Japanese Customs Regulations

Weapons

• The Japanese government's rules on weapons importation and possession are strict. Among the items that would prove problematic for a traveler are: air guns, pocketknives, swords and essentially all guns; Possession of weapons can find a traveler arrested, deported or even jailed. There are exceptions to weapons importation rules in the case of trade fairs and exhibitions; for this purpose, the U.S. State Department recommends obtaining a temporary admission waiver---called an ATA Carnet---from the U.S. Council of International Business.

  U.S. Council for International Business
  1212 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY 10036
  (212) 354-4480
  uscib.org

Drugs and Medication

• The Japanese government decides which drugs and medications can be brought into the country but provides no overarching list of banned items, according to the State Department. Many drugs and other medications which can be bought legally in the United States, such as Viagra or Prozac , are considered contraband in Japan and can only be bought on the black market. According to the State Department, a two-month supply of vitamins or over-the-counter medication can be brought into Japan duty-free, but inhalers and many allergy medications containing stimulants such as pseduoephedrine are prohibited. Travelers wishing to bring with them prescription medication may bring only a one-month supply and must also possess their doctor's original prescription and a letter stating the purpose of the medication, though some prescriptions will not be allowed even with this documentation.

Animals

• Importation of animals into Japan is administered by the Animal Quarantine Service. The service requests travelers give at least 40 days notice regarding the animals they wish to bring into the country; information required includes: owner contact information, breed, number of animals, place and date of arrival and place and date of export. According to the AQS, dogs may be imported only through 18 seaports and airports, and a list of these, in addition to further information, is available on the English section of the AQS website.

Additional assistance

• Foreigners in Japan or coming to Japan can call the Japan Help Line, an English-speaking assistance service at +81-3-3435-8017 (international) or 0570-000-911 (within Japan).