inspection on arrival

Pet Travel Tip: Pet import into Japan requires long lead times—often several months. Begin the process early to avoid quarantine issues or denied entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported for personal use, but duty and tax apply above exemption limits. Declare all alcohol to avoid penalties or seizure.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco is dutiable, and quantities must be declared. Shipping commercial amounts requires authorization and may not be permitted through personal effects shipments.

5.3 Food, Plants & Animal-Origin Products

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) controls the import of food and biological products:

Seeds, plants and soil-contaminated items require inspection
Animal-based foods may require permits or may be restricted
Wood items may be inspected if potential pest risk is present

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require supporting documents
Chemicals and hazardous goods may require import approval
Firearms and weapons are heavily regulated

Important: Japan strictly enforces declarations. Undeclared restricted goods may lead to fines or shipment delays.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Japan

Japan prohibits the import of the following items:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, firearms and ammunition without authorization
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Certain hazardous materials or controlled chemicals
Endangered species products without CITES authorization
Obscene publications or banned literature

Violations can result in confiscation, fines or criminal charges.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Japan

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Japan, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Submit your unaccompanied baggage declaration upon arrival
Separate and declare high-value items
Keep receipts for new goods purchased before shipment
Ensure your inventory matches cartons exactly

7.2 Why choose a Japan relocation expert

Japan’s customs rules are highly procedural. Working with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Accurate documentation and declarations
Reduced risk of inspections and customs holds
Door-to-door logistics and destination support
Compliance with Japan’s import and biosecurity laws

Relocation Tip: Japan values precision. Clean inventories and clearly labelled cartons dramatically reduce clearance times.

8. Useful Official Links – Japan

Refer to official government guidance for the latest rules:

This guide supports your relocation planning. Final import decisions rest with Japan Customs and other competent authorities.